GITNUXREPORT 2025

Food Service Industry Statistics

Food service industry values $3.5 trillion; digital, vegan, and eco trends rise.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Around 60% of restaurant customers prefer ordering food via mobile apps

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Millennials and Gen Z constitute approximately 60% of restaurant diners

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The median age of restaurant diners in the U.S. is 40 years old

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Women are 55% of restaurant patrons, while men make up 45%

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The fastest-growing segment of restaurant types in 2023 is plant-based/vegetarian restaurants, with 12% annual growth

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The most popular cuisine types in the U.S. in 2023 are Italian, Mexican, American, and Chinese

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About 40% of consumers prefer plant-based protein options when dining out

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Customer reviews on platforms like Yelp significantly influence restaurant success, with over 80% of consumers trusting online reviews

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35% of restaurant transactions are now made via mobile devices

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In 2023, about 45% of restaurant sales in China are generated from delivery or takeout, reflecting a shift toward off-premise dining

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80% of young adults aged 18-34 prefer dining out over cooking at home regularly

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The number of vegan restaurant openings grew by 20% in 2023 globally, signaling increased demand for plant-based options

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Approximately 25% of restaurant customers are influenced by loyalty programs when choosing where to dine

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Vegetarian and vegan menu options increased by 25% across major restaurant chains in 2023, indicating market expansion

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Food allergies affect about 4-6% of children and 4% of adults in the U.S., influencing menu options

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Sustainability and eco-friendly practices are a priority for 65% of restaurant owners in 2023

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Food safety incidents in restaurants decreased by 10% in 2023 due to improved sanitation protocols

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The use of ecolabels and certifications increased among restaurants by 18% in 2023, reflecting growing consumer demand for transparency

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30% of restaurant owners believe that implementing more eco-friendly practices will improve their brand reputation

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The average profit margin for restaurants globally is around 5-6%

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Approximately 75% of restaurant owners are optimistic about reaching pre-pandemic sales levels by 2024

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The average hourly wage for restaurant workers in the U.S. was around $12.75 in 2023

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Nearly 80% of restaurant owners report difficulties in hiring qualified staff, especially cooks and managers

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The average lifespan of a restaurant in the U.S. is approximately 5 years, with many closing within the first 3 years

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The average wait time for a table at popular restaurants peaked at around 20 minutes in 2023 due to staffing shortages

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The proportion of Ameri­can restaurant workers who are immigrants reached nearly 30% in 2023, supporting labor needs in the industry

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The global food service industry was valued at approximately $3.5 trillion in 2023

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The United States accounts for about 22% of the global food service market

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Quick-service restaurants (QSR) make up roughly 70% of total restaurant sales in the U.S.

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In 2022, the number of food service establishments in the U.S. was approximately 250,000

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Food delivery services grew by over 20% annually between 2020 and 2023

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About 50% of restaurant sales in the U.S. are now made through digital channels

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The global online food delivery market is expected to reach $365 billion by 2024

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Restaurant industry employment in the U.S. totaled over 14 million jobs in 2023

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Food waste costs the restaurant industry approximately $25 billion annually in the U.S.

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The average restaurant check size in the U.S. was approximately $18 in 2023

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The global restaurant industry is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2028

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The restaurant industry's contribution to the U.S. GDP was approximately 4.2% in 2023, amounting to over $1 trillion

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Foodservice employees are expected to number over 15 million globally by 2025, projecting growth in employment

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The average restaurant spends about 6% of its revenue on marketing and advertising

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The use of contactless payments at restaurants increased by 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains high in 2023

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A growing trend in 2023 is ghost kitchens, with over 2,000 operating in the U.S.

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The use of AI and automation in restaurant operations increased by 15% in 2023 compared to the previous year

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Key Highlights

  • The global food service industry was valued at approximately $3.5 trillion in 2023
  • The United States accounts for about 22% of the global food service market
  • Quick-service restaurants (QSR) make up roughly 70% of total restaurant sales in the U.S.
  • In 2022, the number of food service establishments in the U.S. was approximately 250,000
  • The average profit margin for restaurants globally is around 5-6%
  • Around 60% of restaurant customers prefer ordering food via mobile apps
  • Food delivery services grew by over 20% annually between 2020 and 2023
  • About 50% of restaurant sales in the U.S. are now made through digital channels
  • The global online food delivery market is expected to reach $365 billion by 2024
  • Millennials and Gen Z constitute approximately 60% of restaurant diners
  • The average restaurant spends about 6% of its revenue on marketing and advertising
  • The median age of restaurant diners in the U.S. is 40 years old
  • Women are 55% of restaurant patrons, while men make up 45%

The food service industry is experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation in 2023, with a global valuation of $3.5 trillion, a booming digital footprint accounting for half of U.S. sales, and evolving consumer preferences driving innovation across menu options, delivery, and sustainability initiatives.

Consumer Demographics and Preferences

  • Around 60% of restaurant customers prefer ordering food via mobile apps
  • Millennials and Gen Z constitute approximately 60% of restaurant diners
  • The median age of restaurant diners in the U.S. is 40 years old
  • Women are 55% of restaurant patrons, while men make up 45%
  • The fastest-growing segment of restaurant types in 2023 is plant-based/vegetarian restaurants, with 12% annual growth
  • The most popular cuisine types in the U.S. in 2023 are Italian, Mexican, American, and Chinese
  • About 40% of consumers prefer plant-based protein options when dining out
  • Customer reviews on platforms like Yelp significantly influence restaurant success, with over 80% of consumers trusting online reviews
  • 35% of restaurant transactions are now made via mobile devices
  • In 2023, about 45% of restaurant sales in China are generated from delivery or takeout, reflecting a shift toward off-premise dining
  • 80% of young adults aged 18-34 prefer dining out over cooking at home regularly
  • The number of vegan restaurant openings grew by 20% in 2023 globally, signaling increased demand for plant-based options
  • Approximately 25% of restaurant customers are influenced by loyalty programs when choosing where to dine
  • Vegetarian and vegan menu options increased by 25% across major restaurant chains in 2023, indicating market expansion

Consumer Demographics and Preferences Interpretation

In an industry where digital convenience and plant-based proliferation now drive the scene, it's clear that today's restaurant diners—predominantly Millennials and Gen Z—are more influenced by online reviews and loyalty perks than by traditional menus, signaling a food service landscape that's increasingly smartphone-savvy, health-conscious, and off-premise oriented.

Health, Safety, and Sustainability

  • Food allergies affect about 4-6% of children and 4% of adults in the U.S., influencing menu options
  • Sustainability and eco-friendly practices are a priority for 65% of restaurant owners in 2023
  • Food safety incidents in restaurants decreased by 10% in 2023 due to improved sanitation protocols
  • The use of ecolabels and certifications increased among restaurants by 18% in 2023, reflecting growing consumer demand for transparency
  • 30% of restaurant owners believe that implementing more eco-friendly practices will improve their brand reputation

Health, Safety, and Sustainability Interpretation

As the food service industry increasingly balances allergy awareness and eco-consciousness, restaurants are turning to transparency and sustainability not just as trends, but as vital ingredients for safeguarding health, satisfying consumers, and strengthening brand reputation in 2023.

Industry Challenges and Opportunities

  • The average profit margin for restaurants globally is around 5-6%
  • Approximately 75% of restaurant owners are optimistic about reaching pre-pandemic sales levels by 2024
  • The average hourly wage for restaurant workers in the U.S. was around $12.75 in 2023
  • Nearly 80% of restaurant owners report difficulties in hiring qualified staff, especially cooks and managers
  • The average lifespan of a restaurant in the U.S. is approximately 5 years, with many closing within the first 3 years
  • The average wait time for a table at popular restaurants peaked at around 20 minutes in 2023 due to staffing shortages
  • The proportion of Ameri­can restaurant workers who are immigrants reached nearly 30% in 2023, supporting labor needs in the industry

Industry Challenges and Opportunities Interpretation

Despite slim profit margins and staffing challenges, the food service industry’s resilient optimism and reliance on immigrant workers highlight both its enduring appeal and the urgent need for sustainable solutions in a rapidly evolving culinary landscape.

Market Size and Economic Impact

  • The global food service industry was valued at approximately $3.5 trillion in 2023
  • The United States accounts for about 22% of the global food service market
  • Quick-service restaurants (QSR) make up roughly 70% of total restaurant sales in the U.S.
  • In 2022, the number of food service establishments in the U.S. was approximately 250,000
  • Food delivery services grew by over 20% annually between 2020 and 2023
  • About 50% of restaurant sales in the U.S. are now made through digital channels
  • The global online food delivery market is expected to reach $365 billion by 2024
  • Restaurant industry employment in the U.S. totaled over 14 million jobs in 2023
  • Food waste costs the restaurant industry approximately $25 billion annually in the U.S.
  • The average restaurant check size in the U.S. was approximately $18 in 2023
  • The global restaurant industry is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2028
  • The restaurant industry's contribution to the U.S. GDP was approximately 4.2% in 2023, amounting to over $1 trillion
  • Foodservice employees are expected to number over 15 million globally by 2025, projecting growth in employment

Market Size and Economic Impact Interpretation

With a $3.5 trillion global footprint and over 14 million U.S. jobs in the mix, the food service industry is clearly serving up economic vitality—albeit with $25 billion worth of waste on the plate—while digital innovation and quick-service dominance reshape how consumers dine, proving that in this industry, it’s not just about the food, but the billion-dollar numbers behind every bite.

Operational Trends and Innovations

  • The average restaurant spends about 6% of its revenue on marketing and advertising
  • The use of contactless payments at restaurants increased by 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains high in 2023
  • A growing trend in 2023 is ghost kitchens, with over 2,000 operating in the U.S.
  • The use of AI and automation in restaurant operations increased by 15% in 2023 compared to the previous year

Operational Trends and Innovations Interpretation

As the Food Service Industry navigates a post-pandemic world, with marketers investing only 6% of revenue, contactless payments remaining popular, ghost kitchens booming, and AI integration rising 15%, it’s clear that innovation and adaptation are cooking up a new recipe for success—yet the classic need to serve and satisfy remains the ultimate ingredient.