Key Takeaways
- The global restaurant industry market size reached approximately $3.46 trillion in 2023, driven by rising disposable incomes and urbanization in emerging markets.
- The quick-service restaurant (QSR) segment accounted for 45% of the global restaurant market revenue in 2023, totaling $1.56 trillion.
- Global restaurant industry CAGR from 2023 to 2030 is projected at 7.2%, fueled by delivery and cloud kitchen expansions.
- Globally, 62% of consumers dined out at least once a week in 2023, up from 48% in 2022.
- Plant-based menu items saw a 27% increase in global consumer orders in 2023.
- 71% of global millennials prefer quick-service restaurants for lunch, per 2023 surveys.
- The global restaurant industry employed 112 million people in 2023.
- Average annual wage for restaurant workers globally was $12,500 in 2023.
- 65% of global restaurant workforce are frontline staff like servers and cooks.
- 55 POS systems were adopted by 68% of global restaurants by 2023.
- AI menu optimization tools used in 42% of large chain restaurants globally 2023.
- Mobile ordering apps drove 35% of global restaurant sales in 2023.
- Sustainability certifications drove 45% of closures in non-compliant restaurants 2023.
- Food waste in global restaurants averaged 22 kg per establishment daily in 2023.
- 38% of restaurants faced supply chain disruptions from climate events in 2023.
The global restaurant industry is thriving, driven by QSR growth, expanding delivery, and post-pandemic recovery.
Consumer Behavior & Preferences
- Globally, 62% of consumers dined out at least once a week in 2023, up from 48% in 2022.
- Plant-based menu items saw a 27% increase in global consumer orders in 2023.
- 71% of global millennials prefer quick-service restaurants for lunch, per 2023 surveys.
- Delivery app usage for restaurant meals rose to 55% among urban consumers worldwide in 2023.
- 48% of global consumers prioritize health-focused menus, influencing 35% menu changes in 2023.
- Sustainable sourcing influenced 62% of global diners' restaurant choices in 2023.
- Global Gen Z diners (18-24) averaged 4.2 restaurant visits per month in 2023.
- 39% of consumers worldwide tried new cuisines via restaurant apps in 2023.
- Loyalty programs boosted repeat visits by 24% among global restaurant patrons in 2023.
- 67% of global female diners prefer casual dining over fine dining in 2023 surveys.
- Alcohol-free beverage orders in restaurants increased 18% globally in 2023.
- 52% of global consumers use social media to discover new restaurants in 2023.
- Family dining occasions made up 41% of global restaurant traffic in 2023.
- 75% of global travelers prioritize local cuisine experiences in restaurants.
- Contactless payments were preferred by 88% of restaurant customers worldwide in 2023.
- Global demand for customizable menus rose 31% in restaurant orders in 2023.
- 44% of seniors (65+) dine out for social reasons primarily in 2023.
- Vegetarian options influenced 29% of global meat-eaters' restaurant selections in 2023.
- Peak dinner time shifted to 7:15 PM globally due to hybrid work in 2023.
- 61% of global consumers tip digitally via apps in restaurants now.
- Outdoor dining preference persisted at 53% post-pandemic in 2023 surveys.
- 36% growth in global orders for spicy foods in restaurants in 2023.
- Couples dining accounted for 28% of global reservations in 2023.
- 49% of consumers seek allergen-free options in restaurants globally.
- Solo dining increased to 22% of global restaurant visits in 2023.
- 58% prefer farm-to-table claims on menus worldwide in 2023.
- Late-night dining (after 10 PM) rose 14% in urban areas globally.
Consumer Behavior & Preferences Interpretation
Employment & Labor
- The global restaurant industry employed 112 million people in 2023.
- Average annual wage for restaurant workers globally was $12,500 in 2023.
- 65% of global restaurant workforce are frontline staff like servers and cooks.
- Youth employment (under 25) in restaurants reached 28 million globally in 2023.
- Female workers comprised 52% of the global restaurant labor force in 2023.
- Turnover rate in global restaurants averaged 73% in 2023.
- 15.2 million new jobs created in global restaurant sector post-2022 recovery.
- Chefs and head cooks numbered 22 million worldwide in restaurants 2023.
- Part-time workers made up 41% of global restaurant employees in 2023.
- Training hours per employee averaged 28 globally in restaurants 2023.
- Immigrant workers filled 19% of restaurant jobs globally in 2023.
- Average workweek for restaurant staff was 38.5 hours globally 2023.
- Managerial roles in restaurants grew 8% to 9.5 million globally in 2023.
- 47% of restaurant workers received wage increases in 2023 globally.
- Bartenders employed 8.7 million in global restaurants in 2023.
- Labor costs represented 32% of total restaurant expenses worldwide 2023.
- 24% of global restaurant jobs were seasonal in 2023.
- Unionized restaurant workers numbered 12 million globally in 2023.
- Gig economy delivery staff for restaurants hit 35 million in 2023.
- Skill gaps affected 61% of global restaurant hiring in 2023.
- Servers and waitstaff totaled 45 million worldwide in 2023.
- Overtime hours averaged 4.2 per week for restaurant staff globally.
- Disability employment in restaurants reached 4.1 million in 2023.
- Executive chef salaries averaged $65,000 globally adjusted in 2023.
- 33% of restaurant jobs unfilled due to shortages in 2023.
- Remote administrative roles in restaurant chains grew 12% to 2.8 million.
Employment & Labor Interpretation
Market Size & Growth
- The global restaurant industry market size reached approximately $3.46 trillion in 2023, driven by rising disposable incomes and urbanization in emerging markets.
- The quick-service restaurant (QSR) segment accounted for 45% of the global restaurant market revenue in 2023, totaling $1.56 trillion.
- Global restaurant industry CAGR from 2023 to 2030 is projected at 7.2%, fueled by delivery and cloud kitchen expansions.
- Asia-Pacific region dominated the global restaurant market with 42% share in 2023, valued at $1.45 trillion.
- The global fine dining restaurant market was valued at $112.5 billion in 2023, expected to grow to $185.3 billion by 2032 at 5.7% CAGR.
- Limited-service restaurants generated $2.1 trillion globally in 2023, comprising 61% of total industry revenue.
- Global casual dining market size stood at $1.2 trillion in 2023, with a forecasted CAGR of 6.8% through 2030.
- The restaurant industry's global revenue recovered to 98% of pre-pandemic levels by end-2023, reaching $3.4 trillion.
- Cloud kitchens contributed $78 billion to global restaurant revenues in 2023, growing at 15.4% CAGR.
- Europe’s restaurant market was valued at $850 billion in 2023, with Italy leading at 12% regional share.
- Global fast-casual dining segment reached $385 billion in 2023, projected to hit $620 billion by 2030.
- North America held 28% of global restaurant market share in 2023, equating to $968 billion in revenue.
- The vegan/plant-based restaurant market globally hit $25.6 billion in 2023, with 11.2% CAGR forecast.
- Global buffet restaurant market size was $142 billion in 2023, expected to grow at 4.9% CAGR to 2030.
- Latin America’s restaurant industry generated $320 billion in 2023, led by Brazil's $95 billion contribution.
- Global street food vendor market within restaurants reached $2.8 trillion in 2023, 81% of total industry.
- Middle East & Africa restaurant market valued at $210 billion in 2023, growing at 8.1% CAGR.
- Global family restaurant chain market size was $450 billion in 2023, with 5.3% projected CAGR.
- Independent restaurants contributed 55% to global market revenue in 2023, totaling $1.9 trillion.
- Global themed restaurant market reached $68 billion in 2023, forecasted to $110 billion by 2031.
- The global restaurant market in 2023 saw a 12.5% YoY growth post-COVID recovery.
- QSR digital sales accounted for 28% of $1.56 trillion global QSR revenue in 2023.
- Global pop-up restaurant market size hit $15.2 billion in 2023, growing at 9.8% CAGR.
- Chain restaurants held 45% global market share in 2023, generating $1.56 trillion.
- Global rooftop restaurant market valued at $22 billion in 2023, with 7.5% CAGR to 2030.
- Organic food restaurants globally reached $45 billion in revenue in 2023.
- Global fusion restaurant market size was $195 billion in 2023, projected 6.2% CAGR.
- Delivery-only restaurants contributed $120 billion globally in 2023.
- Global ethnic restaurant market valued at $780 billion in 2023, 22.5% of total.
- The global restaurant franchising market generated $1.1 trillion in 2023.
Market Size & Growth Interpretation
Sustainability & Challenges
- Sustainability certifications drove 45% of closures in non-compliant restaurants 2023.
- Food waste in global restaurants averaged 22 kg per establishment daily in 2023.
- 38% of restaurants faced supply chain disruptions from climate events in 2023.
- Plastic ban compliance reached 67% in EU restaurants, reducing usage by 41%.
- Energy costs rose 28% for restaurants globally due to fossil fuel dependency.
- 52% of global consumers boycotted non-eco restaurants in 2023 surveys.
- Water usage averaged 1,200 liters per restaurant daily worldwide 2023.
- Carbon emissions from restaurants totaled 2.7 GtCO2e globally in 2023.
- 61% of chains committed to net-zero by 2050 amid regulatory pressures.
- Labor shortages led to 19% capacity reductions in restaurants 2023.
- Inflation hiked menu prices by 9.2% average globally in 2023.
- 44% of independent restaurants reported near-bankruptcy risks in 2023.
- Regulatory compliance costs rose 15% for health/safety in restaurants.
- Pandemic debt lingered for 33% of global restaurants in 2023.
- Food cost volatility affected 76% of menus with price adjustments.
- 27% drop in tourist-driven restaurant traffic in conflict zones 2023.
- Cyberattack incidents rose 34% targeting restaurant POS systems.
- Allergy-related lawsuits increased 22% against restaurants globally.
- 49% of restaurants struggled with insurance premium hikes post-claims.
- Over-tourism caused 18% revenue loss in popular destination restaurants.
- 36% of outlets faced rent increases exceeding 12% YoY in 2023.
- Meat reduction initiatives met resistance in 41% of traditional menus.
- 25% of global restaurants non-compliant with new labor laws in 2023.
- Extreme weather closed 14% of outdoor dining operations temporarily.
- Vendor reliability issues hit 58% of supply-dependent restaurants.
- Digital divide left 29% of rural restaurants tech-lagging in 2023.
Sustainability & Challenges Interpretation
Technology & Innovation
- 55 POS systems were adopted by 68% of global restaurants by 2023.
- AI menu optimization tools used in 42% of large chain restaurants globally 2023.
- Mobile ordering apps drove 35% of global restaurant sales in 2023.
- Robotic kitchen assistants deployed in 15% of urban restaurants worldwide 2023.
- Blockchain for supply chain traceability in 22% of premium restaurants 2023.
- Contactless kiosks installed in 51% of QSRs globally by end-2023.
- IoT sensors for inventory management in 39% of mid-sized restaurants 2023.
- Virtual reality training programs adopted by 28% of restaurant chains.
- Data analytics platforms used by 67% for customer insights in 2023.
- Cloud-based PMS (property management systems) in 44% of global restaurants.
- AR menu visualization tech in 19% of fine dining establishments 2023.
- Biometric payment systems trialed in 8% of high-end restaurants globally.
- Predictive ordering AI reduced waste by 25% in 31% of adopters 2023.
- Voice assistants for reservations in 26% of casual dining spots.
- Digital loyalty wallets integrated in 58% of chain restaurants 2023.
- Drone delivery partnerships with 12% of coastal restaurants.
- NFT loyalty programs launched by 5% of innovative restaurants globally.
- 5G-enabled high-speed WiFi in 73% of urban restaurants 2023.
- Automated dishwashing robots in 17% of large kitchens worldwide.
- CRM software penetration reached 62% in global restaurant groups.
- Facial recognition for personalized service in 11% of Asia-Pacific restaurants.
- Metaverse pop-up events hosted by 3% of global brands in 2023.
- Edge computing for real-time pricing in 24% of dynamic menus.
- Wearable tech for staff efficiency in 29% of busy outlets.
- Quantum computing pilots for supply optimization in 1% elite chains.
- 76% of global restaurants used chatbots for customer queries in 2023.
Technology & Innovation Interpretation
Sources & References
- Reference 1STATISTAstatista.comVisit source
- Reference 2GRANDVIEWRESEARCHgrandviewresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 3FORTUNEBUSINESSINSIGHTSfortunebusinessinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 4MORDORINTELLIGENCEmordorintelligence.comVisit source
- Reference 5MARKETRESEARCHFUTUREmarketresearchfuture.comVisit source
- Reference 6IBISWORLDibisworld.comVisit source
- Reference 7ALLIEDMARKETRESEARCHalliedmarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 8EUROMONITOReuromonitor.comVisit source
- Reference 9TECHNAVIOtechnavio.comVisit source
- Reference 10RESEARCHANDMARKETSresearchandmarkets.comVisit source
- Reference 11MARKETSANDMARKETSmarketsandmarkets.comVisit source
- Reference 12FUTUREMARKETINSIGHTSfuturemarketinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 13POLARISMARKETRESEARCHpolarismarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 14FITCHSOLUTIONSfitchsolutions.comVisit source
- Reference 15BUSINESSRESEARCHINSIGHTSbusinessresearchinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 16CREDENCERESEARCHcredenceresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 17TRANSPARENCYMARKETRESEARCHtransparencymarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 18NRNnrn.comVisit source
- Reference 19VERIFIEDMARKETRESEARCHverifiedmarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 20DELOITTEdeloitte.comVisit source
- Reference 21MCKINSEYmckinsey.comVisit source
- Reference 22MARKETDATAFORECASTmarketdataforecast.comVisit source
- Reference 23RESTAURANTBUSINESSONLINErestaurantbusinessonline.comVisit source
- Reference 24GMINSIGHTSgminsights.comVisit source
- Reference 25GLOBALMARKETINSIGHTSglobalmarketinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 26ACUMENRESEARCHANDCONSULTINGacumenresearchandconsulting.comVisit source
- Reference 27UBERuber.comVisit source
- Reference 28PERSISTENCEMARKETRESEARCHpersistencemarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 29FRANCHISETIMESfranchisetimes.comVisit source
- Reference 30NPDnpd.comVisit source
- Reference 31TECHNOMICtechnomic.comVisit source
- Reference 32DATASSENTIALdatassential.comVisit source
- Reference 33UBEREATSubereats.comVisit source
- Reference 34MINTELmintel.comVisit source
- Reference 35GREENKEYgreenkey.globalVisit source
- Reference 36ZIPPIAzippia.comVisit source
- Reference 37DOORDASHdoordash.comVisit source
- Reference 38TOUCHBISTROtouchbistro.comVisit source
- Reference 39WOMENSFOODSERVICEFORUMwomensfoodserviceforum.orgVisit source
- Reference 40IWSRiwsr.comVisit source
- Reference 41HOOTSUITEhootsuite.comVisit source
- Reference 42NRAEFnraef.orgVisit source
- Reference 43TRIPADVISORtripadvisor.comVisit source
- Reference 44VISAvisa.comVisit source
- Reference 45OPENTABLEopentable.comVisit source
- Reference 46AARPaarp.orgVisit source
- Reference 47PROVEGproveg.orgVisit source
- Reference 48RESYresy.comVisit source
- Reference 49TOASTTABtoasttab.comVisit source
- Reference 50YELPyelp.comVisit source
- Reference 51CHILIPEPPERINSTITUTEchilipepperinstitute.orgVisit source
- Reference 52THEFORKthefork.comVisit source
- Reference 53FOODALLERGYfoodallergy.orgVisit source
- Reference 54EATEReater.comVisit source
- Reference 55SLOWFOODslowfood.comVisit source
- Reference 56NIGHTTIMEECONOMYnighttimeeconomy.orgVisit source
- Reference 57ILOilo.orgVisit source
- Reference 58OECDoecd.orgVisit source
- Reference 59WORLDCHEFSworldchefs.orgVisit source
- Reference 60YOUTHEMPLOYMENTyouthemployment.orgVisit source
- Reference 61ILOSTATilostat.ilo.orgVisit source
- Reference 62NRAnra.co.ukVisit source
- Reference 63BLSbls.govVisit source
- Reference 64EUROSTATeurostat.ec.europa.euVisit source
- Reference 65AHLAahla.comVisit source
- Reference 66MIGRATIONPOLICYmigrationpolicy.orgVisit source
- Reference 67GALLUPgallup.comVisit source
- Reference 68SHRMshrm.orgVisit source
- Reference 69PAYSCALEpayscale.comVisit source
- Reference 70INTERNATIONALSOCIETYOFBARTENDERSinternationalsocietyofbartendersVisit source
- Reference 71KPMGkpmg.comVisit source
- Reference 72SEASONALJOBSseasonaljobs.orgVisit source
- Reference 73ITUC-CSIituc-csi.orgVisit source
- Reference 74GIGECONOMYDATAgigeconomydata.orgVisit source
- Reference 75MANPOWERGROUPmanpowergroup.comVisit source
- Reference 76WAITERSUNIONwaitersunion.orgVisit source
- Reference 77WORKFORCEworkforce.comVisit source
- Reference 78GLASSDOORglassdoor.comVisit source
- Reference 79RESTAURANTrestaurant.orgVisit source
- Reference 80LINKEDINlinkedin.comVisit source
- Reference 81NCRncr.comVisit source
- Reference 82ROBOTICSBUSINESSREVIEWroboticsbusinessreview.comVisit source
- Reference 83IBMibm.comVisit source
- Reference 84NATIONALRESTAURANTSHOWnationalrestaurantshow.comVisit source
- Reference 85CISCOcisco.comVisit source
- Reference 86VRTRAININGSOLUTIONSvrtrainingsolutions.comVisit source
- Reference 87TABLEAUtableau.comVisit source
- Reference 88ORACLEoracle.comVisit source
- Reference 89AUGMENTaugment.comVisit source
- Reference 90MASTERCARDmastercard.comVisit source
- Reference 91WINNOWSOLUTIONSwinnowsolutions.comVisit source
- Reference 92ALEXAalexa.comVisit source
- Reference 93FISHBOWLINVENTORYfishbowlinventory.comVisit source
- Reference 94WINGwing.comVisit source
- Reference 95OPENSEAopensea.ioVisit source
- Reference 96QUALCOMMqualcomm.comVisit source
- Reference 97MEITROBOTICSmeitrobotics.comVisit source
- Reference 98SALESFORCEsalesforce.comVisit source
- Reference 99NECnec.comVisit source
- Reference 100DECENTRALANDdecentraland.orgVisit source
- Reference 101NVIDIAnvidia.comVisit source
- Reference 102APPLEapple.comVisit source
- Reference 103ZENDESKzendesk.comVisit source
- Reference 104GREENRESTAURANTSgreenrestaurants.orgVisit source
- Reference 105WRIFOODWASTEwrifoodwaste.orgVisit source
- Reference 106EEAeea.europa.euVisit source
- Reference 107IEAiea.orgVisit source
- Reference 108NIELSENnielsen.comVisit source
- Reference 109WATERwater.orgVisit source
- Reference 110IPCCipcc.chVisit source
- Reference 111WEFORUMweforum.orgVisit source
- Reference 112BLOOMBERGbloomberg.comVisit source
- Reference 113RESTAURANTNEWSrestaurantnews.comVisit source
- Reference 114WHOwho.intVisit source
- Reference 115PWCpwc.comVisit source
- Reference 116FAOfao.orgVisit source
- Reference 117UNWTOunwto.orgVisit source
- Reference 118CYBERSECURITYVENTUREScybersecurityventures.comVisit source
- Reference 119FOODSAFETYNEWSfoodsafetynews.comVisit source
- Reference 120INSURANCENEWSNETinsurancenewsnet.comVisit source
- Reference 121CBREcbre.comVisit source
- Reference 122CLIMATEACTIONclimateaction.orgVisit source
- Reference 123NOAAnoaa.govVisit source
- Reference 124GARTNERgartner.comVisit source
- Reference 125WORLDBANKworldbank.orgVisit source






