GITNUXREPORT 2026

Quebec Restaurant Industry Statistics

Quebec's restaurant industry is recovering strongly but faces thin profits and high costs.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

72% of Quebec consumers dined out at least once weekly in 2023 survey.

Statistic 2

Average annual spend per Quebec consumer on restaurants was $1,450 in 2022.

Statistic 3

58% of Quebec diners preferred local cuisine in 2023 poll.

Statistic 4

Online ordering adoption by Quebec consumers hit 67% in 2023.

Statistic 5

41% of meals consumed by Quebec residents were from restaurants in 2022.

Statistic 6

Preference for sustainable sourcing was 76% among Quebec diners in 2023.

Statistic 7

Average group size for restaurant visits in Quebec was 3.8 people in 2022.

Statistic 8

29% of Quebec consumers tried new restaurants monthly in 2023.

Statistic 9

Alcohol paired with 52% of Quebec restaurant meals in 2022 data.

Statistic 10

Family dining accounted for 38% of Quebec restaurant visits in 2023.

Statistic 11

64% of Quebec millennials dined out 2-3 times/week in 2022.

Statistic 12

Contactless payment used in 89% of Quebec restaurant transactions in 2023.

Statistic 13

Peak dining time in Quebec was 7-9 PM, 45% of evening sales in 2022.

Statistic 14

55% of Quebec seniors dined out less post-2022 due to costs.

Statistic 15

81% of Quebec consumers used loyalty apps in 2023.

Statistic 16

Breakfast dining up 18% post-pandemic in Quebec 2022.

Statistic 17

47% preferred outdoor dining in summer Quebec surveys 2023.

Statistic 18

Gen Z in Quebec spent 20% more on bubble tea restos 2022.

Statistic 19

69% of Quebec families chose kid-friendly menus 2023.

Statistic 20

Wine consumption at Quebec tables rose 9% in 2022.

Statistic 21

Late-night dining (after 10 PM) was 14% of sales 2023.

Statistic 22

53% avoided chains for local Quebec spots in 2022 poll.

Statistic 23

Health-conscious meals chosen by 62% Quebec diners 2023.

Statistic 24

Group celebrations drove 29% of bookings in Quebec 2022.

Statistic 25

Average wait time tolerance: 12 minutes in Quebec 2023.

Statistic 26

Craft beer pairings up 34% in Quebec restos 2023.

Statistic 27

Labor costs accounted for 38% of operating expenses in Quebec restaurants in 2023.

Statistic 28

Quebec's restaurant industry employed 220,000 people in 2022, 12% of provincial hospitality workforce.

Statistic 29

Average hourly wage for servers in Quebec restaurants was $15.25 in 2023, including tips averaging $8/hour extra.

Statistic 30

45% of Quebec restaurant employees were part-time workers in 2022.

Statistic 31

Turnover rate in Quebec restaurants averaged 78% annually in 2023, highest in Canada.

Statistic 32

Quebec had 28,500 restaurant jobs added post-COVID by end of 2023.

Statistic 33

Women comprised 55% of the Quebec restaurant workforce in 2022, mostly in frontline roles.

Statistic 34

Chefs and cooks in Quebec earned average annual salary of $48,000 in 2023.

Statistic 35

15% of Quebec restaurant staff were immigrants in 2022, filling labor shortages.

Statistic 36

Training hours per employee in Quebec restaurants averaged 24 hours/year in 2023.

Statistic 37

Bartenders in Quebec had median wage of $42,000/year in 2022, boosted by tips.

Statistic 38

Youth under 25 made up 32% of Quebec restaurant employees in 2023.

Statistic 39

Unionized restaurants in Quebec employed 18% of total workforce in 2022.

Statistic 40

Overtime hours in Quebec restaurants averaged 4.2 hours/week per full-time employee in 2023.

Statistic 41

Remote management roles in Quebec restaurants grew 5% to 2,100 positions in 2023.

Statistic 42

Servers' tip income averaged 25% of base pay in Quebec 2022.

Statistic 43

22,000 new hires in Quebec restaurants during summer 2023.

Statistic 44

Managers in Quebec restaurants earned $62,500 median salary 2023.

Statistic 45

Female chefs represented 28% in Quebec kitchens 2022.

Statistic 46

Overtime pay compliance was 94% in audited Quebec restaurants 2023.

Statistic 47

Average tenure for Quebec restaurant staff was 2.1 years in 2022.

Statistic 48

3,200 apprentices trained in Quebec restaurant programs 2023.

Statistic 49

Weekend shifts filled 92% capacity in Quebec staffing 2022.

Statistic 50

Benefits offered to 41% of full-time Quebec restaurant workers 2023.

Statistic 51

Remote hiring via apps reached 35% for Quebec restaurants 2023.

Statistic 52

Dishwashers' hourly rate averaged $14.80 in Quebec 2022.

Statistic 53

Quebec restaurants employed 12% more staff in Q4 2023 vs Q1.

Statistic 54

In 2022, Quebec's restaurant industry generated total revenue of $12.4 billion, representing 25% of Canada's overall foodservice sector sales.

Statistic 55

Average annual revenue per restaurant in Quebec was $1.2 million in 2023, up 8% from 2021 due to post-pandemic recovery.

Statistic 56

Full-service restaurants in Quebec accounted for 62% of total industry revenue at $7.7 billion in 2022.

Statistic 57

Quick-service restaurants in Quebec saw a 15% revenue increase to $3.1 billion in 2023, driven by inflation and demand.

Statistic 58

Profit margins for Quebec restaurants averaged 4.2% in 2022, lower than the national average of 5.1% due to higher labor costs.

Statistic 59

Quebec's restaurant industry contributed $2.8 billion in taxes to provincial and federal governments in 2022.

Statistic 60

Food costs represented 32% of total expenses for Quebec restaurants in 2023, up from 28% in 2019.

Statistic 61

Beverage sales contributed 18% to total revenue in Quebec full-service restaurants in 2022, totaling $1.4 billion.

Statistic 62

Independent restaurants in Quebec had average revenues of $850,000 in 2023, compared to $1.8 million for chains.

Statistic 63

Catering services within Quebec's restaurant sector generated $450 million in 2022, a 12% YoY growth.

Statistic 64

Delivery and takeout sales surged to 22% of total Quebec restaurant revenue in 2023, equaling $2.7 billion.

Statistic 65

Quebec restaurants' average check size increased to $28.50 in 2023 from $24 in 2019.

Statistic 66

Fine dining establishments in Montreal alone contributed $1.1 billion to Quebec's restaurant revenue in 2022.

Statistic 67

Casual dining revenue in Quebec reached $5.2 billion in 2023, with 9% growth over 2022.

Statistic 68

Quebec poutine specialty restaurants generated $180 million in sales in 2022.

Statistic 69

In 2022, Quebec restaurants' total sales tax collected was $1.1 billion.

Statistic 70

Labor productivity per employee in Quebec restaurants was $56,000 revenue in 2023.

Statistic 71

Quebec fine dining profit margins averaged 6.8% in 2022.

Statistic 72

Takeout packaging costs rose 22% for Quebec restaurants in 2023.

Statistic 73

Chain restaurants' Quebec revenue share was 48% in 2022.

Statistic 74

Quebec bistro sector sales hit $920 million in 2023.

Statistic 75

Utility costs per sqm in Quebec restaurants were $4.20/month in 2022.

Statistic 76

Online delivery commissions averaged 28% of sales for Quebec restos in 2023.

Statistic 77

Quebec seafood restaurants generated $650 million revenue in 2022.

Statistic 78

Average debt load for Quebec independent restaurants was $180,000 in 2023.

Statistic 79

Quebec restaurant industry had 18,200 establishments in 2022, up 3% from 2019.

Statistic 80

Montreal hosted 42% of Quebec's total restaurants with 7,600 outlets in 2023.

Statistic 81

Number of new restaurant openings in Quebec was 1,250 in 2023, a 10% increase YoY.

Statistic 82

Closures in Quebec restaurants totaled 850 in 2022, mainly independents.

Statistic 83

Quebec's restaurant market grew at CAGR of 6.2% from 2018-2023.

Statistic 84

Fast-food chains expanded to 4,200 locations in Quebec by 2023.

Statistic 85

Ethnic restaurants in Quebec numbered 3,400 in 2022, 19% of total.

Statistic 86

Quebec restaurant industry market share was 22% of Canadian total in 2023.

Statistic 87

Projected growth for Quebec restaurants is 4.5% annually to 2027.

Statistic 88

Table service restaurants dominated with 11,200 outlets in Quebec 2022.

Statistic 89

Quebec had 2,100 licensed pubs and bars integrated with restaurants in 2023.

Statistic 90

Vegan/vegetarian restaurants grew to 450 locations in Quebec by 2023.

Statistic 91

Online reservation platforms covered 65% of Quebec restaurants in 2022.

Statistic 92

Quebec's restaurant density was 2.1 outlets per 1,000 residents in 2023.

Statistic 93

Boutique coffee shops within restaurants reached 1,800 in Quebec 2022.

Statistic 94

Quebec City had 2,900 restaurant outlets in 2023.

Statistic 95

420 restaurant bankruptcies in Quebec during 2022.

Statistic 96

Plant-based menu items grew 25% in Quebec restaurants 2023.

Statistic 97

Quebec's restaurant GDP contribution was 1.8% provincial in 2022.

Statistic 98

Laval region saw 15% restaurant growth 2019-2023.

Statistic 99

1,100 food trucks operated as extensions of Quebec restaurants 2023.

Statistic 100

Sherbrooke restaurants numbered 780 in 2022.

Statistic 101

Quebec market projected to reach 25,000 outlets by 2028.

Statistic 102

Italian restaurants: 2,200 in Quebec 2023.

Statistic 103

Ghost kitchens proliferated to 350 in Quebec urban areas 2023.

Statistic 104

Food waste per customer in Quebec restaurants averaged 120g/meal in 2023.

Statistic 105

92% compliance rate for Quebec restaurant health inspections in 2022.

Statistic 106

Average kitchen energy use in Quebec restaurants was 45 kWh/day in 2023.

Statistic 107

Licensing fees for Quebec restaurants averaged $2,500 annually in 2022.

Statistic 108

78% of Quebec restaurants used POS systems by 2023.

Statistic 109

Average table turnover rate in Quebec was 2.8 per evening shift in 2022.

Statistic 110

Water usage per seat in Quebec restaurants was 15 liters/day in 2023.

Statistic 111

65% of Quebec restaurants recycled cooking oil in 2022.

Statistic 112

Staff scheduling software adoption was 52% in Quebec restaurants 2023.

Statistic 113

Average menu item price inflation in Quebec was 11% from 2022-2023.

Statistic 114

COVID recovery grants aided 85% of Quebec restaurants in 2022.

Statistic 115

Noise complaint violations in Quebec restaurants totaled 320 in 2023.

Statistic 116

Digital menu adoption reached 71% in Quebec by 2023.

Statistic 117

Quebec restaurants' average operating hours were 11.2 hours/day in 2022.

Statistic 118

Patio seating expanded in 68% of Quebec urban restaurants in 2023.

Statistic 119

Pest control visits averaged 4.5/year per Quebec restaurant in 2023.

Statistic 120

88% of Quebec restos met ventilation standards 2022 inspections.

Statistic 121

Waste diversion rate: 45% for Quebec restaurants 2023.

Statistic 122

Fire safety compliance: 96% in annual Quebec audits 2022.

Statistic 123

Menu allergen labeling mandatory compliance 98% in 2023.

Statistic 124

Average inventory turnover: 7.2 times/year Quebec restos 2022.

Statistic 125

Electric vehicle charging at 12% of Quebec restaurant parkings 2023.

Statistic 126

Staff vaccination rate: 91% in Quebec restaurants 2022.

Statistic 127

CRM software use: 44% Quebec restaurants 2023.

Statistic 128

Terrace permit applications up 22% in Quebec 2023.

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Behind every tempting poutine and the warm buzz of a Montreal bistro lies a powerhouse economic engine, as Quebec's restaurant industry not only served up $12.4 billion in revenue in 2022 – a full quarter of Canada's foodservice sales – but continues to navigate a complex recipe of soaring demand, razor-thin 4.2% profit margins, and transformative post-pandemic trends.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, Quebec's restaurant industry generated total revenue of $12.4 billion, representing 25% of Canada's overall foodservice sector sales.
Average annual revenue per restaurant in Quebec was $1.2 million in 2023, up 8% from 2021 due to post-pandemic recovery.
Full-service restaurants in Quebec accounted for 62% of total industry revenue at $7.7 billion in 2022.
Labor costs accounted for 38% of operating expenses in Quebec restaurants in 2023.
Quebec's restaurant industry employed 220,000 people in 2022, 12% of provincial hospitality workforce.
Average hourly wage for servers in Quebec restaurants was $15.25 in 2023, including tips averaging $8/hour extra.
Quebec restaurant industry had 18,200 establishments in 2022, up 3% from 2019.
Montreal hosted 42% of Quebec's total restaurants with 7,600 outlets in 2023.
Number of new restaurant openings in Quebec was 1,250 in 2023, a 10% increase YoY.
72% of Quebec consumers dined out at least once weekly in 2023 survey.
Average annual spend per Quebec consumer on restaurants was $1,450 in 2022.
58% of Quebec diners preferred local cuisine in 2023 poll.
Food waste per customer in Quebec restaurants averaged 120g/meal in 2023.
92% compliance rate for Quebec restaurant health inspections in 2022.
Average kitchen energy use in Quebec restaurants was 45 kWh/day in 2023.

Quebec's restaurant industry is recovering strongly but faces thin profits and high costs.

Consumer Behavior

72% of Quebec consumers dined out at least once weekly in 2023 survey.
Average annual spend per Quebec consumer on restaurants was $1,450 in 2022.
58% of Quebec diners preferred local cuisine in 2023 poll.
Online ordering adoption by Quebec consumers hit 67% in 2023.
41% of meals consumed by Quebec residents were from restaurants in 2022.
Preference for sustainable sourcing was 76% among Quebec diners in 2023.
Average group size for restaurant visits in Quebec was 3.8 people in 2022.
29% of Quebec consumers tried new restaurants monthly in 2023.
Alcohol paired with 52% of Quebec restaurant meals in 2022 data.
Family dining accounted for 38% of Quebec restaurant visits in 2023.
64% of Quebec millennials dined out 2-3 times/week in 2022.
Contactless payment used in 89% of Quebec restaurant transactions in 2023.
Peak dining time in Quebec was 7-9 PM, 45% of evening sales in 2022.
55% of Quebec seniors dined out less post-2022 due to costs.
81% of Quebec consumers used loyalty apps in 2023.
Breakfast dining up 18% post-pandemic in Quebec 2022.
47% preferred outdoor dining in summer Quebec surveys 2023.
Gen Z in Quebec spent 20% more on bubble tea restos 2022.
69% of Quebec families chose kid-friendly menus 2023.
Wine consumption at Quebec tables rose 9% in 2022.
Late-night dining (after 10 PM) was 14% of sales 2023.
53% avoided chains for local Quebec spots in 2022 poll.
Health-conscious meals chosen by 62% Quebec diners 2023.
Group celebrations drove 29% of bookings in Quebec 2022.
Average wait time tolerance: 12 minutes in Quebec 2023.
Craft beer pairings up 34% in Quebec restos 2023.

Consumer Behavior Interpretation

The Quebecois palate is fiercely loyal to local flavor, demanding convenience and sustainability with a side of wine, but they'll leave you for a new spot if you keep them waiting more than twelve minutes.

Employment Metrics

Labor costs accounted for 38% of operating expenses in Quebec restaurants in 2023.
Quebec's restaurant industry employed 220,000 people in 2022, 12% of provincial hospitality workforce.
Average hourly wage for servers in Quebec restaurants was $15.25 in 2023, including tips averaging $8/hour extra.
45% of Quebec restaurant employees were part-time workers in 2022.
Turnover rate in Quebec restaurants averaged 78% annually in 2023, highest in Canada.
Quebec had 28,500 restaurant jobs added post-COVID by end of 2023.
Women comprised 55% of the Quebec restaurant workforce in 2022, mostly in frontline roles.
Chefs and cooks in Quebec earned average annual salary of $48,000 in 2023.
15% of Quebec restaurant staff were immigrants in 2022, filling labor shortages.
Training hours per employee in Quebec restaurants averaged 24 hours/year in 2023.
Bartenders in Quebec had median wage of $42,000/year in 2022, boosted by tips.
Youth under 25 made up 32% of Quebec restaurant employees in 2023.
Unionized restaurants in Quebec employed 18% of total workforce in 2022.
Overtime hours in Quebec restaurants averaged 4.2 hours/week per full-time employee in 2023.
Remote management roles in Quebec restaurants grew 5% to 2,100 positions in 2023.
Servers' tip income averaged 25% of base pay in Quebec 2022.
22,000 new hires in Quebec restaurants during summer 2023.
Managers in Quebec restaurants earned $62,500 median salary 2023.
Female chefs represented 28% in Quebec kitchens 2022.
Overtime pay compliance was 94% in audited Quebec restaurants 2023.
Average tenure for Quebec restaurant staff was 2.1 years in 2022.
3,200 apprentices trained in Quebec restaurant programs 2023.
Weekend shifts filled 92% capacity in Quebec staffing 2022.
Benefits offered to 41% of full-time Quebec restaurant workers 2023.
Remote hiring via apps reached 35% for Quebec restaurants 2023.
Dishwashers' hourly rate averaged $14.80 in Quebec 2022.
Quebec restaurants employed 12% more staff in Q4 2023 vs Q1.

Employment Metrics Interpretation

The Quebec restaurant scene is a turbulent dance floor where 220,000 people, mostly part-timers and women on the front lines, twirl through a dizzying 78% annual turnover, propelled by modest base wages but held together by the sticky power of tips and a post-pandemic hiring surge that's still trying to fill every weekend shift.

Financial Performance

In 2022, Quebec's restaurant industry generated total revenue of $12.4 billion, representing 25% of Canada's overall foodservice sector sales.
Average annual revenue per restaurant in Quebec was $1.2 million in 2023, up 8% from 2021 due to post-pandemic recovery.
Full-service restaurants in Quebec accounted for 62% of total industry revenue at $7.7 billion in 2022.
Quick-service restaurants in Quebec saw a 15% revenue increase to $3.1 billion in 2023, driven by inflation and demand.
Profit margins for Quebec restaurants averaged 4.2% in 2022, lower than the national average of 5.1% due to higher labor costs.
Quebec's restaurant industry contributed $2.8 billion in taxes to provincial and federal governments in 2022.
Food costs represented 32% of total expenses for Quebec restaurants in 2023, up from 28% in 2019.
Beverage sales contributed 18% to total revenue in Quebec full-service restaurants in 2022, totaling $1.4 billion.
Independent restaurants in Quebec had average revenues of $850,000 in 2023, compared to $1.8 million for chains.
Catering services within Quebec's restaurant sector generated $450 million in 2022, a 12% YoY growth.
Delivery and takeout sales surged to 22% of total Quebec restaurant revenue in 2023, equaling $2.7 billion.
Quebec restaurants' average check size increased to $28.50 in 2023 from $24 in 2019.
Fine dining establishments in Montreal alone contributed $1.1 billion to Quebec's restaurant revenue in 2022.
Casual dining revenue in Quebec reached $5.2 billion in 2023, with 9% growth over 2022.
Quebec poutine specialty restaurants generated $180 million in sales in 2022.
In 2022, Quebec restaurants' total sales tax collected was $1.1 billion.
Labor productivity per employee in Quebec restaurants was $56,000 revenue in 2023.
Quebec fine dining profit margins averaged 6.8% in 2022.
Takeout packaging costs rose 22% for Quebec restaurants in 2023.
Chain restaurants' Quebec revenue share was 48% in 2022.
Quebec bistro sector sales hit $920 million in 2023.
Utility costs per sqm in Quebec restaurants were $4.20/month in 2022.
Online delivery commissions averaged 28% of sales for Quebec restos in 2023.
Quebec seafood restaurants generated $650 million revenue in 2022.
Average debt load for Quebec independent restaurants was $180,000 in 2023.

Financial Performance Interpretation

Quebec's restaurant industry is a towering, $12.4 billion economic engine where chefs juggle soaring food costs, delivery app fees, and a love for poutine, all while scraping by on famously thin profit margins to keep the province well-fed and taxed.

Market Size and Growth

Quebec restaurant industry had 18,200 establishments in 2022, up 3% from 2019.
Montreal hosted 42% of Quebec's total restaurants with 7,600 outlets in 2023.
Number of new restaurant openings in Quebec was 1,250 in 2023, a 10% increase YoY.
Closures in Quebec restaurants totaled 850 in 2022, mainly independents.
Quebec's restaurant market grew at CAGR of 6.2% from 2018-2023.
Fast-food chains expanded to 4,200 locations in Quebec by 2023.
Ethnic restaurants in Quebec numbered 3,400 in 2022, 19% of total.
Quebec restaurant industry market share was 22% of Canadian total in 2023.
Projected growth for Quebec restaurants is 4.5% annually to 2027.
Table service restaurants dominated with 11,200 outlets in Quebec 2022.
Quebec had 2,100 licensed pubs and bars integrated with restaurants in 2023.
Vegan/vegetarian restaurants grew to 450 locations in Quebec by 2023.
Online reservation platforms covered 65% of Quebec restaurants in 2022.
Quebec's restaurant density was 2.1 outlets per 1,000 residents in 2023.
Boutique coffee shops within restaurants reached 1,800 in Quebec 2022.
Quebec City had 2,900 restaurant outlets in 2023.
420 restaurant bankruptcies in Quebec during 2022.
Plant-based menu items grew 25% in Quebec restaurants 2023.
Quebec's restaurant GDP contribution was 1.8% provincial in 2022.
Laval region saw 15% restaurant growth 2019-2023.
1,100 food trucks operated as extensions of Quebec restaurants 2023.
Sherbrooke restaurants numbered 780 in 2022.
Quebec market projected to reach 25,000 outlets by 2028.
Italian restaurants: 2,200 in Quebec 2023.
Ghost kitchens proliferated to 350 in Quebec urban areas 2023.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

While Quebec's restaurant scene is savoring steady growth with ambitious expansion plans, the 420 bankruptcies and 850 closures in 2022 serve as a sobering reminder that for every thriving new ethnic eatery or ghost kitchen, there's an independent spot quietly turning off the lights.

Operational and Regulatory

Food waste per customer in Quebec restaurants averaged 120g/meal in 2023.
92% compliance rate for Quebec restaurant health inspections in 2022.
Average kitchen energy use in Quebec restaurants was 45 kWh/day in 2023.
Licensing fees for Quebec restaurants averaged $2,500 annually in 2022.
78% of Quebec restaurants used POS systems by 2023.
Average table turnover rate in Quebec was 2.8 per evening shift in 2022.
Water usage per seat in Quebec restaurants was 15 liters/day in 2023.
65% of Quebec restaurants recycled cooking oil in 2022.
Staff scheduling software adoption was 52% in Quebec restaurants 2023.
Average menu item price inflation in Quebec was 11% from 2022-2023.
COVID recovery grants aided 85% of Quebec restaurants in 2022.
Noise complaint violations in Quebec restaurants totaled 320 in 2023.
Digital menu adoption reached 71% in Quebec by 2023.
Quebec restaurants' average operating hours were 11.2 hours/day in 2022.
Patio seating expanded in 68% of Quebec urban restaurants in 2023.
Pest control visits averaged 4.5/year per Quebec restaurant in 2023.
88% of Quebec restos met ventilation standards 2022 inspections.
Waste diversion rate: 45% for Quebec restaurants 2023.
Fire safety compliance: 96% in annual Quebec audits 2022.
Menu allergen labeling mandatory compliance 98% in 2023.
Average inventory turnover: 7.2 times/year Quebec restos 2022.
Electric vehicle charging at 12% of Quebec restaurant parkings 2023.
Staff vaccination rate: 91% in Quebec restaurants 2022.
CRM software use: 44% Quebec restaurants 2023.
Terrace permit applications up 22% in Quebec 2023.

Operational and Regulatory Interpretation

While Quebec diners are leaving a bit too much on their plates, the restaurants themselves are cleaning up their act with impressive health and safety scores, all while juggling rising costs, embracing technology, and expanding their patios to keep the province well-fed and compliant.

Sources & References

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