GITNUXREPORT 2026

Restaurant Statistics

The restaurant industry is growing robustly despite persistent pressure from rising costs.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Statistic 1

55% of U.S. consumers dined out at least once a week in 2023.

Statistic 2

68% of millennials prefer quick-service over full-service restaurants.

Statistic 3

Online ordering adoption among U.S. diners reached 62% in 2023.

Statistic 4

42% of consumers cite price as the top factor in restaurant choice.

Statistic 5

Loyalty program participation grew to 51% of U.S. restaurant guests in 2023.

Statistic 6

Vegetarian menu items ordered by 28% of diners, up 15% since 2020.

Statistic 7

Average dine-in party size was 3.2 persons in U.S. casual dining 2023.

Statistic 8

73% of Gen Z uses social media to discover new restaurants.

Statistic 9

Delivery app usage for meals increased to 37% among urban consumers.

Statistic 10

49% of diners avoid restaurants with poor online reviews.

Statistic 11

Sustainable sourcing influences 61% of consumer restaurant choices.

Statistic 12

Weekend dining peaks at 58% of weekly restaurant visits.

Statistic 13

35% of consumers tried a new cuisine due to TikTok in 2023.

Statistic 14

Contactless payment preference rose to 82% post-pandemic.

Statistic 15

Family dining occasions represent 44% of full-service traffic.

Statistic 16

67% of boomers prioritize ambiance over speed.

Statistic 17

Alcohol-free menu options ordered by 24% of patrons.

Statistic 18

Peak lunch hour (12-1pm) accounts for 29% of daily sales.

Statistic 19

52% of diners use apps for reservations.

Statistic 20

41% of U.S. adults visited a restaurant 4+ times monthly.

Statistic 21

Mobile payments used by 71% of under-35 diners.

Statistic 22

56% prefer outdoor seating when available.

Statistic 23

Spicy food orders up 19% among Gen Z.

Statistic 24

63% influenced by Instagram photos.

Statistic 25

Average wait time tolerance: 15 minutes.

Statistic 26

29% order desserts post-main course.

Statistic 27

Value menu items drive 38% of QSR sales.

Statistic 28

74% read reviews before visiting.

Statistic 29

Weekend brunch visits up 14%.

Statistic 30

47% of families choose kid-friendly options.

Statistic 31

Low-carb orders: 22% of entrees.

Statistic 32

Loyalty apps redeem 18% of visits.

Statistic 33

Noise level complaints from 33% of diners.

Statistic 34

Average restaurant visit duration: 68 minutes.

Statistic 35

In 2023, the U.S. restaurant industry generated total sales of $1.1 trillion, marking a 7.3% increase from 2022.

Statistic 36

Globally, the restaurant market size was valued at $3.5 trillion in 2022 and is projected to reach $5.1 trillion by 2027 at a CAGR of 7.8%.

Statistic 37

Quick-service restaurants accounted for 37% of total U.S. restaurant sales in 2023, totaling approximately $407 billion.

Statistic 38

Full-service restaurants in the U.S. saw average annual sales per unit of $1.8 million in 2022.

Statistic 39

Profit margins for independent restaurants averaged 3-5% in 2023, compared to 6-9% for chains.

Statistic 40

U.S. restaurant food costs rose by 8.2% year-over-year in Q3 2023.

Statistic 41

Labor costs represented 30.3% of total restaurant expenses in the U.S. in 2023.

Statistic 42

Average check size at casual dining restaurants increased 5.1% to $21.50 in 2023.

Statistic 43

Delivery sales grew to 15% of total restaurant sales in urban U.S. areas in 2023.

Statistic 44

Fine dining restaurants reported a 12% revenue rebound in 2023 post-pandemic.

Statistic 45

U.S. restaurant bankruptcies decreased by 22% in 2023 to 1,200 cases.

Statistic 46

Off-premise sales (takeout/delivery) comprised 24% of total U.S. restaurant sales in 2023.

Statistic 47

Average profit per full-service restaurant in the U.S. was $120,000 in 2022.

Statistic 48

Beverage alcohol sales contributed 22% to total restaurant revenue in 2023.

Statistic 49

Independent restaurants' average EBITDA margin was 4.2% in 2023.

Statistic 50

U.S. fast-casual segment sales hit $29.2 billion in 2022, up 8%.

Statistic 51

Restaurant debt levels increased 15% in 2023 due to expansion.

Statistic 52

Catering revenue grew 11% year-over-year to $45 billion in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 53

Ghost kitchen revenues reached $12 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 54

U.S. restaurant industry capex spending was $25 billion in 2023.

Statistic 55

In 2023, U.S. restaurant sales per capita reached $3,200 annually.

Statistic 56

Bar and tavern segment sales: $42 billion in 2023.

Statistic 57

Average unit volume for top coffee chains: $1.2M.

Statistic 58

Food-away-from-home expenditure: 54% of food budget.

Statistic 59

Independent operator debt service coverage ratio: 1.8x.

Statistic 60

28% of revenue from lunch in full-service.

Statistic 61

U.S. fine casual sales: $18.5B in 2023.

Statistic 62

Payment processing fees: 2.9% of sales.

Statistic 63

Holiday season sales spike: 22% over average.

Statistic 64

Global fine dining market: $250B in 2023.

Statistic 65

Global restaurant market expected to grow at 10.2% CAGR to 2030.

Statistic 66

Plant-based menu items up 58% since 2019.

Statistic 67

Ghost kitchens projected to reach 20,000 units by 2025.

Statistic 68

Sustainable packaging adopted by 76% of chains.

Statistic 69

AI menu optimization used by 23% of large chains.

Statistic 70

Asia-Pacific region holds 42% of global market share.

Statistic 71

Contactless tech integration: 88% of restaurants.

Statistic 72

Franchise ownership: 60% of QSR locations.

Statistic 73

Experiential dining concepts grew 25% in 2023.

Statistic 74

E-commerce integration for menus: 55% adoption.

Statistic 75

Health-focused menus increased 34% post-COVID.

Statistic 76

Dark store model expanded 40% in Europe.

Statistic 77

Voice ordering trials in 12% of beta restaurants.

Statistic 78

Zero-waste initiatives in 31% of fine dining.

Statistic 79

Metaverse dining events piloted by 5 major chains.

Statistic 80

Robot servers deployed in 15% urban spots.

Statistic 81

NFT loyalty programs tested by 3 chains.

Statistic 82

Farm-to-table claims verified in 67%.

Statistic 83

Vegan options in 89% of casual chains.

Statistic 84

Pop-up restaurants revenue: $2B annually.

Statistic 85

Blockchain for supply chain: 11% adoption.

Statistic 86

AR menu previews in 9% high-end.

Statistic 87

Subscription meal plans: 5% market penetration.

Statistic 88

Climate-resilient sourcing: 24% commitments.

Statistic 89

Virtual reality training modules: 18% usage.

Statistic 90

U.S. restaurants average 150 covers per day in high-volume locations.

Statistic 91

Table turn time in casual dining averages 45 minutes.

Statistic 92

Kitchen waste reduction efforts saved 12% on food costs in 2023.

Statistic 93

POS system adoption reached 92% in U.S. restaurants.

Statistic 94

Average kitchen staff per full-service restaurant: 15 employees.

Statistic 95

Energy costs per square foot in restaurants: $2.50 annually.

Statistic 96

Inventory turnover rate for restaurants: 12 times per year.

Statistic 97

Reservation no-show rate averaged 15% in 2023.

Statistic 98

Peak service hours utilize 95% of seating capacity.

Statistic 99

Digital menu boards implemented in 68% of QSRs.

Statistic 100

Average prep time for entrees: 18 minutes in full-service.

Statistic 101

Self-service kiosks boosted order speed by 30%.

Statistic 102

HVAC maintenance downtime averages 4 hours per month.

Statistic 103

Online inventory tracking used by 75% of independents.

Statistic 104

Average seat occupancy: 72% during dinner rush.

Statistic 105

Food safety violation rates dropped 18% with digital logs.

Statistic 106

Delivery fulfillment time target: under 30 minutes for 85% orders.

Statistic 107

Utility costs: 4-6% of total operating expenses.

Statistic 108

Fast-food drive-thru wait: 4.2 minutes average.

Statistic 109

Front-of-house staff ratio: 1 per 20 seats.

Statistic 110

Dishwasher cycles per day: 500 in busy kitchens.

Statistic 111

Menu item count average: 45 entrees/apps.

Statistic 112

Peak hour labor scheduling accuracy: 87%.

Statistic 113

Refrigeration failure incidents: 3 per year.

Statistic 114

Order accuracy rate: 96.5% with POS.

Statistic 115

Cleaning schedules digitalized in 81%.

Statistic 116

Bar pour cost target: 20%.

Statistic 117

Delivery zone radius average: 3 miles.

Statistic 118

Seating capacity utilization: 65% yearly average.

Statistic 119

Vendor delivery frequency: 3x weekly.

Statistic 120

Health inspection pass rate: 92%.

Statistic 121

Kiosk upsell success: 28%.

Statistic 122

Average manager shifts per week: 50 hours.

Statistic 123

U.S. restaurant industry employs 15.9 million people as of 2023.

Statistic 124

48% of restaurant workers are part-time employees.

Statistic 125

Average hourly wage for servers: $14.50 in 2023.

Statistic 126

Turnover rate in restaurants: 73% annually in 2023.

Statistic 127

6.4 million back-of-house workers in U.S. restaurants.

Statistic 128

Women comprise 52% of the restaurant workforce.

Statistic 129

Training hours per new hire: 40 hours average.

Statistic 130

Overtime hours represent 8% of total labor hours.

Statistic 131

22% of workers aged 16-24 in the industry.

Statistic 132

Benefits offered to 45% of full-time staff.

Statistic 133

Chef salaries average $62,000 annually.

Statistic 134

Labor shortage affected 89% of restaurants in 2023.

Statistic 135

Remote hiring tools used by 67% of operators.

Statistic 136

Unionized workforce: 2.5% of total employees.

Statistic 137

Average tenure for managers: 4.2 years.

Statistic 138

Injury rate: 4.2 per 100 full-time workers.

Statistic 139

9.2 million tipped workers in U.S. restaurants.

Statistic 140

Bartender average wage: $16.20/hour.

Statistic 141

65% of operators raised wages 5-10% in 2023.

Statistic 142

Diversity training completed by 58% staff.

Statistic 143

Remote work for corporate: 22% roles.

Statistic 144

Line cook shortage: 1.2 million openings.

Statistic 145

Employee referral hires: 34%.

Statistic 146

Mental health benefits: 29% coverage.

Statistic 147

Night shift premium pay: 15% average.

Statistic 148

Cross-training implemented in 72% kitchens.

Statistic 149

Hispanic workers: 28% of workforce.

Statistic 150

Retention bonus usage: 41% operators.

Statistic 151

Server training ROI: 300% in first year.

Statistic 152

Overtime pay compliance: 94%.

Statistic 153

Electric vehicle charging for staff: 8% locations.

1/153

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Get ready to have your expectations flipped: the numbers behind today's dining scene reveal an industry that's feasting on change, from a booming trillion-dollar market and soaring delivery sales to razor-thin profit margins and a revolutionary shift towards ghost kitchens and AI menus.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the U.S. restaurant industry generated total sales of $1.1 trillion, marking a 7.3% increase from 2022.
Globally, the restaurant market size was valued at $3.5 trillion in 2022 and is projected to reach $5.1 trillion by 2027 at a CAGR of 7.8%.
Quick-service restaurants accounted for 37% of total U.S. restaurant sales in 2023, totaling approximately $407 billion.
55% of U.S. consumers dined out at least once a week in 2023.
68% of millennials prefer quick-service over full-service restaurants.
Online ordering adoption among U.S. diners reached 62% in 2023.
U.S. restaurants average 150 covers per day in high-volume locations.
Table turn time in casual dining averages 45 minutes.
Kitchen waste reduction efforts saved 12% on food costs in 2023.
U.S. restaurant industry employs 15.9 million people as of 2023.
48% of restaurant workers are part-time employees.
Average hourly wage for servers: $14.50 in 2023.
Global restaurant market expected to grow at 10.2% CAGR to 2030.
Plant-based menu items up 58% since 2019.
Ghost kitchens projected to reach 20,000 units by 2025.

The restaurant industry is growing robustly despite persistent pressure from rising costs.

Customer Behavior

55% of U.S. consumers dined out at least once a week in 2023.
68% of millennials prefer quick-service over full-service restaurants.
Online ordering adoption among U.S. diners reached 62% in 2023.
42% of consumers cite price as the top factor in restaurant choice.
Loyalty program participation grew to 51% of U.S. restaurant guests in 2023.
Vegetarian menu items ordered by 28% of diners, up 15% since 2020.
Average dine-in party size was 3.2 persons in U.S. casual dining 2023.
73% of Gen Z uses social media to discover new restaurants.
Delivery app usage for meals increased to 37% among urban consumers.
49% of diners avoid restaurants with poor online reviews.
Sustainable sourcing influences 61% of consumer restaurant choices.
Weekend dining peaks at 58% of weekly restaurant visits.
35% of consumers tried a new cuisine due to TikTok in 2023.
Contactless payment preference rose to 82% post-pandemic.
Family dining occasions represent 44% of full-service traffic.
67% of boomers prioritize ambiance over speed.
Alcohol-free menu options ordered by 24% of patrons.
Peak lunch hour (12-1pm) accounts for 29% of daily sales.
52% of diners use apps for reservations.
41% of U.S. adults visited a restaurant 4+ times monthly.
Mobile payments used by 71% of under-35 diners.
56% prefer outdoor seating when available.
Spicy food orders up 19% among Gen Z.
63% influenced by Instagram photos.
Average wait time tolerance: 15 minutes.
29% order desserts post-main course.
Value menu items drive 38% of QSR sales.
74% read reviews before visiting.
Weekend brunch visits up 14%.
47% of families choose kid-friendly options.
Low-carb orders: 22% of entrees.
Loyalty apps redeem 18% of visits.
Noise level complaints from 33% of diners.
Average restaurant visit duration: 68 minutes.

Customer Behavior Interpretation

The modern American restaurant scene is a high-wire act of appeasing price-conscious, digitally-influenced patrons who crave speedy, sustainable, and Instagrammable meals, all while navigating the delicate dance between quick-service convenience and the lingering desire for a proper sit-down experience.

Financial Metrics

In 2023, the U.S. restaurant industry generated total sales of $1.1 trillion, marking a 7.3% increase from 2022.
Globally, the restaurant market size was valued at $3.5 trillion in 2022 and is projected to reach $5.1 trillion by 2027 at a CAGR of 7.8%.
Quick-service restaurants accounted for 37% of total U.S. restaurant sales in 2023, totaling approximately $407 billion.
Full-service restaurants in the U.S. saw average annual sales per unit of $1.8 million in 2022.
Profit margins for independent restaurants averaged 3-5% in 2023, compared to 6-9% for chains.
U.S. restaurant food costs rose by 8.2% year-over-year in Q3 2023.
Labor costs represented 30.3% of total restaurant expenses in the U.S. in 2023.
Average check size at casual dining restaurants increased 5.1% to $21.50 in 2023.
Delivery sales grew to 15% of total restaurant sales in urban U.S. areas in 2023.
Fine dining restaurants reported a 12% revenue rebound in 2023 post-pandemic.
U.S. restaurant bankruptcies decreased by 22% in 2023 to 1,200 cases.
Off-premise sales (takeout/delivery) comprised 24% of total U.S. restaurant sales in 2023.
Average profit per full-service restaurant in the U.S. was $120,000 in 2022.
Beverage alcohol sales contributed 22% to total restaurant revenue in 2023.
Independent restaurants' average EBITDA margin was 4.2% in 2023.
U.S. fast-casual segment sales hit $29.2 billion in 2022, up 8%.
Restaurant debt levels increased 15% in 2023 due to expansion.
Catering revenue grew 11% year-over-year to $45 billion in U.S. 2023.
Ghost kitchen revenues reached $12 billion globally in 2023.
U.S. restaurant industry capex spending was $25 billion in 2023.
In 2023, U.S. restaurant sales per capita reached $3,200 annually.
Bar and tavern segment sales: $42 billion in 2023.
Average unit volume for top coffee chains: $1.2M.
Food-away-from-home expenditure: 54% of food budget.
Independent operator debt service coverage ratio: 1.8x.
28% of revenue from lunch in full-service.
U.S. fine casual sales: $18.5B in 2023.
Payment processing fees: 2.9% of sales.
Holiday season sales spike: 22% over average.
Global fine dining market: $250B in 2023.

Financial Metrics Interpretation

Amidst a staggering global feast of growth, the American restaurant industry reveals itself as a high-wire act of razor-thin margins, where the relentless rise of quick-service and delivery is subsidized by your five-dollar cup of coffee and a resilient, if financially precarious, love for a night out.

Industry Trends

Global restaurant market expected to grow at 10.2% CAGR to 2030.
Plant-based menu items up 58% since 2019.
Ghost kitchens projected to reach 20,000 units by 2025.
Sustainable packaging adopted by 76% of chains.
AI menu optimization used by 23% of large chains.
Asia-Pacific region holds 42% of global market share.
Contactless tech integration: 88% of restaurants.
Franchise ownership: 60% of QSR locations.
Experiential dining concepts grew 25% in 2023.
E-commerce integration for menus: 55% adoption.
Health-focused menus increased 34% post-COVID.
Dark store model expanded 40% in Europe.
Voice ordering trials in 12% of beta restaurants.
Zero-waste initiatives in 31% of fine dining.
Metaverse dining events piloted by 5 major chains.
Robot servers deployed in 15% urban spots.
NFT loyalty programs tested by 3 chains.
Farm-to-table claims verified in 67%.
Vegan options in 89% of casual chains.
Pop-up restaurants revenue: $2B annually.
Blockchain for supply chain: 11% adoption.
AR menu previews in 9% high-end.
Subscription meal plans: 5% market penetration.
Climate-resilient sourcing: 24% commitments.
Virtual reality training modules: 18% usage.

Industry Trends Interpretation

The future of dining is a chaotic yet calculated waltz where your ghost-kitchen burger, ordered by AI and served by a robot, is wrapped in sustainable packaging and fueled by the unstoppable growth of a market that’s rapidly becoming more virtual, vegan, and verified than ever before.

Operational Statistics

U.S. restaurants average 150 covers per day in high-volume locations.
Table turn time in casual dining averages 45 minutes.
Kitchen waste reduction efforts saved 12% on food costs in 2023.
POS system adoption reached 92% in U.S. restaurants.
Average kitchen staff per full-service restaurant: 15 employees.
Energy costs per square foot in restaurants: $2.50 annually.
Inventory turnover rate for restaurants: 12 times per year.
Reservation no-show rate averaged 15% in 2023.
Peak service hours utilize 95% of seating capacity.
Digital menu boards implemented in 68% of QSRs.
Average prep time for entrees: 18 minutes in full-service.
Self-service kiosks boosted order speed by 30%.
HVAC maintenance downtime averages 4 hours per month.
Online inventory tracking used by 75% of independents.
Average seat occupancy: 72% during dinner rush.
Food safety violation rates dropped 18% with digital logs.
Delivery fulfillment time target: under 30 minutes for 85% orders.
Utility costs: 4-6% of total operating expenses.
Fast-food drive-thru wait: 4.2 minutes average.
Front-of-house staff ratio: 1 per 20 seats.
Dishwasher cycles per day: 500 in busy kitchens.
Menu item count average: 45 entrees/apps.
Peak hour labor scheduling accuracy: 87%.
Refrigeration failure incidents: 3 per year.
Order accuracy rate: 96.5% with POS.
Cleaning schedules digitalized in 81%.
Bar pour cost target: 20%.
Delivery zone radius average: 3 miles.
Seating capacity utilization: 65% yearly average.
Vendor delivery frequency: 3x weekly.
Health inspection pass rate: 92%.
Kiosk upsell success: 28%.
Average manager shifts per week: 50 hours.

Operational Statistics Interpretation

The modern American restaurant is a high-stakes ballet of data and desperation, where chefs chase a 12% waste reduction between 45-minute table turns, managers juggle 15 employees and 50-hour weeks to appease the 15% of diners who ghost their reservations, all while POS systems and digital menus quietly battle to keep the lights on for $2.50 a square foot and the lettuce fresh at a 12-time annual turnover.

Workforce Data

U.S. restaurant industry employs 15.9 million people as of 2023.
48% of restaurant workers are part-time employees.
Average hourly wage for servers: $14.50 in 2023.
Turnover rate in restaurants: 73% annually in 2023.
6.4 million back-of-house workers in U.S. restaurants.
Women comprise 52% of the restaurant workforce.
Training hours per new hire: 40 hours average.
Overtime hours represent 8% of total labor hours.
22% of workers aged 16-24 in the industry.
Benefits offered to 45% of full-time staff.
Chef salaries average $62,000 annually.
Labor shortage affected 89% of restaurants in 2023.
Remote hiring tools used by 67% of operators.
Unionized workforce: 2.5% of total employees.
Average tenure for managers: 4.2 years.
Injury rate: 4.2 per 100 full-time workers.
9.2 million tipped workers in U.S. restaurants.
Bartender average wage: $16.20/hour.
65% of operators raised wages 5-10% in 2023.
Diversity training completed by 58% staff.
Remote work for corporate: 22% roles.
Line cook shortage: 1.2 million openings.
Employee referral hires: 34%.
Mental health benefits: 29% coverage.
Night shift premium pay: 15% average.
Cross-training implemented in 72% kitchens.
Hispanic workers: 28% of workforce.
Retention bonus usage: 41% operators.
Server training ROI: 300% in first year.
Overtime pay compliance: 94%.
Electric vehicle charging for staff: 8% locations.

Workforce Data Interpretation

Despite a staggering 73% annual turnover, a sea of part-time servers earning an average of $14.50 an hour, and a dire line cook shortage, the industry’s frantic scramble to hire and train—evidenced by 65% of operators raising wages and a 300% ROI on server training—reveals a precarious engine held together by duct tape, high hopes, and a 2.5% unionized workforce.

Sources & References

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