GITNUXREPORT 2026

Retail Restaurant Industry Statistics

The restaurant industry is thriving globally with strong sales growth and evolving consumer trends.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Statistic 1

57% of U.S. adults report dining out at least once a week in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 2

Average check size at full-service U.S. restaurants rose to $24.50 in 2023, up 5% from 2022.

Statistic 3

68% of consumers prefer off-premise options like takeout or delivery post-pandemic in 2023.

Statistic 4

U.S. millennials dine out 5.6 times per week on average, spending $3,200 annually per capita.

Statistic 5

42% of Gen Z consumers prioritize sustainability in restaurant choices in 2023.

Statistic 6

Average frequency of fast-food visits among U.S. consumers is 4.8 times per month in 2023.

Statistic 7

76% of U.S. consumers used delivery apps at least monthly in 2023.

Statistic 8

Hispanic consumers in U.S. spend 28% more on dining out than average, $4,100 annually in 2023.

Statistic 9

55% of consumers seek value deals or discounts when dining out in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 10

Boomers (55+) represent 28% of restaurant visits but 35% of spending in 2023.

Statistic 11

62% of parents with children under 12 dine out weekly for family meals in 2023.

Statistic 12

Urban consumers dine out 7.2 times per month vs. rural 4.1 times in U.S. 2023 data.

Statistic 13

49% of consumers tried a new restaurant due to social media influence in 2023.

Statistic 14

Average annual spend on coffee shops per U.S. consumer is $1,200 in 2023.

Statistic 15

71% of consumers order alcohol with meals at full-service spots 2.3 times monthly.

Statistic 16

Women account for 54% of restaurant visits but 48% of total spend in 2023 U.S.

Statistic 17

38% of consumers avoid restaurants with long wait times, preferring reservations.

Statistic 18

Health-conscious eaters opt for low-calorie options 67% of the time in 2023.

Statistic 19

52% of high-income households ($100k+) dine fine 1.8 times monthly in 2023.

Statistic 20

Delivery orders average $35.60 per transaction in U.S. restaurants 2023.

Statistic 21

64% of consumers loyal to chains cite consistency in quality and price.

Statistic 22

Weekend dining peaks at 45% of weekly visits for U.S. consumers in 2023.

Statistic 23

29% increase in plant-based meal orders among vegans/vegetarians in 2023.

Statistic 24

Solo diners rose to 22% of visits, up from 18% pre-2020 in 2023.

Statistic 25

73% of consumers check online reviews before dining in 2023.

Statistic 26

U.S. restaurant industry employs 15.9 million people as of 2023, representing 10% of private sector workforce.

Statistic 27

Average hourly wage for restaurant workers rose to $18.50 in 2023, up 6.2% YoY.

Statistic 28

60% of restaurant employees are under 35 years old in U.S. 2023 data.

Statistic 29

Turnover rate in restaurants averaged 73% in 2023, highest in quick-service at 112%.

Statistic 30

Women comprise 54% of the U.S. restaurant workforce in 2023.

Statistic 31

1.2 million restaurant jobs added since low point of pandemic by 2023.

Statistic 32

Servers earn median $14.20/hour including tips in 2023 BLS data.

Statistic 33

45% of restaurants report staffing shortages as top challenge in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 34

Hispanic workers make up 28% of restaurant employees in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 35

Cooks and chefs average $17.80/hour, with 15% annual openings.

Statistic 36

32% of operators plan to hire more in 2024, per 2023 forecasts.

Statistic 37

Bartenders median wage $15.40/hour in 2023, 18% job growth projected to 2032.

Statistic 38

68% of restaurants offer health benefits to full-time staff in 2023.

Statistic 39

Entry-level jobs turnover at 150% annually in fast food 2023.

Statistic 40

2.4 million seasonal jobs in restaurants during 2023 holidays.

Statistic 41

Managers earn average $62,000 annually in U.S. restaurants 2023.

Statistic 42

22% of workforce is part-time, averaging 25 hours/week in 2023.

Statistic 43

Training hours per new hire average 40 in full-service, 20 in QSR 2023.

Statistic 44

Black/African American workers 12% of industry employment 2023.

Statistic 45

11% projected job growth for food prep workers 2022-2032.

Statistic 46

75% of operators raised wages by 5%+ in 2023 to attract talent.

Statistic 47

Dishwashers median $13.50/hour, 16% openings rate 2023.

Statistic 48

40% of Gen Z entering restaurant careers for flexibility 2023.

Statistic 49

Unionization rate in restaurants under 2% in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 50

Average tenure for servers 1.2 years, managers 4.5 years 2023.

Statistic 51

In 2023, U.S. restaurant industry sales totaled $1.1 trillion, representing a 7.5% increase from 2022 and accounting for 4% of the nation's gross domestic product.

Statistic 52

The global restaurant market size was valued at $3.36 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach $5.12 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%.

Statistic 53

Full-service restaurants in the U.S. generated $366.8 billion in revenue in 2023, while limited-service restaurants contributed $389.2 billion.

Statistic 54

U.S. restaurant industry projected sales for 2024 are forecasted at $1.2 trillion, with off-premise dining driving 20% of growth.

Statistic 55

The quick-service restaurant (QSR) segment worldwide was worth $912.5 billion in 2022, expected to grow to $1.6 trillion by 2032 at 5.8% CAGR.

Statistic 56

In 2023, casual dining restaurants in the U.S. saw sales of $285 billion, recovering 92% from pre-pandemic levels.

Statistic 57

Global fine dining market revenue reached $68.4 billion in 2023, with Asia-Pacific holding 42% market share.

Statistic 58

U.S. foodservice market (including restaurants) hit $1.4 trillion in 2023, with restaurants comprising 78%.

Statistic 59

Fast-casual segment in U.S. generated $29.2 billion in 2023 sales, up 8.1% year-over-year.

Statistic 60

Europe restaurant industry revenue stood at €650 billion in 2023, led by Italy and France.

Statistic 61

U.S. restaurant sales per capita reached $3,200 in 2023, compared to $2,950 in 2022.

Statistic 62

Asia-Pacific restaurant market grew to $1.8 trillion in 2023, with China contributing 55%.

Statistic 63

Bar and tavern segment in U.S. sales hit $47 billion in 2023, up 12% from 2022.

Statistic 64

Projected U.S. restaurant industry growth rate for 2025 is 4.2%, driven by menu price increases of 3.8%.

Statistic 65

Global cloud kitchen market, impacting restaurant revenues, valued at $51.96 billion in 2023, to grow at 13.7% CAGR.

Statistic 66

U.S. independent restaurants generated $370 billion in 2023, representing 34% of total industry sales.

Statistic 67

Latin America restaurant market size was $248 billion in 2023, with Brazil at 38% share.

Statistic 68

U.S. family dining segment sales reached $120 billion in 2023.

Statistic 69

Middle East & Africa restaurant industry valued at $145 billion in 2023, growing 7.1% annually.

Statistic 70

U.S. restaurant sales from delivery services accounted for 15% or $165 billion in 2023.

Statistic 71

Global vegan/plant-based restaurant revenue hit $29 billion in 2023.

Statistic 72

U.S. pizzeria sales totaled $47.3 billion in 2023, with independents at 58%.

Statistic 73

Canada restaurant industry sales were CAD 120 billion in 2023.

Statistic 74

U.S. buffet restaurants generated $8.5 billion in 2023 sales.

Statistic 75

Australia restaurant market size reached AUD 25 billion in 2023.

Statistic 76

U.K. restaurant sector turnover was £100 billion in 2023.

Statistic 77

India organized restaurant market valued at INR 5.5 trillion in 2023.

Statistic 78

U.S. seafood restaurant sales hit $14.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 79

Global steakhouse market revenue was $112 billion in 2023.

Statistic 80

U.S. total restaurant locations numbered 748,000 in 2023.

Statistic 81

Food costs average 28% of sales, labor 32% in U.S. restaurants 2023.

Statistic 82

Prime costs (food + labor) target under 65% of sales for profitability.

Statistic 83

Average table turnover time 45 minutes in casual dining 2023.

Statistic 84

Utility costs rose 15% YoY to 4.2% of sales in 2023.

Statistic 85

Inventory waste averages 4-6% of food purchases annually.

Statistic 86

POS system costs average $5,000 initial + $200/month 2023.

Statistic 87

Menu price increases averaged 4.1% in 2023 to offset inflation.

Statistic 88

Break-even point for average restaurant 70-75% capacity occupancy.

Statistic 89

Credit card fees 2.5-3.5% of transactions, $50B industry cost 2023.

Statistic 90

Average rent $45/sq ft for urban restaurants in 2023.

Statistic 91

Kitchen equipment replacement cycle 7-10 years, costing $100k avg.

Statistic 92

Delivery commissions average 15-30% per order to platforms 2023.

Statistic 93

Profit margins average 3-5% for independents, 6-9% chains 2023.

Statistic 94

Overtime labor 8% of payroll in high-volume spots 2023.

Statistic 95

Marketing budget 3-6% of sales recommended, digital 70% 2023.

Statistic 96

Average seat cost to operate $2,500/year in full-service.

Statistic 97

Insurance premiums up 12% to $25k avg annual for mid-size 2023.

Statistic 98

Energy costs per sq ft $3.50/month, LEDs save 25% 2023.

Statistic 99

Vendor markups average 20-30% on food deliveries.

Statistic 100

Closing costs average 2 hours staff time daily, 5% labor waste.

Statistic 101

Loyalty program ROI 15-25% higher repeat visits 2023 data.

Statistic 102

Avg order value up 8% with upselling training 2023.

Statistic 103

Maintenance costs 1-2% of revenue annually.

Statistic 104

25% of restaurants close within first year due to cash flow.

Statistic 105

AI inventory tools reduce waste by 10-20% in pilots 2023.

Statistic 106

65% of U.S. restaurants adopted contactless payments by 2023.

Statistic 107

Ghost kitchens grew 59% to 40,000 locations globally in 2023.

Statistic 108

82% of consumers expect mobile ordering options in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 109

Plant-based menu items up 23% since 2020, 12% in 2023 alone.

Statistic 110

AI chatbots handle 30% of reservations in top chains 2023.

Statistic 111

Sustainability initiatives in 51% of menus, recycling 75% waste.

Statistic 112

QR code menus used by 88% of restaurants post-2023.

Statistic 113

Voice ordering via Alexa/Google up 40% in QSR 2023.

Statistic 114

NFTs/loyalty tokens piloted by 5% upscale restaurants 2023.

Statistic 115

Robotic servers deployed in 1,200 U.S. locations 2023.

Statistic 116

Personalized menus via AI increased sales 11% in tests.

Statistic 117

Zero-waste kitchens in 18% of fine dining 2023.

Statistic 118

Metaverse dining events attended by 2M virtual users 2023.

Statistic 119

Blockchain for supply chain transparency in 12% chains.

Statistic 120

AR menu visualization boosts orders 17% in pilots.

Statistic 121

Hyper-local sourcing on 34% menus, farm-to-table up 15%.

Statistic 122

Self-order kiosks in 45% QSR, reducing labor 20%.

Statistic 123

Data analytics predict demand accuracy 85% in advanced ops.

Statistic 124

Vegan/gluten-free options in 62% casual menus 2023.

Statistic 125

Drone delivery tested by 8 chains, 5-mile radius.

Statistic 126

Wearables for staff track efficiency, 12% productivity gain.

Statistic 127

Crypto payments accepted by 3% urban spots 2023.

Statistic 128

Immersive dining with projections in 150 venues worldwide.

Statistic 129

Predictive maintenance IoT cuts downtime 25%.

Statistic 130

Social commerce drives 22% traffic via TikTok/Instagram.

Statistic 131

76% restaurants use loyalty apps, retention up 28%.

1/131

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Imagine a single industry so colossal that, if it were its own country, its $1.1 trillion in U.S. sales alone would make it a top 15 global economy, but that's just the tip of the iceberg in a restaurant landscape valued at over $3 trillion worldwide.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, U.S. restaurant industry sales totaled $1.1 trillion, representing a 7.5% increase from 2022 and accounting for 4% of the nation's gross domestic product.
The global restaurant market size was valued at $3.36 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach $5.12 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%.
Full-service restaurants in the U.S. generated $366.8 billion in revenue in 2023, while limited-service restaurants contributed $389.2 billion.
57% of U.S. adults report dining out at least once a week in 2023 surveys.
Average check size at full-service U.S. restaurants rose to $24.50 in 2023, up 5% from 2022.
68% of consumers prefer off-premise options like takeout or delivery post-pandemic in 2023.
U.S. restaurant industry employs 15.9 million people as of 2023, representing 10% of private sector workforce.
Average hourly wage for restaurant workers rose to $18.50 in 2023, up 6.2% YoY.
60% of restaurant employees are under 35 years old in U.S. 2023 data.
Food costs average 28% of sales, labor 32% in U.S. restaurants 2023.
Prime costs (food + labor) target under 65% of sales for profitability.
Average table turnover time 45 minutes in casual dining 2023.
65% of U.S. restaurants adopted contactless payments by 2023.
Ghost kitchens grew 59% to 40,000 locations globally in 2023.
82% of consumers expect mobile ordering options in 2023 surveys.

The restaurant industry is thriving globally with strong sales growth and evolving consumer trends.

Consumer Spending and Habits

57% of U.S. adults report dining out at least once a week in 2023 surveys.
Average check size at full-service U.S. restaurants rose to $24.50 in 2023, up 5% from 2022.
68% of consumers prefer off-premise options like takeout or delivery post-pandemic in 2023.
U.S. millennials dine out 5.6 times per week on average, spending $3,200 annually per capita.
42% of Gen Z consumers prioritize sustainability in restaurant choices in 2023.
Average frequency of fast-food visits among U.S. consumers is 4.8 times per month in 2023.
76% of U.S. consumers used delivery apps at least monthly in 2023.
Hispanic consumers in U.S. spend 28% more on dining out than average, $4,100 annually in 2023.
55% of consumers seek value deals or discounts when dining out in 2023 surveys.
Boomers (55+) represent 28% of restaurant visits but 35% of spending in 2023.
62% of parents with children under 12 dine out weekly for family meals in 2023.
Urban consumers dine out 7.2 times per month vs. rural 4.1 times in U.S. 2023 data.
49% of consumers tried a new restaurant due to social media influence in 2023.
Average annual spend on coffee shops per U.S. consumer is $1,200 in 2023.
71% of consumers order alcohol with meals at full-service spots 2.3 times monthly.
Women account for 54% of restaurant visits but 48% of total spend in 2023 U.S.
38% of consumers avoid restaurants with long wait times, preferring reservations.
Health-conscious eaters opt for low-calorie options 67% of the time in 2023.
52% of high-income households ($100k+) dine fine 1.8 times monthly in 2023.
Delivery orders average $35.60 per transaction in U.S. restaurants 2023.
64% of consumers loyal to chains cite consistency in quality and price.
Weekend dining peaks at 45% of weekly visits for U.S. consumers in 2023.
29% increase in plant-based meal orders among vegans/vegetarians in 2023.
Solo diners rose to 22% of visits, up from 18% pre-2020 in 2023.
73% of consumers check online reviews before dining in 2023.

Consumer Spending and Habits Interpretation

Americans are ordering out more and paying more for it, as the post-pandemic craving for convenience battles a growing appetite for sustainability and value, all while social media tempts us with new places and Boomers quietly pick up a larger share of the tab.

Employment and Labor

U.S. restaurant industry employs 15.9 million people as of 2023, representing 10% of private sector workforce.
Average hourly wage for restaurant workers rose to $18.50 in 2023, up 6.2% YoY.
60% of restaurant employees are under 35 years old in U.S. 2023 data.
Turnover rate in restaurants averaged 73% in 2023, highest in quick-service at 112%.
Women comprise 54% of the U.S. restaurant workforce in 2023.
1.2 million restaurant jobs added since low point of pandemic by 2023.
Servers earn median $14.20/hour including tips in 2023 BLS data.
45% of restaurants report staffing shortages as top challenge in 2023 surveys.
Hispanic workers make up 28% of restaurant employees in U.S. 2023.
Cooks and chefs average $17.80/hour, with 15% annual openings.
32% of operators plan to hire more in 2024, per 2023 forecasts.
Bartenders median wage $15.40/hour in 2023, 18% job growth projected to 2032.
68% of restaurants offer health benefits to full-time staff in 2023.
Entry-level jobs turnover at 150% annually in fast food 2023.
2.4 million seasonal jobs in restaurants during 2023 holidays.
Managers earn average $62,000 annually in U.S. restaurants 2023.
22% of workforce is part-time, averaging 25 hours/week in 2023.
Training hours per new hire average 40 in full-service, 20 in QSR 2023.
Black/African American workers 12% of industry employment 2023.
11% projected job growth for food prep workers 2022-2032.
75% of operators raised wages by 5%+ in 2023 to attract talent.
Dishwashers median $13.50/hour, 16% openings rate 2023.
40% of Gen Z entering restaurant careers for flexibility 2023.
Unionization rate in restaurants under 2% in U.S. 2023.
Average tenure for servers 1.2 years, managers 4.5 years 2023.

Employment and Labor Interpretation

Despite fueling one-tenth of the nation's jobs with youthful energy, the restaurant industry's engine is running hot and loud, as it tries to lubricate a system of rapid turnover and staffing shortages with modest wage hikes and hopes for better tenure.

Market Size and Revenue

In 2023, U.S. restaurant industry sales totaled $1.1 trillion, representing a 7.5% increase from 2022 and accounting for 4% of the nation's gross domestic product.
The global restaurant market size was valued at $3.36 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach $5.12 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.2%.
Full-service restaurants in the U.S. generated $366.8 billion in revenue in 2023, while limited-service restaurants contributed $389.2 billion.
U.S. restaurant industry projected sales for 2024 are forecasted at $1.2 trillion, with off-premise dining driving 20% of growth.
The quick-service restaurant (QSR) segment worldwide was worth $912.5 billion in 2022, expected to grow to $1.6 trillion by 2032 at 5.8% CAGR.
In 2023, casual dining restaurants in the U.S. saw sales of $285 billion, recovering 92% from pre-pandemic levels.
Global fine dining market revenue reached $68.4 billion in 2023, with Asia-Pacific holding 42% market share.
U.S. foodservice market (including restaurants) hit $1.4 trillion in 2023, with restaurants comprising 78%.
Fast-casual segment in U.S. generated $29.2 billion in 2023 sales, up 8.1% year-over-year.
Europe restaurant industry revenue stood at €650 billion in 2023, led by Italy and France.
U.S. restaurant sales per capita reached $3,200 in 2023, compared to $2,950 in 2022.
Asia-Pacific restaurant market grew to $1.8 trillion in 2023, with China contributing 55%.
Bar and tavern segment in U.S. sales hit $47 billion in 2023, up 12% from 2022.
Projected U.S. restaurant industry growth rate for 2025 is 4.2%, driven by menu price increases of 3.8%.
Global cloud kitchen market, impacting restaurant revenues, valued at $51.96 billion in 2023, to grow at 13.7% CAGR.
U.S. independent restaurants generated $370 billion in 2023, representing 34% of total industry sales.
Latin America restaurant market size was $248 billion in 2023, with Brazil at 38% share.
U.S. family dining segment sales reached $120 billion in 2023.
Middle East & Africa restaurant industry valued at $145 billion in 2023, growing 7.1% annually.
U.S. restaurant sales from delivery services accounted for 15% or $165 billion in 2023.
Global vegan/plant-based restaurant revenue hit $29 billion in 2023.
U.S. pizzeria sales totaled $47.3 billion in 2023, with independents at 58%.
Canada restaurant industry sales were CAD 120 billion in 2023.
U.S. buffet restaurants generated $8.5 billion in 2023 sales.
Australia restaurant market size reached AUD 25 billion in 2023.
U.K. restaurant sector turnover was £100 billion in 2023.
India organized restaurant market valued at INR 5.5 trillion in 2023.
U.S. seafood restaurant sales hit $14.2 billion in 2023.
Global steakhouse market revenue was $112 billion in 2023.
U.S. total restaurant locations numbered 748,000 in 2023.

Market Size and Revenue Interpretation

The restaurant industry is serving up a staggering global feast, proving that whether it’s a quick burger or a fine-dining experience, people will consistently pay good money to avoid cooking and dishes.

Operations and Costs

Food costs average 28% of sales, labor 32% in U.S. restaurants 2023.
Prime costs (food + labor) target under 65% of sales for profitability.
Average table turnover time 45 minutes in casual dining 2023.
Utility costs rose 15% YoY to 4.2% of sales in 2023.
Inventory waste averages 4-6% of food purchases annually.
POS system costs average $5,000 initial + $200/month 2023.
Menu price increases averaged 4.1% in 2023 to offset inflation.
Break-even point for average restaurant 70-75% capacity occupancy.
Credit card fees 2.5-3.5% of transactions, $50B industry cost 2023.
Average rent $45/sq ft for urban restaurants in 2023.
Kitchen equipment replacement cycle 7-10 years, costing $100k avg.
Delivery commissions average 15-30% per order to platforms 2023.
Profit margins average 3-5% for independents, 6-9% chains 2023.
Overtime labor 8% of payroll in high-volume spots 2023.
Marketing budget 3-6% of sales recommended, digital 70% 2023.
Average seat cost to operate $2,500/year in full-service.
Insurance premiums up 12% to $25k avg annual for mid-size 2023.
Energy costs per sq ft $3.50/month, LEDs save 25% 2023.
Vendor markups average 20-30% on food deliveries.
Closing costs average 2 hours staff time daily, 5% labor waste.
Loyalty program ROI 15-25% higher repeat visits 2023 data.
Avg order value up 8% with upselling training 2023.
Maintenance costs 1-2% of revenue annually.
25% of restaurants close within first year due to cash flow.
AI inventory tools reduce waste by 10-20% in pilots 2023.

Operations and Costs Interpretation

Restaurants are a high-stakes math test where you solve for profit by juggling razor-thin margins, agonizing over every wasted minute and lettuce leaf, while paying a small army of vendors and platforms just for the privilege of serving a customer who might not even tip.

Trends and Technology

65% of U.S. restaurants adopted contactless payments by 2023.
Ghost kitchens grew 59% to 40,000 locations globally in 2023.
82% of consumers expect mobile ordering options in 2023 surveys.
Plant-based menu items up 23% since 2020, 12% in 2023 alone.
AI chatbots handle 30% of reservations in top chains 2023.
Sustainability initiatives in 51% of menus, recycling 75% waste.
QR code menus used by 88% of restaurants post-2023.
Voice ordering via Alexa/Google up 40% in QSR 2023.
NFTs/loyalty tokens piloted by 5% upscale restaurants 2023.
Robotic servers deployed in 1,200 U.S. locations 2023.
Personalized menus via AI increased sales 11% in tests.
Zero-waste kitchens in 18% of fine dining 2023.
Metaverse dining events attended by 2M virtual users 2023.
Blockchain for supply chain transparency in 12% chains.
AR menu visualization boosts orders 17% in pilots.
Hyper-local sourcing on 34% menus, farm-to-table up 15%.
Self-order kiosks in 45% QSR, reducing labor 20%.
Data analytics predict demand accuracy 85% in advanced ops.
Vegan/gluten-free options in 62% casual menus 2023.
Drone delivery tested by 8 chains, 5-mile radius.
Wearables for staff track efficiency, 12% productivity gain.
Crypto payments accepted by 3% urban spots 2023.
Immersive dining with projections in 150 venues worldwide.
Predictive maintenance IoT cuts downtime 25%.
Social commerce drives 22% traffic via TikTok/Instagram.
76% restaurants use loyalty apps, retention up 28%.

Trends and Technology Interpretation

Restaurants have become a high-tech orchestra of convenience and conscience, where your meal might be ordered by voice, cooked in a ghost kitchen, delivered by a drone, and tracked on a blockchain, all because you, the diner, now expect the future to arrive with your fries.

Sources & References

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