With 15.9 million people working in U.S. restaurants and restaurant industry sales topping $1.1 trillion, demand is still massive even as consumers change how and why they dine. Weekly habits are shifting too, from 57% of U.S. adults eating out at least once a week to 68% turning to off-premise options post-pandemic. The result is a Retail Restaurant Industry where check averages, loyalty behavior, staffing pressure, and even menu choices are moving in different directions at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Americans are dining out more than ever, with record checks and fast growth in off premise, delivery, and digital ordering.
Related reading
01 · Category
Consumer Spending and Habits25 stats
01
57% of U.S. adults report dining out at least once a week in 2023 surveys.
02
Average check size at full-service U.S. restaurants rose to $24.50in 2023, up 5% from 2022.
03
68% of consumers prefer off-premise options like takeout or delivery post-pandemic in 2023.
04
U.S. millennials dine out 5.6 times per week on average, spending $3,200annually per capita.
05
42% of Gen Z consumers prioritize sustainability in restaurant choices in 2023.
06
Average frequency of fast-food visits among U.S. consumers is 4.8 times per month in 2023.
07
76% of U.S. consumers used delivery apps at least monthly in 2023.
08
Hispanic consumers in U.S. spend 28% more on dining out than average, $4,100 annually in 2023.
09
55% of consumers seek value deals or discounts when dining out in 2023 surveys.
10
Boomers (55+) represent 28% of restaurant visits but 35% of spending in 2023.
11
62% of parents with children under 12 dine out weekly for family meals in 2023.
12
Urban consumers dine out 7.2 times per month vs. rural 4.1 times in U.S. 2023 data.
13
49% of consumers tried a new restaurant due to social media influence in 2023.
14
Average annual spend on coffee shops per U.S. consumer is $1,200in 2023.
15
71% of consumers order alcohol with meals at full-service spots 2.3 times monthly.
16
Women account for 54% of restaurant visits but 48% of total spend in 2023 U.S.
17
38% of consumers avoid restaurants with long wait times, preferring reservations.
18
Health-conscious eaters opt for low-calorie options 67% of the time in 2023.
19
52% of high-income households ($100k+) dine fine 1.8 times monthly in 2023.
20
Delivery orders average $35.60per transaction in U.S. restaurants 2023.
21
64% of consumers loyal to chains cite consistency in quality and price.
22
Weekend dining peaks at 45% of weekly visits for U.S. consumers in 2023.
23
29% increase in plant-based meal orders among vegans/vegetarians in 2023.
24
Solo diners rose to 22% of visits, up from 18% pre-2020 in 2023.
25
73% of consumers check online reviews before dining in 2023.
Interpretation
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.
02 · Category
Employment and Labor25 stats
01
U.S. restaurant industry employs 15.9 million people as of 2023, representing 10% of private sector workforce.
02
Average hourly wage for restaurant workers rose to $18.50in 2023, up 6.2% YoY.
03
60% of restaurant employees are under 35 years old in U.S. 2023 data.
04
Turnover rate in restaurants averaged 73% in 2023, highest in quick-service at 112%.
05
Women comprise 54% of the U.S. restaurant workforce in 2023.
06
1.2 million restaurant jobs added since low point of pandemic by 2023.
07
Servers earn median $14.20/hour including tips in 2023 BLS data.
08
45% of restaurants report staffing shortages as top challenge in 2023 surveys.
09
Hispanic workers make up 28% of restaurant employees in U.S. 2023.
10
Cooks and chefs average $17.80/hour, with 15% annual openings.
11
32% of operators plan to hire more in 2024, per 2023 forecasts.
12
Bartenders median wage $15.40/hour in 2023, 18% job growth projected to 2032.
13
68% of restaurants offer health benefits to full-time staff in 2023.
14
Entry-level jobs turnover at 150% annually in fast food 2023.
15
2.4 million seasonal jobs in restaurants during 2023 holidays.
16
Managers earn average $62,000annually in U.S. restaurants 2023.
17
22% of workforce is part-time, averaging 25 hours/week in 2023.
18
Training hours per new hire average 40 in full-service, 20 in QSR 2023.
19
Black/African American workers 12% of industry employment 2023.
20
11% projected job growth for food prep workers 2022-2032.
21
75% of operators raised wages by 5%+ in 2023 to attract talent.
22
Dishwashers median $13.50/hour, 16% openings rate 2023.
23
40% of Gen Z entering restaurant careers for flexibility 2023.
24
Unionization rate in restaurants under 2% in U.S. 2023.
25
Average tenure for servers 1.2 years, managers 4.5 years 2023.
Interpretation
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.
03 · Category
Market Size and Revenue30 stats
01
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.
02
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%.
03
Full-service restaurants in the U.S. generated $366.8 billion in revenue in 2023, while limited-service restaurants contributed $389.2 billion.
04
U.S. restaurant industry projected sales for 2024 are forecasted at $1.2 trillion, with off-premise dining driving 20% of growth.
05
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.
06
In 2023, casual dining restaurants in the U.S. saw sales of $285 billion, recovering 92% from pre-pandemic levels.
07
Global fine dining market revenue reached $68.4 billion in 2023, with Asia-Pacific holding 42% market share.
08
U.S. foodservice market (including restaurants) hit $1.4 trillion in 2023, with restaurants comprising 78%.
09
Fast-casual segment in U.S. generated $29.2 billion in 2023 sales, up 8.1% year-over-year.
10
Europe restaurant industry revenue stood at €650 billion in 2023, led by Italy and France.
11
U.S. restaurant sales per capita reached $3,200in 2023, compared to $2,950 in 2022.
12
Asia-Pacific restaurant market grew to $1.8 trillion in 2023, with China contributing 55%.
13
Bar and tavern segment in U.S. sales hit $47 billion in 2023, up 12% from 2022.
14
Projected U.S. restaurant industry growth rate for 2025 is 4.2%, driven by menu price increases of 3.8%.
15
Global cloud kitchen market, impacting restaurant revenues, valued at $51.96 billion in 2023, to grow at 13.7% CAGR.
16
U.S. independent restaurants generated $370 billion in 2023, representing 34% of total industry sales.
17
Latin America restaurant market size was $248 billion in 2023, with Brazil at 38% share.
18
U.S. family dining segment sales reached $120 billion in 2023.
19
Middle East & Africa restaurant industry valued at $145 billion in 2023, growing 7.1% annually.
20
U.S. restaurant sales from delivery services accounted for 15% or $165 billion in 2023.
21
Global vegan/plant-based restaurant revenue hit $29 billion in 2023.
22
U.S. pizzeria sales totaled $47.3 billion in 2023, with independents at 58%.
23
Canada restaurant industry sales were CAD 120 billion in 2023.
24
U.S. buffet restaurants generated $8.5 billion in 2023 sales.
25
Australia restaurant market size reached AUD 25 billion in 2023.
26
U.K. restaurant sector turnover was £100 billion in 2023.
27
India organized restaurant market valued at INR 5.5 trillion in 2023.
28
U.S. seafood restaurant sales hit $14.2 billion in 2023.
29
Global steakhouse market revenue was $112 billion in 2023.
30
U.S. total restaurant locations numbered 748,000 in 2023.
Interpretation
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.
More related reading
04 · Category
Operations and Costs25 stats
01
Food costs average 28% of sales, labor 32% in U.S. restaurants 2023.
02
Prime costs (food + labor) target under 65% of sales for profitability.
03
Average table turnover time 45 minutes in casual dining 2023.
04
Utility costs rose 15% YoY to 4.2% of sales in 2023.
05
Inventory waste averages 4-6% of food purchases annually.
06
POS system costs average $5,000initial + $200/month 2023.
07
Menu price increases averaged 4.1% in 2023 to offset inflation.
08
Break-even point for average restaurant 70-75% capacity occupancy.
09
Credit card fees 2.5-3.5% of transactions, $50B industry cost 2023.
10
Average rent $45/sq ft for urban restaurants in 2023.
11
Kitchen equipment replacement cycle 7-10 years, costing $100k avg.
12
Delivery commissions average 15-30% per order to platforms 2023.
13
Profit margins average 3-5% for independents, 6-9% chains 2023.
14
Overtime labor 8% of payroll in high-volume spots 2023.
15
Marketing budget 3-6% of sales recommended, digital 70% 2023.
16
Average seat cost to operate $2,500/year in full-service.
17
Insurance premiums up 12% to $25k avg annual for mid-size 2023.
18
Energy costs per sq ft $3.50/month, LEDs save 25% 2023.
19
Vendor markups average 20-30% on food deliveries.
20
Closing costs average 2 hours staff time daily, 5% labor waste.
21
Loyalty program ROI 15-25% higher repeat visits 2023 data.
22
Avg order value up 8% with upselling training 2023.
23
Maintenance costs 1-2% of revenue annually.
24
25% of restaurants close within first year due to cash flow.
25
AI inventory tools reduce waste by 10-20% in pilots 2023.
Interpretation
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.
05 · Category
Trends and Technology26 stats
01
65% of U.S. restaurants adopted contactless payments by 2023.
02
Ghost kitchens grew 59% to 40,000 locations globally in 2023.
03
82% of consumers expect mobile ordering options in 2023 surveys.
04
Plant-based menu items up 23% since 2020, 12% in 2023 alone.
05
AI chatbots handle 30% of reservations in top chains 2023.
06
Sustainability initiatives in 51% of menus, recycling 75% waste.
07
QR code menus used by 88% of restaurants post-2023.
08
Voice ordering via Alexa/Google up 40% in QSR 2023.
09
NFTs/loyalty tokens piloted by 5% upscale restaurants 2023.
10
Robotic servers deployed in 1,200 U.S. locations 2023.
11
Personalized menus via AI increased sales 11% in tests.
12
Zero-waste kitchens in 18% of fine dining 2023.
13
Metaverse dining events attended by 2M virtual users 2023.
14
Blockchain for supply chain transparency in 12% chains.
15
AR menu visualization boosts orders 17% in pilots.
16
Hyper-local sourcing on 34% menus, farm-to-table up 15%.
17
Self-order kiosks in 45% QSR, reducing labor 20%.
18
Data analytics predict demand accuracy 85% in advanced ops.
19
Vegan/gluten-free options in 62% casual menus 2023.
20
Drone delivery tested by 8 chains, 5-mile radius.
21
Wearables for staff track efficiency, 12% productivity gain.
22
Crypto payments accepted by 3% urban spots 2023.
23
Immersive dining with projections in 150 venues worldwide.
24
Predictive maintenance IoT cuts downtime 25%.
25
Social commerce drives 22% traffic via TikTok/Instagram.
26
76% restaurants use loyalty apps, retention up 28%.
Interpretation
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.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
David Kowalski. (2026, February 13). Retail Restaurant Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/retail-restaurant-industry-statistics
MLA
David Kowalski. "Retail Restaurant Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/retail-restaurant-industry-statistics.
Chicago
David Kowalski. 2026. "Retail Restaurant Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/retail-restaurant-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
73 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level