GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

The Restaurant Industry Statistics

The restaurant industry statistics encompass factors such as revenue, employment, consumer spending, and market trends, providing valuable insights into the competitive landscape and economic impact of dining establishments.

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Highlights: The Restaurant Industry Statistics

  • The restaurant industry in the US is projected to make $899 billion in sales in 2020, a decline of $240 billion from forecasts made before the Covid-19 outbreak.
  • Quick service restaurants (QSRs) account for over half of all US restaurant traffic.
  • Over 110,000 eating and drinking place establishments in the U.S. closed for business temporarily, or for good, at some point in 2020.
  • By 2030, the restaurant workforce is expected to grow by 14% totaling 17 million.
  • In 2019, the restaurant industry accounted for more than 4 percent of U.S. GDP.
  • About 47% of all restaurant workers are women, and exactly 50% of all restaurant owners are women.
  • 60% of all restaurants fail within their first year, with 80% closing within their first five years of operation.
  • Over 70% of restaurants are single-unit operations.
  • In 2020, fine dining was the hardest segment hit, with sales down 48%.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic forced 41% of restaurant operators to temporarily close their restaurants.
  • In 2019, $62.5 billion was made in revenue from food and drink sales in bars and taverns in the U.S.
  • In 2019, fast food represented a 23.6% share of the total restaurants in the United States.
  • Restaurant job growth outpaced the overall economy in 18 of the last 20 years.
  • 89.4% of QSR locations in the U.S. offer drive-thru services.
  • More than 45% of adults say restaurants are an essential part of their lifestyle.
  • 7 out of 10 restaurants are single-unit operations.
  • In 2019, franchises accounted for 19.5% of total restaurant sales in the US.
  • The average spend per person in quick service restaurants is $5.23.

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The Latest The Restaurant Industry Statistics Explained

The restaurant industry in the US is projected to make $899 billion in sales in 2020, a decline of $240 billion from forecasts made before the Covid-19 outbreak.

The statistic provided indicates that the restaurant industry in the US is expected to generate $899 billion in sales in the year 2020, which represents a significant decline of $240 billion from the initial forecasts that were made before the Covid-19 outbreak. This large decrease in projected sales can be attributed to the widespread impact of the pandemic on the restaurant sector, including forced closures, reduced capacity, and changing consumer behavior. The substantial drop in revenue highlights the challenges faced by the industry as it navigates the unprecedented disruptions caused by the global health crisis, underscoring the need for adaptation and resilience in the face of such unforeseen events.

Quick service restaurants (QSRs) account for over half of all US restaurant traffic.

The statistic that Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) account for over half of all US restaurant traffic indicates that fast-food establishments are the most popular type of restaurant in the United States in terms of customer visits. This statistic suggests that QSRs, known for their quick service and affordable pricing, hold a dominant market share compared to other types of dining establishments such as casual dining restaurants or fine dining establishments. The high volume of customer traffic at QSRs underscores the strong demand for convenient and fast dining options in American culture, reflecting a preference for quick and efficient meals on-the-go.

Over 110,000 eating and drinking place establishments in the U.S. closed for business temporarily, or for good, at some point in 2020.

The statistic indicates that over 110,000 eating and drinking place establishments in the U.S. closed their doors temporarily or permanently at some point during 2020. This significant number reflects the devastating impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the food service industry. The closures were likely driven by various factors, including government-mandated lockdowns, reduced consumer spending, and health and safety concerns among both customers and staff. The closures have led to widespread financial hardships for restaurant and bar owners, as well as the loss of jobs for many employees within the industry. The long-term effects of these closures are yet to be fully realized, but it is clear that the pandemic has had a profound and lasting impact on the food and beverage sector in the U.S.

By 2030, the restaurant workforce is expected to grow by 14% totaling 17 million.

The statistic indicates that the restaurant workforce is projected to experience a 14% increase by the year 2030, ultimately reaching a total of 17 million individuals employed in the industry. This growth forecast suggests a positive trajectory for the restaurant sector, potentially driven by factors such as population growth, changing consumer preferences, and economic conditions. The anticipated expansion in the number of employees highlights the industry’s importance in providing job opportunities and contributing to the overall economy. Policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders in the restaurant sector may use this statistic to make informed decisions regarding workforce planning, training programs, and sector-specific policies to support the anticipated growth.

In 2019, the restaurant industry accounted for more than 4 percent of U.S. GDP.

The statistic that the restaurant industry accounted for more than 4 percent of U.S. GDP in 2019 indicates the significant economic contribution of the restaurant sector to the overall economy. This suggests that a substantial portion of consumer spending and economic activity in the United States was driven by restaurants and related services during that year. The statistic points to the importance of the restaurant industry as a major player in the country’s economic landscape, creating jobs, generating revenue, and supporting various businesses in the food and hospitality sectors. As such, the performance and dynamics of the restaurant industry can have implications for the broader economy, reflecting consumer behavior, income levels, and overall economic trends.

About 47% of all restaurant workers are women, and exactly 50% of all restaurant owners are women.

The statistic suggests that although nearly half (47%) of all restaurant workers are women, gender parity is achieved within the segment of restaurant owners where exactly 50% are women. This indicates a somewhat balanced representation of women in ownership positions within the restaurant industry compared to their overall presence in the workforce. However, there is still a notable gap in representation at other levels of employment within restaurants, where women make up less than half of the workforce. This statistic highlights a potential area for improvement in promoting gender equality and diversity across all levels of employment within the restaurant industry.

60% of all restaurants fail within their first year, with 80% closing within their first five years of operation.

The statistic that 60% of all restaurants fail within their first year, with 80% closing within their first five years of operation, highlights the high rate of failure in the restaurant industry. This data suggests that a significant majority of restaurants struggle to sustain their business operations and ultimately cease to exist within a relatively short time frame. There are various factors that may contribute to this high failure rate, such as intense competition, high operating costs, fluctuating consumer preferences, and poor management practices. As a result, it is crucial for restaurant owners to carefully plan their business strategies, manage resources effectively, and adapt to market dynamics in order to improve their chances of long-term success in this challenging industry.

Over 70% of restaurants are single-unit operations.

The statistic ‘Over 70% of restaurants are single-unit operations’ indicates that a majority of restaurants operate as standalone establishments, rather than as part of a larger chain or franchised network. This suggests that the restaurant industry is largely made up of independently owned and operated establishments, with only a minority being part of multi-location chains. Single-unit operations may have advantages such as more flexibility in menu offerings and business decisions, but they may also face challenges in terms of economies of scale and marketing advantages that chain restaurants enjoy. This statistic highlights the diversity within the restaurant industry and the prevalence of independent ownership in this sector.

In 2020, fine dining was the hardest segment hit, with sales down 48%.

The statistic “In 2020, fine dining was the hardest segment hit, with sales down 48%” indicates that the fine dining industry experienced a significant decline in sales compared to other segments during the year. The 48% decrease highlights the substantial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the fine dining sector, likely resulting from lockdowns, restrictions, and consumer behavior changes such as reduced dining out and preferences for more affordable options. This statistic suggests that fine dining establishments faced immense challenges and financial strain in 2020, emphasizing the importance of adapting business models, implementing innovative strategies, and building resilience to survive and recover in such unprecedented times.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced 41% of restaurant operators to temporarily close their restaurants.

The statistic that the COVID-19 pandemic forced 41% of restaurant operators to temporarily close their restaurants indicates a significant impact on the restaurant industry due to the public health crisis. This data highlights the widespread challenges faced by restaurant owners in responding to lockdowns, restrictions, and decreased consumer demand during the pandemic. The forced closures likely resulted in financial struggles for many operators, job losses for restaurant workers, and disruptions in the food service sector. This statistic reflects the severe economic consequences of the pandemic on the restaurant industry and underscores the need for support and mitigation strategies to help businesses recover and adapt to the changing landscape.

In 2019, $62.5 billion was made in revenue from food and drink sales in bars and taverns in the U.S.

The statistic that $62.5 billion was generated in revenue from food and drink sales in bars and taverns in the U.S. in 2019 indicates the significant economic contribution of this sector to the overall food and beverage industry. This considerable amount highlights the popularity and consumption patterns of Americans in socializing and dining out at bars and taverns. The revenue figure suggests a thriving market for drinking and dining establishments, reflecting consumer demand for the social and culinary experiences offered by these venues. It also underscores the importance of bars and taverns as key players in the hospitality sector, stimulating employment and further economic activity in the broader food service industry.

In 2019, fast food represented a 23.6% share of the total restaurants in the United States.

In 2019, fast food restaurants accounted for 23.6% of all restaurants in the United States. This statistic indicates the significant presence and popularity of fast food establishments within the country’s overall restaurant industry. It suggests that fast food dining is a prominent and widespread dining option for consumers, reflecting the convenience, affordability, and appeal of fast food offerings. The data highlights the influence of fast food chains within the competitive landscape of the restaurant sector, demonstrating their substantial market share and impact on consumer preferences and dining habits in the United States.

Restaurant job growth outpaced the overall economy in 18 of the last 20 years.

The statistic indicates that the rate of job growth in the restaurant industry has been higher than the average job growth rate of the overall economy for 18 out of the past 20 years. This suggests that the restaurant sector has been expanding at a faster pace, creating more employment opportunities compared to other industries during this time period. The growth in the restaurant industry could be driven by various factors such as changes in consumer preferences, population growth, and economic conditions. This trend highlights the significance of the restaurant sector as a significant contributor to job creation and economic activity over the past two decades.

89.4% of QSR locations in the U.S. offer drive-thru services.

This statistic indicates that 89.4% of Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) locations in the United States provide drive-thru services to customers. Drive-thru services allow customers to order and receive their food without having to leave their vehicles, offering convenience and efficiency. This high percentage suggests that drive-thru services are widely popular and in-demand among customers and that QSRs have recognized the importance of providing this option to attract and retain customers. The prevalence of drive-thru services in the QSR industry reflects the emphasis on speed and convenience in the fast-paced American lifestyle, highlighting the significance of this feature in the overall dining experience for consumers.

More than 45% of adults say restaurants are an essential part of their lifestyle.

The statistic stating that more than 45% of adults consider restaurants an essential part of their lifestyle indicates a significant portion of the adult population values dining out as an important aspect of their day-to-day lives. This suggests that restaurants play a crucial role in providing not just nourishment but also socialization, convenience, and enjoyment for a majority of adults. The high percentage highlights the strong preference and dependence on restaurants in modern society, emphasizing the importance of dining out as a common and integral societal practice among adults.

7 out of 10 restaurants are single-unit operations.

The statistic “7 out of 10 restaurants are single-unit operations” means that among a sample of 10 restaurants, 7 of them operate as standalone establishments without any additional branches or locations. This suggests that the majority of restaurants in the given sample do not have multiple units or franchises, indicating that they are independently owned and managed. This statistic provides insight into the distribution of restaurant types and organizational structures within the industry, highlighting the prevalence of single-unit operations as a common model among restaurants.

In 2019, franchises accounted for 19.5% of total restaurant sales in the US.

In 2019, franchises accounted for 19.5% of total restaurant sales in the US indicates that nearly one-fifth of all revenue generated in the restaurant industry came from franchise establishments. This statistic highlights the significant contribution of franchises to the overall economic activity within the sector. Franchises can offer established brand recognition, operational support, and marketing resources to individual entrepreneurs, enabling them to tap into a proven business model and benefit from economies of scale. The data suggests that the franchise business model has been successful in capturing a notable share of consumer spending on food services in the US market.

The average spend per person in quick service restaurants is $5.23.

The statistic “The average spend per person in quick service restaurants is $5.23” represents the average amount of money each individual customer typically spends in quick service restaurants. This figure is calculated by adding up the total amount spent by all customers in these establishments and then dividing that total by the number of customers. In this case, the calculated average spend is $5.23 per person. This statistic is useful for understanding consumer behavior and preferences in quick service restaurants, as well as for tracking trends in spending patterns within this specific sector of the food service industry.

References

0. – https://www.www.touchbistro.com

1. – https://www.www.qsrmagazine.com

2. – https://www.www.statista.com

3. – https://www.www.restaurantbusinessonline.com

4. – https://www.restaurant.org

5. – https://www.www.franchisedirect.com

6. – https://www.www.oxfordeconomics.com

7. – https://www.www.restaurant.org

8. – https://www.www.nrn.com

9. – https://www.www.forbes.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

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