108 Restaurant Industry Statistics to Know in 2025

Since the pandemic, the restaurant industry has seen plenty of ups and downs. And by 2025, even more changes are on the horizon. From growth trends and consumer preferences to labor challenges and new tech, here’s a snapshot of where the industry is heading.

Whether you're a restaurant owner, a foodie, or just curious about the future of dining, these 108 statistics paint a clear picture of what’s to come.

Below is our restaurant industry statistics you should know in 2025.

General Restaurant Industry Stats

The food and beverage (F&B) industry will contribute $3.5 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2024 — 15.6% of the nation’s real GDP.¹
It supports 22.9 million jobs, generating $1.1 trillion in total labor income.¹
Restaurants are the second-largest private-sector employer, behind healthcare.²
87% of restaurants have fewer than 50 employees.¹
70% operate as single-unit locations.¹
41% of F&B businesses are minority-owned.¹
78% of establishments earn between $100,000 and $5 million annually.³
The average F&B business generates $3.1 million per year.³
60% of restaurant owners have over 15 years of experience.³
51% of F&B professionals have a positive outlook for the industry.³

Restaurant Industry Growth Statistics

Food service sales are on track to reach $1 trillion by the end of 2024.⁴
Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) alone are forecast to hit $316 billion in 2024 — a 7.1% increase from 2023.⁵
By 2030, the food service market is projected to nearly double to $1.8 trillion.²
Consumer spending on prepared food and beverages will grow from $895 billion in 2024 to $921 billion in 2025.⁶
QSRs will see the most spending at $323.7 billion in 2025.⁶

Top Challenges Facing Restaurants

Restaurant operator spending will hit $323.6 billion in 2024.⁶
98% of operators cite higher labor costs as a major issue.⁴
Menu prices have increased by 4%, while grocery prices have risen only 0.9%.⁷
38% of restaurants reported being unprofitable last year.⁴
Labor shortages forced operators to:
- 65% reduce hours
- 52% operate below capacity
- 43% close on some days
- 41% reduce their menus²

Changing Consumer Preferences

94% of diners say online reviews impact their restaurant decisions.⁹
The average American spends over $2,500 a year dining out.¹¹
67% feel guilty about eating out, but 80% seek flavors they can't replicate at home.⁹
48% are most likely to eat out right after payday.¹¹
77% believe adults should be allowed to order from the kids’ menu.¹¹
88% of diners are willing to pay a 30% premium for healthier options.¹³
62% prefer restaurants that use locally-sourced ingredients.⁹
69% would love on-site tasting events.⁸
TikTok and Instagram are the top apps for discovering new restaurants.¹²

Online Food Delivery Trends

The online food delivery market will hit $1.22 trillion globally in 2024.¹⁴
Digital ordering has grown 300% faster than dine-in traffic.⁹
Restaurants with online ordering see 30% higher takeout profits.¹⁶
DoorDash leads U.S. delivery with a 67% market share.¹⁶
31% of Americans use third-party apps twice a week or more.¹⁶

Consumer preferences for delivery:

70% ordered takeout/delivery last month.¹²
60% prefer takeout/delivery at least once a week.¹⁶
Friday and Saturday are the most popular days for delivery.¹²

Restaurant Labor Statistics

In 2024, restaurants employed 12.35 million workers — exceeding pre-pandemic numbers.²
63% of adults have worked in restaurants at some point.¹
82% of businesses are actively hiring, with chefs and cooks making up 30% of openings.³
45% of restaurants report being understaffed.⁴
Average employee turnover is 110 days.²

Wage insights:

Chefs earn a median of $58,920/year.²
Waitstaff in full-service restaurants earn a median $27/hour — top earners make over $41/hour.¹
Employees at fine dining spots earn 47.5% more in tips.²

Restaurant Technology Trends

Over 75% of operators say technology gives them a competitive edge.¹⁷
52% plan to improve back-office functions like payroll and inventory this year.¹⁷
Loyalty program tech purchases rose 45% in the last year.³
63% of operators are boosting digital and location-based marketing.¹⁷

Consumer tech preferences:

64% still prefer traditional dining, but half of Gen Z and Millennials prefer tech-enhanced experiences.⁸
70% would pre-order at reservation time for faster service.⁸
79% prefer mobile or contactless payments.¹⁷
Diners tip 15% more on average when using digital payment methods.⁸

Wrapping It Up: The Future of Restaurants in 2025

Hope you enjoyed our 2025 restaurant industry statistics !

Keeping up with these trends will be crucial to thriving in the fast-moving restaurant world. From evolving customer habits to game-changing technology, 2025 brings exciting opportunities for growth and innovation.

Ready to take your restaurant to the next level? We can help you build and or get your dream restraints going going and growing. Book a Chat today and see how we can save you time, reduce costs, and help grow your restaurant business.