How Many Restaurants Are in the United States?

According to recent restaurant industry statistics, eating and drinking places generated $98.6 billion in sales in January 2025, a 0.9% increase from December’s adjusted total of $97.7 billion.

Sales have now risen for 10 consecutive months, adding nearly $5 billion over the past year. Compared to January 2024, total restaurant sales were 5.4% higher. However, after adjusting for menu price increases, real spending growth was 2.0%, making it the strongest 12-month increase in nearly a year.

While the food service industry continues to recover from pandemic-related economic shifts, consumer demand for dining remains steady. Inflation still affects costs, but restaurant spending has remained strong, reflecting ongoing growth in the sector.

Number of Restaurants in the U.S.

As of 2023, there are 749,000 restaurants across the United States, including fast food, casual dining, and fine dining establishments. While the industry continues to grow, expansion rates vary by restaurant type.

• Fast food restaurants reached 200,859 locations in 2023, increasing by 0.8% from the previous year.
• Single-location full-service restaurants grew to 150,115 in 2024, marking a 1.4% rise from 2023.
• Independent full-service restaurants expanded more slowly, reaching 146,342 locations in 2023, up 0.6% from 2022.
• Fine dining restaurants had 4,618 locations in 2023, experiencing a modest 0.3% growth from the previous year.
• The U.S. chain restaurant industry includes 139,000 businesses, with major fast-food brands like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Starbucks continuing to lead the market.

While restaurant numbers are rising, growth rates depend on market conditions, consumer preferences, and economic factors affecting different segments of the industry.

Restaurant Industry Sales Stats and Growth Trends

The U.S. restaurant industry continues to grow, with eating and drinking places generating $98.6 billion in sales in January 2025. This was a 0.9% increase from December’s adjusted total of $97.7 billion.

Sales have been rising for 10 straight months, adding nearly $5 billion over the past year. Compared to January 2024, restaurant sales were 5.4% higher. However, after accounting for rising menu prices, actual growth in restaurant spending was 2.0%. This was the strongest 12-month increase in nearly a year, partly due to lower sales in early 2024. While inflation remains a factor, restaurant spending continues to rise, showing steady demand.

Restaurant Industry Labor Statistics

Labor shortages and rising costs continue to challenge restaurant operators, affecting staffing, wages, and employee retention. Many restaurant managers are adapting by cross-training staff and using technology to manage labor expenses.

• 99% of restaurant operators say they are spending more on labor costs in 2025 compared to the previous year.
• Hourly wages have increased, yet 34% of staff cite low pay as the reason for leaving or planning to leave their job.
• Employee turnover remains high, with full-service restaurants experiencing a 26% turnover rate.
• The average employee tenure is just 110 days, making long-term retention a challenge for restaurant owners.
• New restaurant openings continue, but hiring and training staff is costly, with an average of $3,560 spent per new employee.
• 82% of restaurants spend more than $2,000 on training alone to onboard new hires.
• 79% of restaurants report being short at least one position in 2024, making staffing shortages a widespread issue.

Restaurant Online Ordering Statistics

The shift toward online and mobile ordering continues to grow, with digital platforms playing a bigger role in restaurant sales. More operators are integrating multiple online ordering systems to meet changing consumer preferences.

• By 2025, mobile and digital orders are expected to contribute 30% of total U.S. restaurant sales, highlighting the growing reliance on technology.
• The online food delivery market is projected to reach $1.40 trillion in 2025, reflecting strong demand for takeout and delivery services.
• 99% of restaurants now use at least one online ordering solution, with most relying on an average of three platforms.
• 82% of restaurants reported an increase in takeout and delivery sales compared to last year.

Restaurant Consumer Trends

Consumer spending habits vary across demographics, but discounts, daily specials, and value promotions remain a factor in restaurant choices. Preferences also differ based on the types of restaurants, with quick-service and delivery options seeing the highest demand for deals.

• 82% of adults consider special deals or discounts important when ordering delivery from a restaurant.
• 85% of Gen X and 82% of Millennials are the most likely to value promotions for delivery, while 78% of Baby Boomers also find them important.
• 75% of consumers look for promotions when dining at a quick-service restaurant, deli, snack shop, or coffee shop.
• 79% of Gen X and 76% of Millennials prioritize value at quick-service restaurants.
• 62% of adults consider discounts important when eating at a sit-down, full-service restaurant.
• 68% of Gen Z adults are the most likely to prioritize promotions at full-service restaurants, while 59% of Gen X and Baby Boomers are less likely to base their decision on discounts.

Consumers are also influenced by social media, where restaurant promotions and special offers often drive dining decisions. As competition grows, restaurants are using digital platforms to engage with different demographics and attract value-conscious customers.

Technology Adoption in U.S. Restaurants

Restaurants are investing more in technology to improve operations, reduce costs, and improve the customer experience. AI, automation, and digital ordering systems are becoming important tools for managing daily business activities.

• The global restaurant Point-of-Sale (POS) market was valued at $20.4 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $30.4 billion by 2030. POS systems help restaurants process orders faster, manage inventory, and integrate online and in-person transactions quickly.
• 95% of restaurant operators now use some form of AI, making automation a key part of business operations.
• Based on Statista’s research, 60% of restaurant operators plan to invest in customer-facing technology in 2024, up from 48% in 2023.
• 50% of restaurateurs have automated inventory management to track stock levels and reduce waste.
• 47% of operators have automated staff scheduling, simplifying shift management and reducing manual work.
• In fast-food and quick-service restaurants (QSRs), automation has helped increase productivity by up to 11% while cutting labor costs by 30%.
• 95% of restaurateurs say technology has helped them manage their business more effectively.

Challenges in the U.S. Restaurant Industry

According to the National Restaurant Association, rising costs remain one of the biggest concerns for restaurant operators in 2024. Labor, food, and inflation-related expenses continue to put pressure on businesses, making it harder to maintain profitability.

• Labor costs remain the biggest challenge for restaurants, with 96% of operators identifying them as a major concern.
• The issue is even more pronounced in full-service restaurants, where 97% of operators struggle with staffing shortages and increasing wages.
• Food costs remain a major issue, affecting 95% of restaurant operators. Fluctuations in ingredient prices, supply chain disruptions, and inflation have made it more expensive to source menu items.
• Inflation continues to impact the industry, with 95% of restaurant owners struggling to manage rising expenses across different operational areas.
• The economy is another significant challenge, with 92% of operators saying that broader economic conditions are affecting their business. Consumer spending patterns, interest rates, and financial uncertainty all contribute to these concerns.

Bottom Line

The restaurant business is expanding, but rising costs and labor shortages are making it harder to maintain a strong profit margin. Many restaurants are using automation and digital ordering to improve efficiency and keep up with customer demand.

Restaurants that focus on managing costs, improving service speed, and adapting to consumer preferences will be in a better position to maintain profit margins in a competitive industry.

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