In June 2025, the U.S. restaurant industry received a performance index score of ***. One year prior, the industry received an index score of *****. The restaurant industry performance index is a statistical barometer measuring the overall health of the U.S. restaurant industry. The index is based on the results of the monthly Restaurant Industry Tracking Survey composed of a variety of indicators including sales, traffic, labor and capital expenditures. A value above 100 indicates a period of expansion while a value below 100 indicates a period of contraction.

This statistic shows the restaurant industry food and drink sales in the United States from 1970 to 2017. In 2016, food and drink sales of the U.S. restaurant industry amounted to approximately *** billion U.S. dollars.

More statistics and facts on fast food, the U.S. restaurant industry and the pizza (delivery) market.

U.S. restaurant industry - additional information

In 2016, food and drink sales in the United States restaurant industry amounted to *** billion U.S. dollars, up from ***** billion U.S. dollars in the previous year. Restaurants in the United States have created a booming industry that employed more than ** million people nationwide in 2015.

Unsurprisingly, the majority of food and drink sales in the U.S. restaurant industry take place in commercial restaurants. In 2016, full-service restaurant sales amounted to *** billion U.S. dollars and limited-service sales were *** U.S. dollars. The second largest contributor in 2015 was retail, vending, recreation and mobile vendors with sales of ***** billion U.S. dollars. The smallest proportion came from came from bars and taverns.

As of December 2016, things were still looking up for the U.S. restaurant industry: the monthly Restaurant Industry Tracking Survey, conducted by the National Restaurant Association, recorded a performance index score of ***** – any score over 100 indicates a period of expansion. The lowest performance index score between 2011 and 2017, ****, was recorded in August 2011. In November 2016, ** percent of U.S. consumers reported that cheaper restaurants would make them dine out more often.

Market Size statistics on the Fast Food Restaurants industry in the US

The size of the global food service market reached **** trillion U.S. dollars in 2021. This figure was forecast to grow to **** trillion U.S. dollars in 2028, showing a CAGR of *** percent from 2021 to 2028.

Restaurants have experienced surging recovery and record inflation in the past few years as they continue to serve the public's appetite. After the pandemic, chain restaurants contended with high inflation that reduce customers' willingness to dine out. Later on, soaring operational costs have pressured industry profitability, driving some chains out of the industry. Overall, over the five years to 2025, chain restaurant revenue expanded at a CAGR of 10.4% to $241.5 billion, including a 1.7% decline in 2025, where profit reached 4.7%.Massive part-time employment, a high establishment-to-operator ratio and heavy external competition differentiate the chain restaurant. However, the back-of-house technology many restaurant franchisees employ allows them to benefit from a parent chain's digital ordering system, unified marketing and negotiation leverage. Despite improving efficiency across franchises helping to keep menu prices low, cost-conscious consumers are considering other options, from meal kit delivery to fast-casual chains.Even while experiencing 2022's historic inflation, restaurants are also expected to suffer from the US-Canada tariffs that pushing up purchase costs. However, market leaders are pursuing international growth to balance national chain saturation, while niche chains pop up to provide customized food options and thematic, personalized service. In addition, restaurant chains of all sizes implement technology to speed up kitchen tasks, take mobile orders and track social influence. By 2030, revenue will rise at a CAGR of 1.8% to $264.5 billion.

The summary statistics by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) which include: operating revenue (dollars x 1,000,000), operating expenses (dollars x 1,000,000), salaries wages and benefits (dollars x 1,000,000), and operating profit margin (by percent), of food services and drinking places (NAICS 722), annual, for five years of data.

In 2024, the average monthly net sales generated by the restaurant industry in Japan amounted to approximately **** trillion Japanese yen. The restaurant industry is part of the hospitality industry, which also includes the take-away and food delivery sector, as well as the lodging industry.

Graph and download economic data for Labor Compensation for Accommodation and Food Services: Restaurants and Other Eating Places (NAICS 72251) in the United States (IPUTN72251L020000000) from 1987 to 2024 about restaurant, accommodation, compensation, NAICS, IP, food, labor, services, and USA.

The market size of the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry in the United States surpassed *** billion U.S. dollars in 2024. This represented an increase of around *** percent over the previous year.

Graph and download economic data for All Employees, Food Services and Drinking Places (CES7072200001) from Jan 1990 to Aug 2025 about leisure, hospitality, establishment survey, food, services, employment, and USA.

Number of Businesses statistics on the Single Location Full-Service Restaurants industry in the US

The United Kingdom Quick Service Restaurant Market is segmented by Cuisine (Bakeries, Burger, Ice Cream, Meat-based Cuisines, Pizza), by Outlet (Chained Outlets, Independent Outlets) and by Location (Leisure, Lodging, Retail, Standalone, Travel). Market Value in USD is presented. Key data points observed include the number of outlets for each foodservice channel; and, average order value in USD by foodservice channel.

The United States Full Service Restaurants Report is Segmented by Cuisine (Asian, European, Latin American, Middle Eastern, North American, Other FSR Cuisines), Outlet (Chained Outlets, Independent Outlets), Location (Leisure, Lodging, Retail, Standalone, Travel), Service Type (Dine-In, Takeaway, Delivery), and Geography (United States). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

The number of businesses in the quick service restaurant sector in the United States experienced an overall increase from 2023 to 2024. In 2024, the number of businesses in this sector amounted to *******, up from the previous year's total of around *******.

Seasonally adjusted receipts of monthly survey of food services and drinking places, by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), monthly, for five months of data.

Graph and download economic data for Hours Worked for Accommodation and Food Services: Full-Service Restaurants (NAICS 722511) in the United States (IPUTN722511L010000000) from 1987 to 2024 about restaurant, accommodation, NAICS, hours, IP, food, services, and USA.

Market Size statistics on the Burger Restaurants industry in the US

The Canada Foodservice Market is segmented by Foodservice Type (Cafes & Bars, Cloud Kitchen, Full Service Restaurants, Quick Service Restaurants), by Outlet (Chained Outlets, Independent Outlets) and by Location (Leisure, Lodging, Retail, Standalone, Travel). Market Value in USD is presented. Key data points observed include the number of outlets for each foodservice channel; and, average order value in USD by foodservice channel.

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US Fast Casual Restaurants Market Size 2025-2029

The US fast casual restaurants market size is valued to increase USD 84.5 billion, at a CAGR of 13.7% from 2024 to 2029. Demand for innovation and customization in food menus will drive the US fast casual restaurants market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

By Channel - Dine-in segment was valued at USD 48.90 billion in 2022
By Application - Franchised segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 148.40 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 84.50 billion
CAGR from 2024 to 2029 : 13.7%

Market Summary

The Fast Casual Restaurants Market in the US continues to expand, driven by consumer preferences for fresh, customizable meal options. According to recent data, the market is projected to reach a value of USD115.5 billion by 2026, growing at a steady pace. This growth is fueled by the demand for innovation and personalization in food menus, with fast casual restaurants offering a middle ground between the limited offerings of quick-service establishments and the higher prices and longer wait times of full-service restaurants. In response to this trend, fast casual chains have been increasingly focusing on digitalization, streamlining ordering processes and enhancing the customer experience through mobile apps and contactless payment options.
However, this market segment faces intense competition from quick-service restaurants, which have also been adopting similar strategies to cater to evolving consumer preferences. As a result, fast casual restaurants must continue to differentiate themselves through unique menu offerings, efficient operations, and exceptional customer service to maintain their market share. Despite these challenges, the future of the fast casual market in the US remains promising, with opportunities for growth in both urban and suburban areas and the potential to expand beyond traditional brick-and-mortar locations through delivery and catering services.

What will be the Size of the US Fast Casual Restaurants Market during the forecast period?

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How is the Fast Casual Restaurants in US Market Segmented and what are the key trends of market segmentation?

The fast casual restaurants in US industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Channel

  Dine-in
  Takeaway


Application

  Franchised
  Standalone


Food Type

  Burger/Sandwich
  Pizza/Pasta
  Asian
  Latin American
  Chicken
  Others


Target Audience

  Millennials
  Working Professionals
  Families


Distribution Channel Specificity

  Specialty Chains
  Online Platforms
  Retail Foodservice


Geography

  North America

    US

By Channel Insights

The dine-in segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Fast casual restaurants in the US, a hybrid of fast food and casual dining, have been continuously evolving since their inception, offering better quality meals with less frozen or processed ingredients. Operational efficiency improvements, such as revenue management techniques and table management systems, have been key to their success. Cost control strategies, including digital menu boards, inventory management software, and marketing automation tools, help maintain profitability. Third-party delivery services and brand positioning strategies cater to the growing demand for convenience. Sustainability initiatives, like food waste reduction and customer loyalty programs, enhance the dining experience and foster long-term relationships.

Kitchen display systems, food safety management, energy efficiency measures, and wait time optimization ensure consistent quality and customer satisfaction. Sales forecasting models, employee retention strategies, labor scheduling software, and restaurant management systems facilitate efficient operations. Data analytics dashboards, social media marketing, online reputation management, and order fulfillment process enhance customer engagement. Peak hour management, online ordering platforms, guest feedback systems, and customer experience metrics provide valuable insights for continuous improvement. Supply chain optimization and employee training programs ensure consistency and quality in menu offerings. According to a recent report, fast casual restaurants account for over 5% of total US foodservice sales.

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The Dine-in segment was valued at USD 48.90 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

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Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2024 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and

This statistic shows the sales of the restaurant industry in Canada from 2010 to 2017. In 2017, sales of the Canadian restaurant industry amounted to approximately ** billion Canadian dollars, up from **** billion the previous year.
Canadian restaurant industry sales - Additional Information Restaurant sales in Canada have grown over the past five years from ** billion Canadian dollars in 2010 to ** billion Canadian dollars in 2017. That accumulates to an increase of approximately ** billion Canadian dollars in the Canadian restaurant industry. As restaurant industry sales have grown in Canada over this period, so have the number of employees in the Canadian restaurant industry. From 2010 to 2017, the number of employees in the restaurant industry have increased from **** million employees in 2010 to *** million employees in 2017.

Restaurant industry sales can be measured in various ways, such as average sales per seat or average sales per square foot. In 2014, quick service restaurants were the most lucrative when measuring sales per seat, with average sales of ****** Canadian dollars per seat. Fine dining restaurants ranked second, earning an average of ****** Canadian dollars per seat. In 2014 however when looking at sales per square foot, family restaurants had the highest average sales in the Canadian restaurant industry, averaging sales of ***** Canadian dollars per square foot, compared to QSR restaurants with an average of *** Canadian dollars per square foot.

Although quick service restaurants averaged fewer sales per square foot than family restaurants, it is a large market sector in terms of number of restaurants. As of January 2015, Canada had the most Starbucks stores per million people in the world with over ** Starbucks stores per million people. In the same year, Canada also had the most Subway stores per million people and the second most McDonald’s restaurants per million people with **** stores and **** restaurants and per million people, respectively.