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.

Despite the volatile economic climate in the last five years, the Single-Location, Full-Service Restaurant industry has displayed resilience and adaptability. Unprecedented challenges brought by the pandemic and its associated economic recovery introduced considerable shifts in consumer behavior early in the period, and many in the industry received government assistance to weather those challenges. This was followed by robust domestic economic growth and increased consumer spending in recent years, which fueled the industry's modest yet consistent expansion in the current period – particularly in upscale dining among affluent consumers. As of spring 2025, the industry is expected to endure significant setbacks due to tariffs potentially affecting the supply chain. Coupled with persistent hiring challenges, restauranteurs are seeking to diversify their suppliers, which may increase operational costs. Due to a low COVID-19 base year in 2020, industry revenues have grown at a CAGR of 8.8% over the past five years. In 2025 alone, revenue is expected to rise 1.7%, reaching $260.1 billion. Profit is slightly higher than it was in the years immediately preceding the pandemic but has held steady at roughly 4.3% throughout most of the current period, having fallen from its outlier high in 2020 – likely due to higher costs that have pressured industry profitability. The industry, defined by intense competition, is highly fragmented. Many independent restaurants are small, often family-run ventures. These single-location establishments compete with chain restaurants, fast-food restaurants, hotels and coffee and snack shops. Additionally, budget-friendly establishments have faced stiff competition in the current period as consumers flocked to innovative offerings from fast-casual newbies. Looking forward, despite looming tariffs, there are reasons to be optimistic for this industry. It is expected to navigate economic uncertainty, buoyed by rising consumer spending in the coming years. The industry is also likely to benefit from the slight rise in inhabitants in urban areas, which typically feature a higher concentration of restaurants. Industry revenue is expected to rise an annualized 1.2% to $275.9 billion over the five years to 2030.

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.

Graph and download economic data for Retail Sales: Restaurants and Other Eating Places (MRTSSM7225USN) from Jan 1992 to Aug 2025 about restaurant, retail trade, sales, retail, and USA.

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.

The market size of the restaurant industry in the United Kingdom was predicted to rise to ** billion British pounds in 2024, which would represent an increase of *** percent over 2023. That year, the industry's market value stood at ***** billion British pounds.

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 United States Foodservice Restaurants Market Report is Segmented by Foodservice Type (Cafes & Bars, Cloud Kitchens, Full-Service Restaurants, Quick-Service Restaurants), 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).

Shifting social trends have significantly influenced the Restaurants industry's performance over recent years. Consumers' busy lifestyles and high workloads have driven demand for restaurant meals, as well as takeaway and delivery services. Restaurants allow consumers to combine dining with leisure and avoid spending time on food preparation. Rising demand for food delivery platforms like Uber Eats, which enable time-poor consumers to purchase home-delivered, restaurant-quality food, has also supported industry revenue. Despite tight discretionary incomes and recent cost-of-living pressures, Australian consumers have continued to prioritise eating restaurant meals, as they view them as affordable indulgences. However, industry businesses are struggling with elevated operational costs, including high input, rent and energy expenses. Labour shortages have also plagued the industry, with restaurants facing significant retention gaps. These challenges, along with intense competitive pressures, have eroded the industry’s profitability, compelling some businesses to exit the industry. Nonetheless, the total number of enterprises in the industry has increased over the past five years as dynamic consumer preferences have created several niches for restaurants to cater to. Overall, industry revenue is expected to have soared at an annualised 8.2% over the five years through 2025-26 to $26.2 billion. This includes a moderate anticipated rise of 0.4% in 2025-26. Reeling from the economic challenges of the past five years, restaurants are set to diversify their revenue streams by expanding their service offerings to include merchandise and live events over the coming years. Restaurants are forecast to focus on improving operational efficiencies to limit costs and boost their profit margins. This includes adopting integrated technological advancements that will enhance the overall dining experience for customers. There will also be a focus on sustainability efforts as Australian consumers become more discerning about their environmental choices. Overall, industry revenue is projected to increase at an annualised 2.0% over the five years through 2030-31 to reach $28.9 billion.

Over the five years through 2025-26, full-service restaurants’ revenue is expected to edge downwards at a compound annual rate of 6.4%. Restaurants face sustained pressure from rising labour, food and energy costs. Despite 2.7% annual employment growth, vacancies remain 48% above pre-pandemic levels, driving wage inflation and eroding profitability. Smaller venues have been the hardest hit, with companies adopting automation, flexible scheduling and well-being initiatives to attract and retain staff. High food inflation (5.1% in August 2025) and volatile energy bills are further squeezing margins, forcing restaurants to simplify menus, prioritise local sourcing and enhance efficiency. In response to tighter consumer spending, restaurants have ramped up promotions and embraced experience-led dining. Guests increasingly pay premiums for tasting menus, curated events and personalised service. Digital visibility, social media storytelling and loyalty programmes like Dishoom’s Matka Keyring are redefining engagement, turning customers into advocates. AI and sustainability are becoming strategic imperatives, improving productivity and appealing to eco-conscious diners. In an environment where cost pressures limit price flexibility, differentiation through storytelling, innovation and efficiency are determining which restaurants survive and thrive in this challenging market. In 2025-26, revenue is anticipated to inch up by 1.7%, reaching £24.7 billion. Over the five years through 2030-31, revenue is expected to climb at a compound annual rate of 3.8% to £30 billion. Social media remains a vital growth engine, with TikTok and Instagram driving visibility and bookings through storytelling, influencer partnerships and user-generated content. Promotions and loyalty schemes are equally crucial as consumers dine out less frequently but seek stronger value and personalisation. Smart loyalty programmes offering tailored rewards are helping restaurants retain customers and gather valuable behavioural data. Younger diners are redefining value through experience and innovation rather than discounts. Restaurants that deliver personalised, story-led dining via immersive menus, tailored communications and flexible formats are winning loyalty. At the same time, solo and group dining are both rising, encouraging adaptable layouts and menu designs. Sustainability and AI adoption are transforming operations. Eco-conscious sourcing, waste reduction and digital tools will also underpin restaurants competitiveness. Restaurants that blend sustainability, technology and storytelling are set to fare well in the next era of UK dining.

The dataset includes following fields: (Food) Item, Category, Sub Category, Item Name, Price, Cost. The purpose of this dataset is to practice data visualization in tools like power bi and python.

The Single Location Full-Service Restaurants industry in Virginia is expected to grow an annualized x.x% to $x.x billion over the five years to 2025, while the national industry will likely grow at x.x% during the same period. Industry establishments increased an annualized x% to x,xxx locations. Industry employment has decreased an annualized -x.x% to x,xxx workers, while industry wages have increased an annualized x.x% to $x.x billion.

The market is estimated to reach USD 207,415.5 million in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 341,089.4 million by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% throughout the assessment period.

Metric	Value
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 207,415.5 million
Industry Value (2035F)	USD 341,089.4 million
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	5.1%

Country wise Outlook

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
USA	5.0%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
UK	5.2%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
European Union	5.3%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Japan	5.1%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
South Korea	5.4%

Competitive Outlook

Company Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
McDonald's	18-22%
Yum! Brands	15-19%
Darden Concepts, Inc.	10-14%
Quality Is Our Recipe, LLC	8-12%
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.	6-10%
Other Companies (combined)	30-40%

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.

The Quick Service Restaurant Market Report is Segmented by Cuisine (Burger/Sandwich, Pizza/Pasta, Meat-Based Cuisine, and More), by Structure (Independent Outlets and Chained/Franchised Outlets), by Service Model (Dine-In, Drive-Thru, Tae-Away/Walk-up Counter, and More), and by Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

The global food service market size is projected to grow from $3,982.24 billion in 2025 to $6,450.30 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.13%

The United States Quick Service Restaurants Report is Segmented by Cuisine (Bakeries, Burger, Ice Cream, Meat-Based Cuisines, Pizza, Other QSR Cuisines), Outlet (Chained Outlets, Independent Outlets), Location (Leisure, Lodging, Retail, Standalone, Travel), Service Type (Dine-In, Takeaway, Delivery). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Restaurant construction spending plunged in 2020 and 2021, as permanent closures and uncertainty swept through the sector. Momentum quickly shifted in 2022 and 2023, when pent-up demand, modernization campaigns and fierce competition for prime real estate powered a sharp rebound even in the face of high interest rates. But that resurgence proved fleeting, with expenditures falling again in 2024 and 2025 under the weight of persistent cost pressures, economic headwinds and shifting consumer behaviors that forced many business owners to hold off on new projects and prioritize value. Industry revenue has been increasing at a CAGR of 9.4% over the past five years to total an estimated $9.1 billion in 2025, including an estimated decrease of 1.2% in 2025. It should be noted that this strong growth over the past five years is due to the overall recovery from considerable declines in 2020. Over the past five years, renovations and adaptive reuse projects have been the backbone of industry growth. As thousands of restaurants shuttered in 2020, new and expanding business owners snapped up vacated spaces, driving a wave of remodeling activity. Chain and fast-food brands doubled down on site refreshes and digital upgrades, while booming interest in sustainability and green retrofits, fueled by incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act, added further depth to the renovation pipeline. Meanwhile, bars, full-service restaurants and locally owned independents outpaced fast-food outlets in new builds and upgrades, responding to evolving consumer tastes. Still, contractors endured difficulties expanding profit amid higher costs, particularly for full-time employees. Looking ahead, restaurant construction contractors are bracing for a complicated mix of opportunities and risks. Major brands have announced aggressive modernization programs and there’s the potential for renewed momentum following return-to-office mandates, which could increase demand for urban dining spaces. Still, contractors face major hurdles: tariffs and unpredictable input costs, continued labor shortages and swelling industry competition threaten profit, while the expiration of key federal tax credits could trigger a rush of “last chance” projects before a possible cooldown. Overall, industry revenue is forecast to climb at a CAGR of 1.3% to total an estimated $9.7 billion through the end of 2030.

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Fast Casual Restaurants Market Size 2025-2029

The fast casual restaurants market size is forecast to increase by USD 181.6 billion, at a CAGR of 16.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is characterized by a significant demand for innovation and customization in food menus, driven by consumers' evolving preferences and expectations. This trend is further fueled by the increasing popularity of chef-driven fast casual restaurant franchises, which offer unique culinary experiences , fresh food and higher quality ingredients. However, this market faces intense competition from quick-service restaurants, which continue to dominate the food industry with their affordability and convenience.
Navigating this competitive landscape requires strategic planning and a focus on differentiating offerings through unique menu items, efficient operations, and exceptional customer service. Companies that successfully balance affordability, quality, and innovation are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for customized dining experiences in the fast casual restaurant sector.

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

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The fast casual restaurant market continues to evolve, with dynamic market dynamics shaping various sectors. Quick service restaurants (QSRs) are increasingly integrating mobile ordering and recipe management systems for operational efficiency and customer convenience. Online ordering and delivery services are gaining popularity, driving sales growth and brand awareness. Seasonal menus cater to customer preferences, while operational efficiency is enhanced through inventory management and kitchen equipment. Customer retention is a key focus, with employee training, customer service, and community engagement essential for fostering loyalty. Franchise models offer expansion opportunities, while health inspections ensure hygiene standards. Table service and counter service options cater to diverse customer needs.

Food cost control, allergen management, and menu engineering are crucial for maintaining profitability. Sales forecasting and price optimization help manage peak demand. Social media marketing and online reputation management are essential for effective brand management. Restaurant design, labor management, and supply chain management are ongoing concerns. Dietary restrictions and menu customization cater to diverse customer needs. Technology adoption, from point-of-sale systems to data analytics, is transforming the industry. Limited service restaurants, casual dining, and full service restaurants each face unique challenges and opportunities. The fast casual dining sector continues to unfold, with ongoing patterns and applications across various aspects of the industry.

How is this Fast Casual Restaurants Industry segmented?

The fast casual restaurants 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.

Product

  North American cuisine
  Italian
  Mexican
  Others


Channel

  Dine-in
  Takeaway


Type

  Franchised
  Standalone


End-User

  Health-Conscious
  Family-Oriented
  Young Professionals


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    Australia
    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The north american cuisine segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Fast casual dining is a thriving sector in the US market, with millions of consumers, particularly millennials, opting for quick, fresh, and convenient meal options daily. According to industry estimates, approximately one-third of children and teenagers in the US, Canada, and select Asian and European countries consume sandwiches, burgers, or similar quick-serve foods daily, contributing significantly to their dietary needs. In response, fast casual restaurants in the US, UK, and Australia have expanded their menus to include healthier options, recognizing the demand for nutritious meals among this demographic. The fast casual dining industry is also leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance customer experience.

The North American cuisine segment was valued at USD 46.80 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period. Mobile ordering and recipe management systems facilitate efficient food preparation and menu customization, while online ordering, delivery services, and sales forecasting enable restaurants

Discover the booming global food service market! Explore key trends, growth drivers, and competitive landscape analysis, including insights on major players like KFC and McDonald's. Learn about market size projections, regional breakdowns, and future opportunities in this dynamic industry.