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.

In September 2023, the U.S. restaurant industry received a performance index score of 100.4. One year prior, the industry received an index score of 101. 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.

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

The United States Full Service Restaurants Market is segmented by Cuisine (Asian, European, Latin American, Middle Eastern, North American), 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.

Shifting social trends have significantly influenced the Restaurants industry's performance over recent years. Consumers' busy lifestyles and high workloads have bolstered demand for restaurant meals and takeaway. Restaurants allow consumers to combine dining with leisure and avoid spending time on food preparation. Rising demand for food delivery platforms like Uber Eats has also supported industry revenue, allowing time-poor consumers to purchase home-delivered, restaurant-quality food. A fall in discretionary incomes and recent cost-of-living pressures have restricted patronage for restaurants, as consumers have become more concerned about the costs of dining out. Industry businesses are also finding it extremely difficult to deal with elevated operational costs, including high input, wage and energy expenses. Labour shortages have also been extreme in the industry, with restaurants facing major retention gaps. These factors, along with intense competitive pressures, have curbed the industry’s profitability growth and forced businesses to exit the industry over the two years through 2024-25. 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 anticipated to have soared at an annualised 6.6% over the five years through 2024-25 to $24.1 billion. This includes an expected 2.2% dip in 2024-25. Looking ahead, improving consumer confidence and expanding discretionary incomes are set to support industry revenue. Reeling from the economic challenges of the previous five-year period, restaurants are anticipated to diversify their revenue streams by expanding their service offerings to include merchandise and live events. Restaurants are forecast to focus on improving operational efficiencies to limit costs and boost profitability. 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 climb an annualised 1.0% over the five years through 2029-30 to total $25.5 billion.

This statistic shows the restaurant industry food and drinks sales in the United States from 2009 to 2017, by venue category. Bars and taverns were forecasted to generate approximately **** billion U.S. dollars in food and drink sales in 2017.

Restaurant industry in the U.S. - additional information

The restaurant industry in the United States is a large one, with food and drink sales reaching *** billion U.S. dollars in 2016. This figure was forecasted to rise even further in 2017, exceeding *** billion U.S. dollars. The majority of these sales are generated in general eating places each year, including full service restaurants, limited service restaurants, cafeterias and bars. Within this venue category, full service restaurants make the most sales, with around *** billion U.S. dollars expected for 2017. Limited service restaurants followed close behind with an estimated *** billion dollars for that year.

Limited service, or quick service, restaurants are commonly referred to as fast food restaurants. Fast food has been popular in the U.S. since the ***** when the global fast food chains of recent years, such as McDonald’s and KFC, were just starting to expand. Today, more than 44 percent of U.S. consumers visit fast food restaurants at least once per week. This is despite the fact that the nutritional quality of menu items at popular quick service restaurants leaves much to be desired. Not only is the calorie content of many fast food menu items high, but the sodium content often soars above the recommended amount. The median sodium content of all menu items at sandwich chain Subway was recorded at *** milligrams in 2013.

That said, many limited service restaurants now offer healthy menus for those seeking a less-calorific alternative to the regular burger and fries. While the sodium content of Subway’s menu items was found to be high, a survey of U.S. consumers in September 2014 discovered that fast food patrons thought that Subway was the best fast food chain for healthy or health conscious food.

Restaurant Sales Dataset with Dirt Documentation

Overview

The Restaurant Sales Dataset with Dirt contains data for 17,534 transactions. The data introduces realistic inconsistencies ("dirt") to simulate real-world scenarios where data may have missing or incomplete information. The dataset includes sales details across multiple categories, such as starters, main dishes, desserts, drinks, and side dishes.

Dataset Use Cases

This dataset is suitable for: - Practicing data cleaning tasks, such as handling missing values and deducing missing information. - Conducting exploratory data analysis (EDA) to study restaurant sales patterns. - Feature engineering to create new variables for machine learning tasks.

Columns Description

Key Characteristics

1. Data Dirtiness:

   • Missing values in key columns (Item, Price, Quantity, Order Total, Payment Method) simulate real-world challenges.
   • At least one of the following conditions is ensured for each record to identify an item:
     • Item is present.
     • Price is present.
     • Both Quantity and Order Total are present.
   • If Price or Quantity is missing, the other is used to deduce the missing value (e.g., Order Total / Quantity).

2. Menu Categories and Items:

   • Items are divided into five categories:
     • Starters: E.g., Chicken Melt, French Fries.
     • Main Dishes: E.g., Grilled Chicken, Steak.
     • Desserts: E.g., Chocolate Cake, Ice Cream.
     • Drinks: E.g., Coca Cola, Water.
     • Side Dishes: E.g., Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Bread.

3 Time Range: - Orders span from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023.

Cleaning Suggestions

1. Handle Missing Values:

   • Fill missing Order Total or Quantity using the formula: Order Total = Price * Quantity.
   • Deduce missing Price from Order Total / Quantity if both are available.

2. Validate Data Consistency:

   • Ensure that calculated values (Order Total = Price * Quantity) match.

3. Analyze Missing Patterns:

   • Study the distribution of missing values across categories and payment methods.

Menu Map with Prices and Categories

The US Foodservice Market report segments the industry into Foodservice Type (Cafes & Bars, Cloud Kitchen, Full Service Restaurants, Quick Service Restaurants), Outlet (Chained Outlets, Independent Outlets), and Location (Leisure, Lodging, Retail, Standalone, Travel). Five years of historical data and five-year forecasts are included.

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.

Full-service restaurants in Canada thrived from the pandemic low, driven mainly by rising levels of consumer spending. However, the unwelcome high inflationary pressure following the pandemic has reduced customers' propensity to dine out as menu inflation surpassed food inflation. As a result, soaring operational costs and lower consumer interest in dining out have suppressed the industry's overall growth. Nonetheless, industry revenue has expanded an annualized 10.8% to $49.5 billion over the past five years, including 2.7% growth in 2025 alone. Likewise, industry profit has improved, accounting for 4.4% of industry revenue. This industry primarily consists of many small, independent, single-location restaurants, making the market quite fragmented. The notable players are franchises that mainly acquire revenue through royalty fees. Over the past five years, full-service restaurants have grappled with soaring costs, especially regarding wages and ingredients. Minimum wages and a restriction on temporary foreign worker supply have driven labor expenses for restaurants, which have already endured staff shortages. In 2025, the US-Canada tariff war is expected to worsen the situation. The tariffs on US-imported produce will force restaurants to work on their current supply chains, such as shifting to source locally and other countries like Mexico. In the outlook period, industry revenue is expected to continue growing, albeit at a slower pace. A decline in household income levels and continued tariff threats will likely drive customers from frequenting full-service restaurants. Consequently, industry revenue is projected to increase at an annualized rate of 1.5%, resulting in $53.5 billion over the five years to 2030.

The India Full Service Restaurants Market is segmented by Cuisine (Asian, European, Latin American, Middle Eastern, North American), 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.

China Chain: Restaurant: Business Revenue data was reported at 100.450 RMB bn in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 67.460 RMB bn for 2022. China Chain: Restaurant: Business Revenue data is updated yearly, averaging 45.550 RMB bn from Dec 2003 (Median) to 2023, with 21 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 100.450 RMB bn in 2023 and a record low of 13.791 RMB bn in 2003. China Chain: Restaurant: Business Revenue data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Commerce, China General Chamber of Commerce. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Wholesale, Retail and Catering Sector – Table CN.CCAB: Restaurant.

The size of the global food service market reached 2.52 trillion U.S. dollars in 2021. This figure was forecast to grow to 4.43 trillion U.S. dollars in 2028, showing a CAGR of 9.9 percent from 2021 to 2028.

Full-service restaurants in China account for the largest revenue share of China's catering subsector. Approximately 80% of the total catering subsector's revenue came from the Full-Service Restaurant industry. The Full-Service Restaurants industry's proportion of the total catering subsector has decreased slightly in recent years, due to the rapid growth of its main external competitor, the Fast-Food Restaurant industry. Nevertheless, industry revenue has grown steadily over the past five years. Industry revenue is expected to increase at an annualized rate of 6.6% over the five years through 2024. This includes 19.8% growth in 2024, to total $784. billion, reflecting recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020. Competition is high and the market is highly fragmented. The combined market share of the top four companies, Sichuan Haidilao Catering Company Limited; Inner Mongolia Xibei Catering Group, China Quanjude (Group) and Shaoshan Maojia Restaurant Development Co., Ltd., is estimated to be only 1.6% in 2024. Some firms that have built strong brand images over many years have begun operating at a national scale by developing chain operations. However, this development has slowed in recent years due to operating model development difficulties. The main chain-operation models used in the industry are franchising and direct management of one's own restaurants. Some of the major players have shifted toward direct management due to legal frameworks disadvantaging franchise operations and brand copyrighting. Industry revenue is projected to rise at an annualized 15.3% over the five years to 2029, to total $1.6 billion. Improvements in the legal framework for franchising and intellectual property rights will likely stimulate chain operation growth, and major players are projected to continue expanding their networks of branch restaurants and franchises. Technology changes will likely continue, primarily regarding credit card use. The development of China's financial markets and credit card businesses is forecast to strongly influence this technological change.

The number of people employed in the restaurant industry in the United States fluctuated throughout the past decade. As of May 2023, this figure reached **** million, a slight increase from the previous year's total of **** million from the previous year. The number of employees in the restaurant industry in the U.S. peaked in 2016 at **** million and has since declined. What are the hourly wages of fast-food employees in the U.S.? The hourly wages of U.S. fast food and counter workers varied throughout 2023. As of May of that year, fast food employees in the United States had a median hourly wage of **** U.S. dollars. In total, approximately ** percent of fast-food employees earned less than ***** U.S. dollars per hour, and ** percent of those same workers earned less than ***** U.S. dollars per hour. Leading U.S. restaurant chain The leading restaurant chain in the U.S., by a measure of sales, was McDonald’s in 2022. During that year, the quick service chain experienced sales amounting to ***** billion U.S. dollars. McDonald’s was also the most valuable quick service restaurant brand in the world in 2023, with an estimated brand value of over *** billion U.S. dollars. Starbucks, who came second in the ranking, had an estimated brand value of approximately **** billion U.S. dollars.

Snapshot img

Food Service Market Size 2025-2029

The food service market size is forecast to increase by USD 53709.5 billion, at a CAGR of 47.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the increasing demand for food prepared and served away from home. Consumers' busy lifestyles and preference for convenience have led to a surge in demand for quick-service and fast-casual dining options. Additionally, the trend towards increased snacking and indulgence consumption continues to fuel market expansion. However, the Food Service sector faces notable challenges. Labor shortages pose a significant obstacle, as the industry grapples with high turnover rates and difficulty in attracting and retaining skilled workers. These labor issues can lead to operational inefficiencies and increased costs, putting pressure on businesses to find innovative solutions.
To capitalize on market opportunities and navigate challenges effectively, companies must focus on improving operational efficiency, investing in digital food technology to streamline processes, and offering competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain talent. By addressing these key drivers and challenges, players in the market can position themselves for long-term success.

What will be the Size of the Food Service 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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In the dynamic and ever-evolving the market, various sectors continually adapt to meet the changing needs of consumers and businesses. Integral components of this industry's growth include recipe management software, refrigeration systems, event planning software, and water conservation, among others. These solutions streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and promote sustainability. Moreover, supply chain optimization, social media marketing, waitlist management, and restaurant insurance are essential elements that contribute to a restaurant's success. Demographic analysis, employee scheduling software, and sales reporting & analytics enable businesses to understand their customer base and optimize revenue growth. Additionally, restaurant location analytics, interior design, menu engineering, and reservation systems cater to the unique requirements of each establishment.

Catering management software, energy efficiency, and food safety regulations ensure operational efficiency and adherence to industry standards. Furthermore, sustainability initiatives, licensing and permits, payment processing gateways, and table management software are vital aspects of modern food service operations. Staff retention, portion control, procurement management, and allergen management contribute to operational efficiency and cost control. In the realm of customer experience, loyalty programs, customer feedback systems, and atmospheric design play a significant role. Commercial ovens, value proposition, waste audit, customer service training, franchise opportunities, labor cost management, and competitive analysis (local) are essential elements that enable food service businesses to thrive in a competitive market.

The food service industry's continuous dynamism is reflected in the ongoing adoption of advanced technologies and innovative solutions. From menu design and pricing strategies to ambient lighting and food storage solutions, these elements are seamlessly integrated to enhance the overall customer experience and drive business success.

How is this Food Service Industry segmented?

The food service 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.

Service

  Conventional
  Centralized
  Ready-prepared
  Assembly-serve


Sector

  Commercial
  Non-commercial


Cuisine Type

  American
  Italian
  Asian


Price Range

  Budget
  Mid-range
  Premium


Target Audience

  Families
  Professionals
  Students


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Service Insights

The conventional segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic the market, various entities play integral roles in enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience. Recipe management software streamlines the preparation process, ensuring consistency and accuracy. Refrigeration systems maintain food's freshness, while energy-efficient models promote sustainability. Event planning software facilitates seamless co

The Fast Food Restaurants industry in Hawaii 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.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 million.

The global food service market size was worth $3,486.58 billion in 2024 is projected to grow from $4,027.61 billion in 2025 to $6,810.86 billion by 2032

The size of the United States Full-Service Restaurants Market was valued at USD 324,900 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 554,120 Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 4.10% during the forecast period. Full service restaurants (FSR) are restaurants where customers sit at tables, order from a menu, and are served by waiters. These restaurants range from casual family dining to fine dining restaurants that offer a variety of dishes and dining experiences. Despite the positive growth, the full service restaurant market faces many challenges. The industry is highly competitive with many players vying for market share. Consumers are increasingly attracted to restaurants that offer special food and beverage programs. This trend is most evident in the growth of public and private restaurants that cater to the diverse tastes of the American public. In addition, the focus on local and sustainable food is increasing, focusing on healthy and environmentally friendly foods. The full-service restaurant market in the United States is poised for significant growth due to changing consumer preferences and the growing trend of eating out. While challenges remain, the market's potential for innovation and expansion is a great opportunity for food vendors and investors alike. Recent developments include: January 2023: Applebee’s announced the return of its USD 6 Smoocho Mucho Sips.December 2022: Dine Brands Global Inc. acquired Fuzzy's Taco Shop® ("Fuzzy's") from Experiential Brands LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NRD Holding Company, for USD 80 million in cash.November 2022: Brinker International announced that its brand Chili's Grill & Bar launched its first to-go-only location nationwide.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Demand for Functional and Fortified Food, Multi-functionality and Wide Application of Riboflavin. Potential restraints include: Low Stability of Riboflavin on Exposure to Light and Heat. Notable trends are: A significant rise in tourist arrivals is driving the market growth, capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the influx of visitors.