Restaurant Economic Insight Blog
Regular insights from the Association's team of economists providing a nuanced look at the market forces affecting the restaurant industry.
-
Research
GLP-1 and Restaurants: Shifting Habits, Not Shrinking Demand
May 20, 2026Restaurants remain deeply embedded in the lifestyles of GLP-1 users -
Research
International tourism is projected to rebound this year after a 2025 decline
May 19, 2026Number of international visitors will remain well below the pre-pandemic peak -
Research
New Association report provides a demographic profile of restaurant owners
April 16, 2026The accessibility of restaurant ownership across demographic groups illustrates the entrepreneurial opportunities in the industry. -
Research
Restaurant and Lodging Business Applications Remain Highly Elevated
April 08, 2026 -
Research
Potential Workers on the Sidelines: Labor Force Participation Continues to Slide
April 07, 2026The labor force participation rate contnues to slide lower. -
Research
Slowing population growth has implications for restaurant sales
March 27, 2026States in the southeast and mountain west are leading the way in population gains. -
Research
New Association report provides a demographic profile of the restaurant workforce
March 25, 2026Restaurant employees tend to be younger and more diverse than the overall U.S. workforce. -
Research
Softer tourism spending is making business conditions more challenging for restaurants
November 14, 2025Travel and tourism typically accounts for 3 in 10 dollars spent at U.S. restaurants. -
Research
Average Family Health Insurance Costs Soared to Nearly $27,000 in 2025
October 22, 2025The average health insurance plan for a family of four cost $26,993 in 2025, up 6% from 2024, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s latest annual survey. -
Research
Higher volume restaurants reported lower food-cost ratios in 2024
October 16, 2025Lower costs flowed through to the bottom line in the form of higher profitability.