National Statistics

The size, scope and impact of the U.S. restaurant industry

2023 Sales Forecast: $997 billion
2023 Employment Forecast: 500,000 new jobs for total foodservice employment of 15.5 million
9 in 10 restaurants have fewer than 50 employees
7 in 10 restaurants are single-unit operations
8 in 10 restaurant owners started their industry careers in entry-level positions
9 in 10 restaurant managers started in entry-level positions
63% of adults have worked in the restaurant industry, making it the nation’s training ground
Restaurants employ more minority managers than any other industry
41% of restaurant firms are owned by minorities – compared to 30% of businesses in the overall private sector.
Waitstaff at fullservice restaurants earn a median of $27.00 an hour, with an upper quartile of $41.50 and a lower quartile of $19.00.