New data projects the U.S. restaurant industry will reach USD 1.5 trillion (EUR 1.4 trillion) in sales this year, despite a myriad of potential economic challenges.
The National Restaurant Association's 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry report found sales would rise 4 percent in 2025, driven by a “positive economic environment and resilient consumer demand,” the association said. The restaurant industry is also expected to add 200,000 net new jobs this year, so total restaurant and foodservice employees should reach 15.9 million – the second largest private sector employer in the U.S.
“The fundamentals of the restaurant industry are strong, and operators are optimistic about the year ahead,” NRA President & CEO Michelle Korsmo said.
More than 8 in 10 restaurant operators expect their 2025 sales to be either higher or about the same as 2024. However, they also expect competitive pressures to intensify in 2025 and rising labor and food costs to continue to be their top concerns.
In fact, 96 percent of restaurant operators say food cost are currently a “very significant” or “fairly significant” challenge. As a result, 65 percent of full-service operators and 44 percent of limited-service operators switched out more expensive menu items for more affordable options last year.
Restaurant growth will come from operators finding the balance of value and experience for consumers, and innovating breakthrough efficiency in their operations, Korsmo said.
Sales at full service restaurants are expected to increase from USD 513 billion in 2024 (EUR 494 billion) to USD 522 billion (EUR 503 billion) in 2025, while limited-service sales are projected to increase from USD 510 billion (EUR 492 billion) to USD 532 billion (EUR 513 billion). Retail hosts should also realize growth of USD 6 billion (EUR 5.8 billion) to reach USD 154 billion (EUR 148 billion), while lodging places, recreation and sports facilities, schools and colleges, and “all other foodservice establishments” will also see growth...
