The Canadian restaurant industry generates billions in annual sales, supports over a million jobs, and remains one of the country’s most dynamic consumer-facing industries. But the sector’s growth in 2025 looks different than ever before.
Canadians are dining out more frequently, but they are also prioritizing value and convenience, prompting restaurant operators to invest more in digital channels and technology. On the other side, operators continue to face higher labor expenses and ingredient costs, which are tightening profit margins across the sector.
This blog explores the latest Canadian restaurant industry statistics 2025, highlighting where the market is expanding, how consumer behavior is shifting, and what trends leaders need to monitor in the year ahead.
Canadian Restaurant Market Overview
The broader Canadian foodservice market is estimated at $135.2 billion in 2025 and poised to nearly double to $303.7 billion by 2030, reflecting a strong five-year compound annual growth rate of 17.6%.
Within that, full-service restaurants account for approximately $49.5 billion in revenue, supported by around 79,000+ establishments, growing at a modest CAGR of 1.1% between 2020 and 2025. Additionally, fast-food outlets contribute significantly too, with about $37 billion in market value and some 21,000+ locations across Canada.
Together, restaurants in Canada have about 1.2 million employees, making foodservice a top entry-level employment sector.
EXPERT OPINION
According to Kelly Higginson, President and CEO at Restaurants Canada, “2024 was a very difficult year for the restaurant industry, and our forecasting tells us that we are not out of the woods yet. Restaurants face significant threats, including drastic cuts to immigration amid a very tight labour market in much of the country outside of urban centres, a tariff dispute with the U.S. and continued low consumer confidence.”
Canadian Restaurant Industry Statistics 2025: Consumer Dining Preferences
- The average Canadian now spends CA$63 per restaurant visit, up from CA$56 in 2023, a 12.5% year-over-year increase. This spend is about 28.12% of their total food expenditure on food away from home.
- Traffic in Canada’s foodservice industry rose by 3.2% in H1 2025, and consumer spending increased by 5.7%, indicating stable recovery trends.
- Canadians order food delivery regularly, and 56% prefer doing so via third-party apps and websites because 45% find them easier to use, while 36% think they’re more convenient.
- 5 in 6 Canadians continue dining at regular table-service restaurants rather than switching to lower-cost alternatives, managing expenses through coupons, loyalty programs, or by skipping add-ons.
- 88% of Canadians say low price is an important consideration when dining out, while 68% also want healthy and locally sourced ingredients.
- Gen Z and Millennials account for the majority of impulse delivery orders, where 46% of Gen Z and 35% of Millennials admit to giving in to cravings often.
- About half of diners in Canada (49%) have ordered a viral food item on social media for delivery.
Key Trends Driving the Canadian Restaurant Industry
A. Digital Adoption
Digital ordering has become a core driver of foodservice sales in Canada. Between 2022 and 2024, online orders, which include delivery and takeout, jumped by 155%, showing how quickly consumers have shifted toward app-based dining.
This signals the importance of investing in digital channels and optimizing for mobile, since online visibility now directly impacts sales growth and customer retention.
2. Health-Conscious Dining
Health and sustainability trends are shaping menu innovation. Studies show 22% of Canadians increased their plant-based consumption between 2022 and 2024, while 61% of diners are more likely to choose a quick-service restaurant that offers healthier options.
These shifts present an opportunity for restaurants, as adding plant-forward and allergen-friendly options to their menus can widen the customer base and boost brand relevance.
3. Automation and AI Tools
Operators are increasingly turning to automation and AI to counter rising costs and staffing pressures. A recent survey found that 76% of Canadian restaurants see strong ROI potential in automation, while 80% expect improvements in ticketing and payments, and 78% anticipate efficiency gains in payroll and staff management.
4. Growing Focus on Sustainability
In 2025, 42% of restaurants in Canada have adopted waste-reduction initiatives, while 38% are integrating plant-based items into their sustainability programs. These practices not only reduce costs but also align with consumer expectations, particularly among younger diners who prioritize eco-conscious choices.
Conclusion
With more than 100,000 establishments contributing billions in revenue and employing a significant share of the workforce, the influence of Canada’s restaurant industry stretches beyond foodservice into retail, labor, and regional development.
Consumer spending shows a strong tilt toward convenience, but loyalty is increasingly tied to value, sustainability, and menu innovation. With Gen Z emerging as the most frequent foodservice users and digital ordering now a standard expectation, the industry’s growth will hinge on how effectively operators can balance profitability with evolving consumer priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
In 2025, Canada’s restaurant industry is estimated at $135.2 billion, with quick-service restaurants holding the largest share. Full-service restaurants, cafés, and bars also contribute significantly, reflecting a diverse and rapidly evolving market.
Approximately 1.2 million Canadians worked in the restaurant sector in 2025, representing around 10% of the national workforce, with the industry serving as a key entry point for youth and newcomers.
The Canadian restaurant industry in 2025 shows steady growth with increasing off-premise sales and rising consumer spending. However, labor shortages and inflationary pressures remain key operational challenges.
Canada’s foodservice sector is expected to grow at an impressive 17.5% CAGR from 2025 to 2030 and reach $303.7 billion by 2030, offering strong opportunities for investment and market expansion.
