Great food, seamless service, and customer convenience, that’s what running a restaurant in 2025 is all about. But to stay competitive in this saturated market, sometimes it’s not enough.
Evolving customer preferences or market dynamics could easily throw your operations off. As a result, it becomes equally important to keep pace with the current industry performance. Trends in labor, menu pricing, sales performance, and customer behavior directly influence how restaurants plan inventory, staff their teams, and invest in technology.
To help operators stay updated, this blog will explore the most essential National Restaurant Association Statistics for the industry in 2025.
National Restaurant Association Statistics 2025: Industry Performance
Understanding the restaurant industry’s performance at a macro level helps operators set realistic goals, benchmark progress, and adjust to broader economic signals.
The 2025 data from the National Restaurant Association (NRA) provide a clear snapshot of how the industry is growing.
- The restaurant and foodservice industry is forecasted to achieve $1.5 trillion in sales in 2025.
- Eating and drinking establishments, which represent approximately 72% of the industry, registered total restaurant industry sales of $99.1 billion in April 2025, an increase of 3.8% from April 2024.
- Between April 2024 and April 2025, 45% of restaurant operators reported an increase in same-store sales, indicating a positive trend in revenue growth.
- In January 2025, the Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) rose to 101.1, indicating expansion, driven by improvements in same-store sales and customer traffic.
- More than 80% of restaurant operators anticipate their 2025 sales to be higher or about the same as in 2024, reflecting optimism despite competitive pressures.
- For 90% of fine dining restaurants and 87% of casual dining restaurants, building a successful on-premise business is a priority.
- In April 2024-25, 30% of operators experienced increased customer traffic, while 48% reported a decline, highlighting ongoing challenges in attracting diners.
EXPERT OPINION
Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO, National Restaurant Association: “The fundamentals of the restaurant industry are strong, and operators are optimistic about the year ahead. Industry sales are expected to grow more than four percent this year, and employment should reach nearly 16 million jobs. That growth will come from restaurant operators finding the balance of value and experience for consumers, and innovating breakthrough efficiency in their operations.” |
Employment Trends in the Restaurant Industry 2025
The restaurant and foodservice industry remains a cornerstone of the U.S. job market as the nation’s second-largest private sector employer.
In fact, the industry is projected to employ 15.9 million people, adding over 200,000 new jobs across diverse roles and segments.
The following restaurant industry employment statistics from the National Restaurant Association provide an up-to-date look at how the sector is navigating its complex workforce dynamics.
- The restaurant and foodservice industry employs 10% of the total U.S. workforce.
- The total number of employees in the industry is estimated to reach 17.4 million by 2025.
- Nearly 50% of U.S. adults had their first job working in a restaurant.
- Restaurant and foodservice employees are three times more likely than the total U.S. workforce to be under the age of 25.
- Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars, such as coffee, donut, and ice cream shops, have over 165,000 jobs, which is 20.4% above March 2020 levels.
- The restaurant industry employs more minority and female managers than any other economic sector, highlighting its role in providing diverse leadership opportunities.
- Despite improvements in retention rates, 77% of operators report that recruiting and retaining employees remains a significant challenge.
- 37% of restaurant operators plan to adopt automated labor management and recruitment systems to streamline hiring and improve retention.
- Waitstaff in full-service restaurants have a median hourly wage of $27.00, with the top 25% earning $41.50 or more and the bottom 25% earning $19.00 or less.
NRA Statistics: Customer Behavior and Preferences
Consumer preferences in 2025 continue to evolve, with a strong emphasis on convenience, value, and unique dining experiences.
The National Restaurant Association’s research reveals significant trends in takeout and delivery habits, preference for speed, and the growing importance of technology and social media in their dining experiences.
- For 82% of consumers, going out to restaurants is a preferred leisure activity over cooking at home.
- 86% of consumers find restaurants a better place to explore new cuisines and food items.
- Takeout from restaurants has become an important lifestyle choice for 51% of consumers, including 67% of Gen Z adults and 64% of millennials.
- 57% of adults, including 74% of Millennials and 65% of Gen Z adults, have recently used mobile ordering.
- 78% of diners say they’re more inclined to choose a restaurant that offers rewards, even if it’s less conveniently located.
- A significant number of diners prioritize the overall dining experience over the cost of the meal, including 64% of customers at full-service restaurants and 47% at limited-service spots.
- About 76% of consumers find social media a reliable source for information about new restaurants in their area.
- The availability of discounts and offers is a crucial factor for 82% of consumers when choosing a restaurant for delivery.
Looking at these insights, it’s clear that consumer expectations are becoming more specific, informed, and experience-driven.
The growing appetite for digital convenience, personalized rewards, and superior experience across all touchpoints will redefine loyalty and satisfaction in 2025.
Conclusion
The restaurant industry, as evident by National Restaurant Association statistics 2025, is set to grow tremendously across all aspects in 2025, from sales to off-premises operations and customer spending. But only those who stay informed and flexible will benefit from the positive trends.
Whether it’s adjusting staffing strategies, investing in better online delivery systems, or refining the in-house experiences, the data offers clear benchmarks to guide decision-making.
In a year shaped by shifting expectations and steady growth, being responsive to the numbers is one of the smartest moves any restaurant can make.
