Texas is home to one of the largest restaurant industries in the United States, generating over $100 billion in sales annually and employing more than a million people across the state. Supported by a fast-growing population and a broad mix of urban and suburban markets, it spans everything from independent restaurants in smaller towns to major chains.
While this creates a wide range of opportunities for foodservice businesses, it also means restaurant operators will face diverse consumer expectations, shifting cost structures, and a competitive landscape that continues to evolve.
So, how is the restaurant industry in Texas performing? And where is it headed? This blog compiles the latest Texas restaurant statistics to help operators understand the market better.
Texas Restaurant Industry Statistics Overview
A. Market Size and Growth
The restaurant industry plays a central role in Texas’s economy, both in scale and in its influence on local communities. According to the Texas Restaurant Association, the state is home to more than 57,000 restaurant establishments, ranking second nationwide after California.
In 2023, the sector generated $106.8 billion in sales, underscoring its position as one of Texas’s largest private economic drivers. With an estimated economic multiplier of $2.35, every dollar spent in restaurants adds more than double that amount to the broader state economy.
B. Employee Size
Employment further highlights the industry’s weight. The foodservice industry in Texas is the largest private sector employer, employing over 1.4 million Texans, or nearly 11% of the state’s workforce.
What’s notable is that this growth is not dominated by only large chains — 91% of Texas restaurants operate with fewer than 50 employees, reflecting the dominance of small businesses across the market.
C. Regional Market Insights
Texas’s restaurant landscape is marked by dynamic growth across its major metropolitan areas and emerging suburban markets. The Dallas-Fort Worth metro now supports 16,000 restaurants, up from about 14,000 before the pandemic. In Houston, 2024 brought over 70 new openings, ranging from casual spots to upscale concepts, cementing the city’s reputation as a hub for culinary diversity.
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
According to industry projections, the number of restaurant jobs in Texas is expected to surpass 1.66 million by 2030.
Texas Foodservice Industry: Sales and Dining Trends
As Texas’s restaurant industry continues to expand, several major consumer trends are shaping its growth trajectory. Rising demand for off-premises dining, particularly takeout and delivery, is driving revenue streams beyond traditional dine-in services.
At the same time, technology adoption, from food ordering apps and digital menus to loyalty programs, is helping Texas restaurant operators streamline operations and enhance customer retention. Here are the key statistics highlighting how consumers are engaging with the restaurant industry in Texas-
1. Off-Premises Dining Dominates Texas Restaurant Sales
In 2024, off-premises dining accounted for 83% of total sales in limited-service restaurants and 30% in full-service establishments in Texas. This shift underscores the growing importance of takeout, drive-thru, and delivery services in the state’s dining landscape.
2. Houston Food Away-from-Home CPI Rises 3.5% in June 2024
As of June 2024, the Consumer Price Index for food away from home in the Houston area increased by 3.5%, reflecting the broader trend of rising dining costs in Texas. This uptick influences consumer spending patterns and restaurant pricing strategies.
3. Texas Restaurants Report Significant Drop in Alcohol Sales
Approximately 40% of Texas restaurant operators have reported a decline in alcohol sales compared to the previous year, indicating shifting consumer preferences and spending habits.
4. Nearly 80% of Restaurant Operators Expect Stable or Rising Sales in 2024
According to the National Restaurant Association, almost 8 in 10 restaurant owners nationwide predict their sales will increase or remain the same this year, indicating cautious optimism and resilience in US restaurants, including Texas.
5. Texas QSR Chains Recorded 1.5 Billion Visits in H1 2024
Texas Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) chains saw a total of 1.5 billion visits in the first half of 2024. On average, each chain received 11.6 million visits, with customers spending approximately 16 minutes per visit.
These figures underscore the continued emphasis on speed and convenience that drives the QSR sector in Texas, highlighting both high customer frequency and operational efficiency as key factors for success.
Growth Trends in the Texas Restaurant Industry
1. Off-Premises Channels Dominate Sales
Takeout, delivery, and drive-thru now account for nearly 75% of all restaurant orders in the U.S. As a result, restaurants across the country, including Texas, are redesigning operations to prioritize speed, packaging, and digital ordering.
2. Expanding Restaurant Footprint and Urbanization
Texas continues to add new restaurants at a fast clip, now totaling nearly 57,000 establishments statewide. This represents one of the highest restaurant densities in the US, with about one restaurant per 513.7 Texans.
Population growth in major metro areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin is fueling further expansion, creating growth opportunities for both new concepts and chain brands.
3. Demand for Diverse Cuisines and Global Flavors
The demand for more diverse, globally inspired, and health-conscious cuisine is booming. Popularity of Asian, vegetarian, and specialty food concepts is on the rise, especially in urban centers.
Texas’s multicultural population and tourism recovery are bringing bold new flavors (and fusion trends) to the forefront, reflecting changing regional tastes.
4. Focus on Local Sourcing and Sustainability
Texas operators are prioritizing local ingredients and supply chains to boost both quality and resilience. Sustainability initiatives, from waste reduction to eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral offerings, are helping restaurants attract younger, environmentally conscious guests and keep up with changing preferences.
5. Labor Market Shifts and Tech Adoption
With over 1.2 million employed in Texas restaurants, finding (and keeping) staff remains a challenge. This is driving rapid investment in automation like self-service kiosks, QR-based ordering, and AI-powered tools to streamline operations, reduce labor stress, and maintain high service standards.
Conclusion
Texas reflects both the opportunities and the challenges of the wider U.S. restaurant industry. Population growth keeps fueling demand, yet rising costs push operators to rethink how they compete.
Besides, consumer expectations continue to evolve with technology and convenience, while suburban markets are emerging as powerful growth engines alongside the traditional metro hubs. This makes it highly critical for restaurant owners in Texas to stay updated with the industry statistics and
