1851

The restaurant industry is expected to achieve $1.5 trillion in sales in 2025, with the addition of over 200,000 new jobs, bringing total employment to nearly 16 million, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/research-reports/state-of-the-industry/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=restaurant-industry-set-to-hit-15-trillion-in-sales-in-2025-despite-economic-pressures-2728570" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">the National Restaurant Association’s 2025 State of the Industry report</a>.&nbsp;This growth follows a difficult year marked by rising costs, labor shortages and declining customer traffic. Many operators still carry pandemic-related debt, and inflation continues to impact expenses, with food and labor costs rising over 30% since 2019. Despite these challenges, optimism remains high, with 82% of restaurant operators anticipating stable or increased sales in 2025. However, competition is intensifying, particularly in the quick-service and full-service segments.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-future-of-restaurant-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-2728448">Consumer behavior is shifting</a>, with a strong focus on value and loyalty programs. Many restaurants are introducing new promotions and discounts to attract cost-conscious diners, particularly in the quick-service and fast-casual segments. Loyalty programs are increasingly influencing customer choices, particularly in delivery.&nbsp;Additionally, in-person dining is regaining priority, with full-service and even quick-service restaurants emphasizing the importance of on-premises experiences. However, economic pressures continue to weigh on consumers, with many struggling to maintain their lifestyles due to inflation and shrinking savings. While inflation is expected to ease slightly, economic uncertainty may still affect restaurant spending.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchisees-battle-inflation-and-slowing-demand-amid-rising-operational-costs-2727280">Labor challenges</a> are improving but remain a concern. Although workforce availability has stabilized, hiring remains difficult, especially for back-of-house roles in full-service restaurants and management positions in quick-service establishments. While job growth is expected in the long term, potential economic downturns could force some operators to reduce staffing.&nbsp;Meanwhile, restaurants are&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/technology-in-restaurant-franchises-how-tech-is-changing-the-dining-landscape-2724124">increasing technology investments</a> to enhance productivity and customer experiences. Key areas of focus include digital marketing, cybersecurity, workforce management and AI integration. Many brands are adopting contactless ordering and payment systems, self-service kiosks and smartphone apps to streamline operations and improve efficiency.Read the full National Restaurant Association’s 2025 State of the Industry report&nbsp;<a href="https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/research-reports/state-of-the-industry/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=restaurant-industry-set-to-hit-15-trillion-in-sales-in-2025-despite-economic-pressures-2728570" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.&nbsp;For more insights and expert advice on how to choose a restaurant franchise, visit 1851 Franchise and explore our Top Restaurant Franchises for 2025 issue.

Restaurant Industry Projected to Reach $1.5 Trillion in Sales by 2025

1851 Franchise

Operators remain optimistic as value-driven dining, loyalty programs and in-person experiences fuel growth, even as inflation, labor costs and competition pose ongoing challenges.

Restaurant Industry Set to Hit $1.5 Trillion in Sales in 2025 Despite Economic Pressures

restaurant-industry-set-to-hit-15-trillion-in-sales-in-2025-despite-economic-pressures

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. Spreading Through the Southwest - 1851 Franchise

Crust Pizza Co. Targets Southeast U.S. for Expansion

crust-pizza-co-southeast-expansion

Seniors Helping Seniors®

Nathan Peterson Turns Passion for Helping Others into a Purpose-Driven Business with Seniors Helping Seniors Franchise

seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-caldwell-nathan-peterson

Famous Dave's

Famous Dave’s Fires Up Third Annual All-Star BBQ Series This May, Leading Up to the 2025 World Food Championships

famous-daves-fires-up-third-annual-all-star-bbq-series-this-may-leading-up-to-the-2025-world-food-championships

HomeTeam Inspection Service

From Air Force Veteran to Entrepreneur: Danny Hemchand Builds a Thriving Home Inspection Business

air-force-veteran-danny-hemchand-home-inspection-business

HomeTeam Inspection Service Reports Record-Breaking Performance in Q1, Continues National Expansion

hometeam-inspection-q1-2025-growth-expansion

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Eli Lilly GLP-1 Lawsuits - Mounjaro - Zepbound - 1851 Franchise Agg

Eli Lilly Sues Telehealth Startups Over GLP-1 Knockoffs, Escalating Legal Battle

eli-lilly-glp-1-lawsuits

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

&pizza - Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Begins Franchising - 1851 Franchise

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns

CFOs See Recession as Likely in ’25; Why Now Is the Time To Water the Franchise Buyer Seeds

cfos-see-recession-as-likely-in-25-why-now-is-the-time-to-water-the-franchise-buyer-seeds

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

amateur-bodybuilder-and-business-partner-bring-passion-for-fitness-to-world-gym-franchise-in-fulton-new-york

DonutNV Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-donutnv-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Restaurant Industry Set to Hit $1.5 Trillion in Sales in 2025 Despite Economic Pressures

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS