1851

Restaurant opening hours have declined 7.5% over the past three years. As of October 2022, the average restaurant is open for 6.4 fewer hours per week than it was in 2019, according to a new analysis from&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.datassential.com/reduced-restaurant-hours?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-restaurant-brands-are-still-cutting-hours-2720202" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Datassential</a>.&nbsp;There are several factors contributing to the decline:<ul><li>The worker shortage has disproportionately impacted the food service industry.</li><li>Demand for restaurants in certain cities and neighborhoods has declined since the pandemic began.&nbsp;</li><li>The shift to work-from-home has led to reductions in both daytime and after-work traffic in key business centers.&nbsp;</li><li>People are at home more often, meaning more eating in.&nbsp;</li></ul>Notably, post-pandemic recovery has been tougher on independent restaurants than large franchises. Brands with over 500 units experienced a milder decline of 4.3%, or 4 hours a week.&nbsp;The report found that restaurants are closing earlier than ever, with many shutting their doors by 8 or 9 P.M., instead of the traditional 10 or 11 P.M. For example, just 41.5% of restaurants were found to be open at 9:45 on Wednesdays, compared to 56.6% in 2019.&nbsp;Other key findings from the report included:&nbsp;<ul><li>58.6% of U.S. restaurants reduced their operating hours since 2019, while just 19.8% have increased them</li><li>Independent restaurants (-7.5 hours per week) and casual dining sit-down restaurants (-8.9) exhibited particularly steep declines</li><li>Just one state saw a net increase in open restaurant hours — Alaska (+2.7 hours per week)</li><li>Blue states exhibited the greatest declines, with Washington DC (-12.5 hours per week), Vermont (-11.3), Maine (-9.8), New York (-9.5), Connecticut (-9.2) and Minnesota (-9.2) topping the list</li><li>Denny’s (-30.1 hours per week), Texas Roadhouse (-21.2), IHop (-17.7), Subway (-16.0), and Einstein Brothers (-14.2) are among the chains that reduced their hours the most.</li><li>Meanwhile, Wendy’s (+21.2 hours per week), Crumbl Cookies (+3.8), Boston Market (+2.7), Jack in the Box (+2.4), and In-n-Out Burger (+2.2) are among a smaller handful of chains that extended their operating hours.</li></ul>Read the full report from Datassential&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.datassential.com/reduced-restaurant-hours?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-restaurant-brands-are-still-cutting-hours-2720202" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.&nbsp;

Why Restaurant Brands Are Still Cutting Hours

1851 Franchise

A report from Datassential found that restaurants are closing earlier than ever, with many shutting their doors by 8 or 9 P.M.

why-restaurant-brands-are-still-cutting-hours

Fitness Premier

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs - First Colorado Location - Highlands Ranch - 1851 Franchise

Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs Announces First Colorado Location in Highlands Ranch with Tech-Savvy Entrepreneurs

fitness-premier-247-clubs-announces-first-colorado-location-in-highlands-ranch-with-tech-savvy-entrepreneurs

Strategic Franchising

Photo of a businessman, wearing glasses, smiling at the camera

Building Wealth Through Franchising: A Long-Term Investment

building-wealth-through-franchising-a-long-term-investment

Sola Salons

Headshot of Sharon Gates, who has long, blonde hair and is wearing a bright blue shirt

From Corporate to Community: How Sharon Gates Built a Thriving Sola Salons Franchise

sharon-gates-sola-salons-franchise

Melting Pot

Photo of Melting Pot fondue spread with cheese and chocolate, bread, meats and fruits

Crain’s Detroit Business: Fondue Restaurant Plans Michigan Expansion

melting-pot-michigan-expansion

Pigtails & Crewcuts

Why Pigtails & Crewcuts Is a Fulfilling Investment Providing Emotional ROI

why-pigtails-crewcuts-is-a-fulfilling-investment-providing-emotional-roi

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

Design with hundred dollar bill and orange "recession" banner across the middle

ABC News: Recession Risks Are Rising, Economists Say. Here’s What to Know.

recession-risks-impact-economy-franchise-world

NRA: Restaurants Focus On Enhancing In-Store Experiences To Attract Diners in 2025

nra-restaurants-focus-on-enhancing-in-store-experiences-to-attract-diners-in-2025

The Joint Chiropractic - Dr. Anthony Tran - IFA Franchisee of the Year - 1851 Franchise

The Joint Chiropractic’s Dr. Anthony Tran Named Franchisee of the Year by the IFA

joint-chiropractic-dr-anthony-tran-ifa

TruGolf - Hybrid Golf Franchise - Nexus Golf - 1851 Franchise

TruGolf Links Unveils Revolutionary Hybrid Golf Franchise Concept

trugolf-links-unveils-revolutionary-hybrid-golf-franchise-concept

Photo of a basket of chicken wings with dipping sauce and celery

RestaurantNews: Franchisees File Comprehensive Legal Complaint Against Hurricane AMT

restaurantnews-franchisees-file-comprehensive-legal-complaint-against-hurricane-amt

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

DOJ FTC Antitrust Guidelines - Franchise News - 1851 Franchise

DOJ and FTC Issue New Antitrust Guidelines with Implications for Franchising

doj-and-ftc-issue-new-antitrust-guidelines-with-implications-for-franchising

Taco Bell Joins the Beverage Boom With New Live Más Café Concept

taco-bell-joins-the-beverage-boom-with-new-live-mas-cafe-concept

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Domonique Downing - Big Frog Franchise - Fayetteville, GA - 1851 Franchise

Coca-Cola Scientist Finds Path to Autonomy with Big Frog Franchise in Fayetteville, Georgia

big-frog-franchise-fayetteville-georgia

Franchisee spotlight featuring Ian and Dick Rydholm with gradient blue background and Sylvan logo

Ian and Dick Rydholm Celebrate 30 Years of Transforming Lives Through Sylvan Learning in El Paso, Texas

ian-and-dick-rydholm-celebrate-30-years-of-transforming-lives-through-sylvan

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

Tiam Behdarvandan’s Let’s Get Moving Offers a Franchise Opportunity Rooted in Growth and Support

tiam-behdarvandans-lets-get-moving-offers-a-franchise-opportunity-rooted-in-growth-and-support

Why Restaurant Brands Are Still Cutting Hours

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS