Chain Restaurants in the US - Industry Research Report

Back for seconds: Looming inflation and younger diners searching for food experiences will continue to threaten industry profit

The industry swallowed economic catastrophe, surging recovery and record inflation in the past few years. Before the pandemic, restauranteurs increasingly benefited from economies of scale. Meanwhile, as per capita disposable income increased and unemployment reached record lows, consumers spent more, giving rise to more lavish spending on food away from home, especially on more expensive sit-down meals. However, the pandemic's severe detriment to the overall food service sector, even including 2021's aggressive recovery, mitigated long-run growth. From 2018 to 2022, chain restaurant revenue expanded at a 1.5% CAGR to $57.1 billion, finishing with a 2.5% increase in 2023, where profit lowered to 4.7%.

The industry consists of chain and franchised restaurants of five or more establishments that provide food services to patrons that order, are served while seated (i.e. wait service) and pay after eating. These establishments may provide this type of food service to patrons in combination with alcoholic and other beverages.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.