2009 Industry Forecast

2009 Restaurant & Bar Industry Forecast

Industry sales are expected to reach $566 billion for 2009. This is a 2.5% increase over last year's figures, however those numbers translate to an inflation adjusted decline of 1%.
Projected sales for Eating and Drinking Establishments for 2009 is $395 billion. This is an increase of 2.2% over 2008 sales. Full service Restaurants sales are expected to reach $182.9 billion, which is a 1% increase over 2008.
According to The National Restaurant Association, 13 million individuals will be employed by the 945,000 Restaurants and Food service outlets Nationwide in 2009 making this industry the second largest private sector employer.
Despite slight downturns the Restaurant Industry remains strong representing 4% of the U.S. gross domestic product and employing 9% of the U.S. workforce. Even with modest industry job losses experienced in the fourth quarter of 2008 and the start of 2009 the Restaurant Industry outpaced the economy in 2008 for the ninth straight year and is expected to continue in 2009. Restaurant industry job growth over the next 10 years is expected to grow faster than the U.S. population. Considerable employment expansion will be first noticed in Texas, Nevada, and Florida and include positions in management, chefs, head cooks,and servers.


Information from several different surveys taken by U.S. Census, Consumer Expenditures, National Restaurant Association Consumer Survey, and Chef and Operator What's Hot Surveys shows clear 2009 trends. This list is our brief summary of those reports

• Locally Grown How and where food was produced is clearly #1. All indications are that the local food trend will continue to grow. 70% of adults reported that they are more likely to visit restaurants offering locally produced menu items. This has become a super hot trend in fine dining

• Healthier Menu choices. Nutritionally balanced kids' meals was on top under this topic replacing fries with kid friendly veggie side items. Also under this topic more dishes with fruits and vegetables, smaller portions, fish, and gluten-free items. 27% of adults search online for a restaurants nutritional information before their first visit. This is a 3% increase from 12 months ago.

• Going Green 44% of adults say that are likely to make a restaurant choice based on the establishments practices to conserve energy and water.