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Industry Insights

STATE OF THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY
WRA provides accurate, up-to-date information on topics specific to the foodservice industry. WRA members conveniently receive up-to-the-minute news via emails, alerts, e-Newsletters and printed materials as a benefit of membership.
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The Restaurant Industry in Wisconsin

INDEPENDENT SPIRIT
Most restaurants are independently owned small businesses owned and operated by hardworking individuals and families who have a passion for providing good food and warm hospitality.  

TIGHT MARGINS
Restaurant operators face many hurdles including extremely narrow margins, unpredictable food costs and being a highly labor-intensive industry.
 
PROVIDING JOBS AND OPPORTUNITY
​
Restaurants are a driving force in Wisconsin’s economy. They provide jobs and build careers for thousands of people.  The restaurant industry is one of the largest private industry employers in Wisconsin and ranks among the fastest growing industries in the state.

​THE CORNERSTONES OF COMMUNITIES
​
Restaurants are an important part of their communities, typically giving of their time and resources as leaders and supporters of a variety of causes to make a positive difference.
BASIC STATS 
  • Estimated sales in Wisconsin for 2021: $12.5 billion
  • Number of eating and drinking place locations in Wisconsin in 2021: 12,739
  • Number of restaurant and foodservice jobs in Wisconsin in 2021: 239,200
  • The number of jobs in the foodservice industry in Wisconsin projected for 2030: 276,700
    (a total of growth rate of 15.7% equaling 37,500 additional jobs )

Statistics provided by the National Restaurant Association

​For national restaurant industry stats, visit https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/industry-statistics/

Check our Press Releases section for results of the latest surveys of Wisconsin Restaurants.
Wisconsin Stats 2023
Download Infographic PDF

2023 State of the Restaurant Industry Report

State of the Restaurant Industry 2023 Cover
​On February 28, 2023, The National Restaurant Association released its 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry report, which examines key factors impacting the industry including the current state of the economy, operations, workforce, and food and menu trends to forecast sales and market trends for the year ahead. The report is an authoritative look at the industry and its opportunities based on a range of national surveys of restaurant owners, operators, chefs and consumers.
 
The 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry report is free to Wisconsin Restaurant Association restaurateur members ($349 for non-members). To access the report, you will need the email address associated with your Wisconsin Restaurant Association member account. Click here to start the ordering process for the report. First click the red "Purchase" button. Then you will need to select "Login" at the very top right hand corner of the page to log in with your established email/password OR select "Create an Account." After the login process is complete, you can order the report for no charge. If it is still showing the non-member rate of $349, email Membership@Restaurant.org to request to be linked to your company's membership record.

If you experience difficulties accessing the report for free, contact the Wisconsin Restaurant Association at 608.270.9950 or contact the National Restaurant Association directly at 202.331.5900 or 800.424.5156. 

Request Report
“Being a member gives me the comfort of knowing that WRA resources are available on almost every issue, problem or concern that I may face as a restaurant owner.”

– DAVID FLANNERY, OWNER APPLE HOLLER RESTAURANT, STURTEVANT​

What's Hot 2023 Culinary Forecast

The National Restaurant Association released its annual What’s Hot Culinary Forecast for 2023 in November, 2022. The What’s Hot Culinary Forecast offers a detailed look at the topics, trends and products expected to drive restaurant menus in the coming year across a variety of categories including daypart occasions, menu categories, beverages, flavors, global inspirations, and industry macro-trends.  
 
Despite the booming popularity of off-premises restaurant meals and snacks in recent years, pent-up demand for in-restaurant experiences — socialization, celebration, and culinary exploration — is strong, with 70% of respondents noting customer desire to gather on-premises.
 
Inflation is shifting consumer spending habits, and while there is a heightened appetite for restaurant experiences and connection, diners are laser focused on finding value. 
 
Top 10 Hot Trends for 2023
  1. Experiences/local culture and community 
  2. Fried chicken sandwiches & Chicken sandwiches 3.0
    ​(i.e., spicy and sweet-heat fusion flavors on chicken, etc.)
  3. Charcuterie boards
  4. Comfort fare 
  5. Flatbread sandwiches/healthier wraps 
  6. Menu streamlining 
  7. Sriracha variations
  8. Globally inspired salads
  9. Zero waste/Sustainability/Upcycled foods
  10. Southeast Asian cuisines (Vietnamese, Singaporean, Philippine, etc.)
 
Download your copy for details on the latest trends.
What's Hot 2023 cover
Download Your Copy
Chef Tossing Stir Fry

Facts at a Glance

  • $863 billion: Restaurant industry sales in 2019.
  • 1 million+: Restaurant locations in the United States.
  • 15.3 million: Restaurant industry employees.
  • 10%: Restaurant workforce as part of the overall U.S. workforce.
  • 9 in 10: Restaurant managers who started at entry level.
  • 8 in 10: Restaurant owners who started their industry careers in entry-level positions.
  • 9 in 10: Restaurants with fewer than 50 employees
  • 7 in 10: Restaurants that are single-unit operations.
(Source: National Restaurant Association)

Keep up with all of the latest news in the restaurant industry and stay up to date with what's happening on our news & alerts page.

News & Alerts
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2801 Fish Hatchery Rd  |  Madison, WI 53713
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