Industry InsightsSTATE OF THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY
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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
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. |
2023 State of the Restaurant Industry Report

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.
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.
“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 ForecastThe 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
Download your copy for details on the latest trends. |
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Facts at a Glance
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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. |