USA Food Service Industry Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The USA food service industry size is expected to reach USD 1995.0 billion by 2033. It is anticipated to cross a valuation of around USD 985.5 billion by 2023.

The market is likely to exhibit considerable growth at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2023 to 2033.

In 1970, around 26.3% of all food expenditures went toward eating out. By 2012, that percentage had risen to 43%.

Growing trends in the USA include increasing number of two-earner households, high earnings, small-sized families, easy accessibly, and emergence of inexpensive food options. These factors combined are expected to drive food service demand in the USA.

Apart from that, rising investments by leading food service companies in the country on advertising and promotions would also propel demand.

Several USA-based restaurants were compelled to close or operate at reduced capacity during the pandemic back in 2020. It was due to supply-chain disruption brought on by stay-at-home orders, business closures, and social distance mandates.

These considerations might have influenced customers' food acquisition behaviors, making food at home a more favored option than food away from home. Millennials’ deliberate avoidance of dining out due to the perceived danger of virus infection and rise of online grocery shopping are also contributing to growth.

In 2021, food-away-from-home spending accounted for 55% of total food expenses, returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to the USA Department of Agriculture.

Due to their hectic schedules, modern customers are increasingly deciding not to take meal or dine on the move. Various significant market trends such as the expanding popularity of food trucks, are anticipated to have a favorable impact on the food truck sector during the forecast period.

Vegetarianism is growing in terms of acceptance in the USA. It is nowadays becoming a popular eating trend among Americans, which helps increase demand for food and hospitality services.

Growth of the restaurant and food service sector has also been aided by rising popularity of eating out.

A key driver pushing the industry is rising digitization of food services, as customers find it convenient to make reservations and payments online.

Online takeaway and delivery services are also becoming increasingly popular and are in high demand today. This is in addition to online payments.

It is anticipated that fast food restaurants that serve wholesome cuisine and organic products would remain at the forefront. Need for food that is organic is increasing quickly in the USA.

Given that numerous fast food items are harmful, it has led to increased obesity and health consciousness among today’s customers. This might have a negative impact on market expansion.

Attributes Key Insights
USA Food Service Industry Estimated Size (2023E) USD 985.5 billion
Projected Market Valuation (2033F) USD 1995.0 billion
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 7.3%
Market Statistics Details
Jan to Jun (H1), 2021 (A) 8.9%
Jul to Dec (H2), 2021 (A) 10.7%
Jan to Jun (H1), 2022 Projected (P) 6.7%
Jan to Jun (H1), 2022 Outlook (O) 26.2%
Jul to Dec (H2), 2022 Outlook (O) 18.6%
Jul to Dec (H2), 2022 Projected (P) 7.1%
Jan to Jun (H1), 2023 Projected (P) 6.9%
BPS Change : H1,2022 (O) to H1,2022 (P) 1,951
BPS Change : H1,2022 (O) to H1,2021 (A) 1,730
BPS Change: H2, 2022 (O) to H2, 2022 (P) 1,148
BPS Change: H2, 2022 (O) to H2, 2022 (A) 788

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2018 to 2022 USA Food Service Sales Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2023 to 2033

Future Market Insights (FMI) projects the USA food service market to remain lucrative, exhibiting growth at 7.3% CAGR between 2023 and 2033. The restaurant and food service industry in the USA is a multibillion-dollar market.

Given the establishment of restaurants and other food service businesses, half of all adults have worked in food service in a few capacities at certain time in their lives.

The food service sector includes any business that serves meals to customers outside of their homes. This includes restaurants, takeout establishments, cafeterias, university dining halls, catering & vending companies, inns & motels.

It has also grown to include rehabilitation & retirement facilities.

Wait staff, hosts, busboys, and bartenders are a few examples of front-of-house employees. Their training and performance directly correlates to sales in this industry. On the other hand, cooks, dishwashers, chefs, and supervisors are examples of back-of-house employees.

Fast food restaurants employ only food preparation workers, cashiers, and supervisors. The food truck trend brings a mobility component to food service. Only a few people are needed to operate the truck, prepare food, and serve it from a window counter, which makes business easier.

Due to the difficulty of cooking at home as a result of Americans' increasingly busy lifestyles, restaurant and food businesses have expanded steadily.

According to the National Restaurant Association, restaurants employ approximately 15.6 million people in the USA, with an additional 1.6 million restaurant jobs anticipated to be created by 2030.

Section 1: USA Restaurant and Food Service Industry

Market Statistics Details
Jan to Jun (H1), 2021 (A) 9.1%
Jul to Dec (H2), 2021 (A) 10.6%
Jan to Jun (H1), 2022 Projected (P) 5.7%
Jan to Jun (H1), 2022 Outlook (O) 23.3%
Jul to Dec (H2), 2022 Outlook (O) 17.6%
Jul to Dec (H2), 2022 Projected (P) 6.7%
Jan to Jun (H1), 2023 Projected (P) 6.2%
BPS Change : H1,2022 (O) to H1,2022 (P) 1,760
BPS Change : H1,2022 (O) to H1,2021 (A) 1,420
BPS Change: H2, 2022 (O) to H2, 2022 (P) 1,090
BPS Change: H2, 2022 (O) to H2, 2022 (A) 700
Nandini Roy Choudhury
Nandini Roy Choudhury

Principal Consultant

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Top USA Restaurant and Food Service Industry Trends Listed by Future Market Insights (FMI)

  • As the USA economy has grown in recent years, consumers have become more confident in their financial stability, leading to expensive dine-outs with family and friends.
  • They are more willing to spend money on dining out and trying new restaurants as the market is competitive and provides innovation.
  • Rise of dual-income households has led to an increasing demand for convenience foods and quick-service restaurants.
  • Consumers are increasingly interested in healthy food options and unique dining experiences, which has led to a proliferation of new restaurants and food trucks.
  • Advancements in technology including last-mile delivery have also played a significant role in expansion of the USA restaurant and food service industry.
  • Online ordering and delivery services have made it simpler for consumers to access restaurant food from the comfort of their own homes.
  • New technologies such as mobile ordering and payment systems have made it smooth for restaurants to provide fast and efficient service to customers.

Category-wise Insights

Which is the Leading Service Type Segment in the USA?

Fast Food Outlets to Exhibit High Demand for Food Service Equipment in the USA

Based on service type, the fast food outlet segment is projected to remain at the forefront throughout the estimated time frame. One of the primary reasons for expansion of fast food outlets is their high convenience.

Fast food restaurants are typically located in convenient, high-traffic areas such as busy intersections and shopping centers. They offer quick and easy access to food for busy consumers who are on-the-go and do not have a lot of time to spend on meals.

Brand recognition is also contributing to the expansion of fast food outlets in the USA.

Fast food chains such as McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's have become household names. These command strong brand recognition and loyal customer bases. This makes it easier for these chains to expand into new markets and attract a large client base.

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Section 2: USA Catering Service Industry

During the projected period, the USA catering service industry is expected to flourish at aCAGR of 6.1%.The market value is projected to increase fromUSD 76.7 billionin 2023 toUSD 138.2 billionby 2033.

The industry was valued atUSD 70.5 billionat the end of 2022. It exhibited a CAGR of 1.2% during the historical period from 2018 to 2022.

Rise of events and celebrations across the USA is projected to fuel catering service demand. Weddings, corporate events, and other social gatherings often require catering services to provide food & beverages for large groups of people.

As these events become more frequent and elaborate, need for catering services is expected to continue to rise.

The convenience offered by catering services is also contributing to their surging demand. Modern consumers are nowadays looking for ways to save time and reduce stress, for which catering services provide convenient solutions.

Caterers can handle all aspects of food preparation, delivery, and service.This frees up time and resources for clients to focus on other aspects of their events or celebrations.

Top USA Catering Service Industry Trends Listed by Future Market Insights (FMI)

  • Restaurants that are expanding their catering services are doing so by actively investing in improving their online presence.
  • Kitchen & equipment capacity and team staffing & training are key challenges faced by restaurants investing in the catering industry.
  • Emergence of solutions such as cloud kitchens could assist in resolving these problems without completely changing in-store operations.
  • One of the most prominent areas of investment in the market is in hiring staff for catering.
  • Staffing has become a problem to solve due to rising labor expenses and high employee turnover.
  • A key advantage of concentrating labor in catering is that it can reduce cost.

Category-wise Insights

Which is the Highly Preferred Type of Catering Service in the USA?

Outdoor Catering Services to Showcase Immense Popularity by 2033 in the USA

Demand for outdoor catering is rising in the USA due to several factors. One of the significant reasons is growing popularity of outdoor events.

Outdoor events have become increasingly popular in recent years as they offer unique and memorable experiences. These include weddings, corporate events, and social and family gatherings.

Outdoor catering services are well-suited for these events, as they can provide customized menus and services that cater to the unique needs and preferences of the event.

Desire for unique dining experiences is another factor augmenting the need for outdoor catering. Millennials are increasingly interested in unique and memorable dining experiences, and outdoor catering services provide just that.

From themed events to unique venues, outdoor catering services offer a wide range of options that can create a truly memorable dining experience.

Competitive Landscape

Earlier, service portfolios were less diverse, but as time has passed and service demand has increased, leading players are focusing on new service formation.

Companies such as Uber Eats, Zipline, UPS, Matternet, Wing, Flytrex, Zing, Amazon, Wingcopter, Elroy Air, Joby Aviation, Volkswagen, and Wisk Aero are starting to broaden their service range and increase their market reach.

For instance

  • In October 2022, Making Operator Xperiences Easy or MOX, has begun its countrywide roll-out, according to US Foods Holding Corp. It is the only all-encompassing e-commerce program and the most sophisticated in the food service distribution sector. Anywhere, at any time, one can use it on a desktop, a tablet, or a mobile device.
  • In September 2022, Uber Eats revealed a 10-year agreement with the self-driving car startup Nuro. The company would be able to try driverless delivery of food in 2 locations in California and Texas beginning September 2022. Domino's has also partnered up with Nuro for quick service self-driven delivery vehicles in Houston. 

Scope of the Report

Attribute Details
Estimated Market Size (2023) USD 985.5 billion
Projected Market Valuation (2033) USD 1995.0 billion
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 7.3%
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Historical Data Available for 2018 to 2022
Market Analysis Value (USD billion)
Key Region Covered North America
Key Country Covered The USA
Key Segments Covered Service Type, Delivery Method, Catering Type, End User
Key Companies Profiled McDonald’s Corporation; Subway IP Inc.; Restaurant Brands International, Inc.; Starbucks Corporation; Papa John's International, Inc.; Dunkin Brands Group Inc.; Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc.; Little Caesar Enterprises Inc.; Yum! Brands Inc.; CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.; Focus Brands Inc.; Brinker International; Hard Rock Cafe Inc.; Dairy Queen, Inc.; The Wendys Co.
Report Coverage Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, Drivers Restraints Opportunity Trends Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives

USA Food Service Industry Outlook by Category

Section 1: USA Restaurant and Food Service Industry

By Service Type:

  • Full-service Restaurants
  • Street/Kiosk
  • Cafes and Bars
  • Self Service Restaurants
  • Fast Food Outlet
  • Delivery/Takeaway
  • Recreational Places

By Delivery Method:

  • Dine-in
  • Delivery
    • Online
    • Drive Thru
  • Takeout
    • Online
    • Drive Thru

Section 2: USA Catering Service Industry

 By Catering Type:

  • Outdoor Catering (Away-from-home)
  • Industrial Catering (Canteen, Cafeteria)
  • Club Catering (Turf Clubs, Polo Clubs, Golf Clubs)
  • Welfare Catering (NGO, Charity)
  • Leisure Linked Catering (Kiosk, Zoo, Park, Stadium)
  • Retail Store Catering
  • Transport Catering (Airline, Railway, Cruise, Surface)

By End User:

  • Corporate
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Defense & Offshore
  • Mining & EPC
  • Sports & Leisure
  • Event Management
  • Others (Retail, Manufacturing, Aviation)

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big is the USA Food Service Industry?

The industry is valued at USD 985.5 billion in 2023.

Who are the Key USA Food Service Industry Players?

McDonald's, Starbucks, and Subway are key industry players.

Which Industry is the Key Consumer of the USA Food Service Industry?

The key consumer of the USA Food Service Industry market is the household sector.

How Big Will the USA Food Service Industry by 2033?

The industry is estimated to reach USD 1995.0 billion by 2033.

What is the USA Food Service Industry CAGR for 2033?

The USA Food Service Industry CAGR for 2033 is 7.3%.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Market Dynamics
	Section 1
	4. USA Restaurant & Food Service Industry Demand (in Value (USD Million) Analysis 2018 to 2023 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	5. USA Restaurant & Food Service Industry Analysis 2018 to 2023 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, by Service Type
		5.1. Full-service Restaurants (including casual dining, fine dining, family dining, etc.)
		5.2. Street/Kiosk
		5.3. Cafes and Bars
		5.4. Self Service Restaurants
		5.5. Fast Food Outlet
		5.6. Delivery/Takeaway
		5.7. Recreational Places
	6. USA Restaurant & Food Service Industry Analysis 2018 to 2023 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Delivery Method
		6.1. Dine-in
		6.2. Delivery
			6.2.1. Online
			6.2.2. Drive Thru
		6.3. Takeout
			6.3.1. Online
			6.3.2. Drive Thru
	7. USA Restaurant & Food Service Industry Analysis 2018 to 2023 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		7.1. Northeast
		7.2. Southeast Exc. Florida
		7.3. Midwest
		7.4. Florida
		7.5. Rest of USA
	8. Regional Restaurant & Food Service Market Share Analysis
	9. Market Structure Analysis
	10. Competition Analysis
		10.1. USA Restaurant & Food Service Players
			10.1.1. McDonald’s Corporation
			10.1.2. Subway IP Inc.
			10.1.3. Burger King Corporation
			10.1.4. Starbucks Corporation
			10.1.5. Papa John's International, Inc.
			10.1.6. Baskin Robbins
			10.1.7. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc.
			10.1.8. Little Caesar Enterprises Inc.
			10.1.9. Yum! Brands Inc.
			10.1.10. CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.
			10.1.11. Cinnabon
			10.1.12. Brinker International
			10.1.13. Hard Rock Cafe Inc.
			10.1.14. Dairy Queen, Inc.
			10.1.15. Wendy's Company
			10.1.16. Tim Hortons Inc.
			10.1.17. Darden Restaurants, Inc.
			10.1.18. Boston Market
			10.1.19. Five Guys
			10.1.20. Jimmy John’s Sandwiches
			10.1.21. Jersey Mike’s Subs
			10.1.22. Burgerfi
			10.1.23. Panera Bread
			10.1.24. Chipotle Mexican Grill
			10.1.25. Buffalo Wild Wings
			10.1.26. Chick-fil-A
	Section 2
	11. USA Catering Service Industry Demand (in Value (US$ Million) Analysis 2018 to 2023 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	12. USA Catering Service Industry Analysis 2018 to 2023 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, by Catering
		12.1. Outdoor Catering (Away-from-home)
		12.2. Industrial Catering (Canteen, Cafeteria)
		12.3. Club Catering (Turf Clubs, Polo Clubs, Golf Clubs, etc.)
		12.4. Welfare Catering (NGO, Charity, etc.)
		12.5. Leisure Linked Catering (Kiosk, Zoo, Park, Stadium, etc.)
		12.6. Retail Store Catering
		12.7. Transport Catering (Airline, Railway, Cruise, Surface)
	13. USA Catering Service Industry Analysis 2018 to 2023 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End User
		13.1. Corporate
		13.2. Education
		13.3. Healthcare
		13.4. Defense & Offshore
		13.5. Mining & EPC
		13.6. Sports & Leisure
		13.7. Event Management
		13.8. Others (Retail, Manufacturing, Aviation, etc.)
	14. USA Catering Service Industry Analysis 2018 to 2023 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		14.1. Northeast
		14.2. Southeast Exc. Florida
		14.3. Midwest
		14.4. Florida
	15. Regional Catering Service Market Share Analysis
	16. Market Structure Analysis
	17. Competition Analysis
		17.1. Ann Sather Catering
		17.2. Aramark Corporation
		17.3. Aria Catering
		17.4. AVI Foodsystems, Inc.
		17.5. Bartlett mitchell Ltd.
		17.6. BLACK OLIVE CATERING
		17.7. Blue Plate Catering
		17.8. Compass Group plc
		17.9. Delaware North Companies Inc.
		17.10. DO & CO Aktiengesellschaft
		17.11. Elior Group SA
		17.12. Sodexo S.A
		17.13. The Emirates Group
		17.14. Habit Burger Grill
		17.15. Jersey Mike’s Subs
		17.16. ezCater, Inc.
	18. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
	19. Research Methodology
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