U.S. restaurant count lower due to less independent restaurants
The U.S. restaurant count reached 647,288 in fall of 2017, a 2% decrease in units from a year ago, based on a recent restaurant census conducted by The NPD Group, a global information company.
The U.S. restaurant count reached 647,288 in fall of 2017, a 2% decrease in units from a year ago, based on a recent restaurant census conducted by The NPD Group, a global information company. The primary source of the decline in U.S. restaurant units was a 3% drop in independent restaurant units compared to a stable restaurant chain count, reports NPD’s Fall 2017 ReCount, a census of commercial restaurant locations in the United States compiled in the spring and fall each year.
Restaurant chain counts grew to 301,183 units, a 982-unit increase, which kept the total chain count flat compared to fall 2016. The total number of independent restaurants declined to 346,105 units, a decrease of 10,952 units from 2016. Quick-service restaurants (QSR) declined by 1% to 353,121 units. Fast-casual chains, which are a restaurant category under QSR, increased units by 4% to a total of 25,118. Full-service restaurant units, which include casual dining, family dining, and fine dining restaurants, stood at 294,167 units in fall 2017, a 2% decline.
“The U.S. restaurant count is reflective of what’s happening in the foodservice industry today overall,” said Bonnie Riggs, NPD’s restaurant industry analyst. “To expand or not expand units is a calculated decision on the part of restaurant operators. Chains simply have more monetary resources to grow units whereas independents do not.”