How Many Restaurants Are in the United States in 2025?

According to state-by-state data from the National Restaurant Association, there are well over 700,000 restaurants in the United States. This vast industry encompasses everything from quick-service chains to fine dining establishments, each playing a crucial role in the nation’s economy. 

In fact, a 2025 report projects the restaurant industry to generate $1.5 trillion in sales and employ 15.9 million workers by the end of the year, making it one of the largest private-sector employers in the country. 

But how exactly do the numbers break down? What’s the most common type of restaurant in the U.S., and which state has the most dining establishments? Read on as we take a deeper dive into how many restaurants are in the United States.

Key takeaways

• The U.S. restaurant industry is massive, with over 700,000 establishments contributing significantly to the economy and job market.

• With over 207,800 locations, fast food chains are the most common type of restaurant, followed by independent full-service restaurants and chain restaurants.

• With 85,779 restaurants, California has the highest number, while Vermont has the fewest at 1,462.

• Washington, D.C. has the most restaurants per capita (one per 263 residents), while larger states like Texas have a higher resident-to-restaurant ratio.

• Digital ordering, ghost kitchens, rising costs, and evolving consumer preferences continue to redefine the restaurant landscape.

Number of restaurants in the United States by type of restaurant

The American dining industry is vast and diverse, with types of restaurants ranging from quick-service giants to intimate fine-dining experiences. Here's a breakdown of how many restaurants there are across different categories based on data from IBISWorld:

Which U.S. state has the most restaurants?

When it comes to sheer number of restaurants, a few states stand out as food service powerhouses. According to 2023 data from the National Restaurant Association, California leads the pack with 85,779 restaurants, reflecting its massive population, diverse food culture, and strong hospitality industry.

Number of restaurants by state

While The Golden State leads the way, other top contenders for the highest number of restaurants by state in the U.S. include:

• New York, with 49,510 restaurants, has a particularly high concentration in New York City, one of the world’s top dining destinations.

• Florida, with 48,354 restaurants, benefits from a thriving tourism industry and a mix of casual and fine dining options.

• Texas, with 56,739 restaurants, serves everything from barbecue and Tex-Mex to international cuisine.

• Ohio, with 24,821 restaurants, ranks high despite its smaller population compared to the coastal states.

On the other end of the spectrum, Vermont has the fewest restaurants, with just 1,462, followed closely by Wyoming (1,415) and North Dakota (1,803)—all states with lower population densities and smaller urban centers.

Here’s a look at the number of restaurants in each state:

Number of residents per restaurant by state

The number of residents per restaurant helps gauge restaurant density and competition, revealing how many people each restaurant serves on average in a given state. Generally, states with large urban centers and tourism-heavy economies tend to have a lower number of residents per restaurant, meaning more dining options per capita. 

Washington, D.C. leads the nation in restaurant density, with only 263 residents per restaurant—a testament to its bustling food scene, fueled by government workers, business professionals, and tourists. Other states with a high concentration of restaurants per capita include:

• Hawaii (328 residents per restaurant): A tourism hotspot where dining out is a significant part of the economy.

• Montana (331 residents per restaurant): This state has a small population but strong dining culture, especially in tourist-heavy regions like Bozeman and Missoula.

• Rhode Island (356 residents per restaurant): The smallest state has a thriving food scene, particularly in Providence.

• Oregon (355 residents per restaurant): Known for its vibrant food culture, Portland helps keep restaurant density high.

Meanwhile, states with higher residents per restaurant often have larger rural areas and lower population densities, leading to fewer dining options relative to the number of people. For example, despite having the second-highest number of restaurants, Texas’ large population means a higher number of residents per dining establishment. 

This table shows the number of residents per restaurant for every U.S. state:

Factors affecting the number of restaurants in the United States

Let’s explore some of the key factors influencing the number of restaurants in the U.S. These elements shape restaurant openings, closures, and the overall industry landscape.

Digital integration

The rise of virtual kitchens and delivery-only restaurants has reshaped the industry, adding thousands of digital-only establishments that operate without traditional storefronts. 

Mobile ordering, third-party delivery apps, and AI-driven recommendations have become essential to modern restaurant operations, expanding the definition of a "restaurant." As Alex Canter, owner of Canter’s Deli in Los Angeles, told The New York Times:

“Online ordering is not a necessary evil. It’s the most exciting opportunity in the restaurant industry today… If you don’t use delivery apps, you don’t exist.”

Market adaptation

As consumer preferences shift, new restaurant concepts emerge to meet demand. One example is the rise of boba tea shops, which grew over 23% from 2022 to 2024, fueled by increasing interest in international beverages and customizable drink options. 

Additionally, the increasing popularity of health-conscious, plant-based, and specialty diet restaurants is driving growth in niche dining sectors, reflecting a stronger focus on sustainability and wellness.

These shifts highlight how the restaurant industry constantly evolves to meet new customer demand and stay relevant.

Economic conditions

The number of restaurants across the nation is also influenced by external economic conditions largely outside of owners’ control. For example:

• Rising operational costs, including labor, food prices, and rent, make it harder for restaurants to remain profitable.

• Real estate costs, particularly in high-traffic locations, influence restaurant distribution and force operators to adopt new formats like ghost kitchens and food halls.

• General economic health affects both restaurant openings and survival rates, with access to capital and lending conditions determining new restaurant development. For instance, as pandemic-era savings dwindle, 61% of operators reported declining customer traffic from 2023 to 2024.

Demographics

Population shifts and urbanization trends play a major role in restaurant density and distribution. Areas with high foot traffic, young professionals, or growing tourism sectors tend to support more restaurants. Additionally, a 2022 survey found that restaurants have a higher rate of minority ownership than the broader private sector:

• 41% of restaurant firms are minority-owned, compared to 30% of businesses in the private sector.

• 19% of restaurant firms are Asian-owned, 14% are Hispanic-owned, and 9% are Black- or African American-owned.

• Hawaii (64%), Texas (59%), California (58%), Georgia (55%), Maryland (54%), and Washington, D.C. (54%) have the highest proportion of minority-owned restaurants.

These statistics highlight how cultural diversity and regional population trends influence restaurant ownership, shaping the overall landscape of the industry.

Regulatory environment

Local and federal regulations significantly influence restaurant operations. For instance:

• Zoning laws affect where restaurants can be established and what types of businesses are permitted.

• Health and safety regulations impact operational feasibility, requiring restaurants to meet strict sanitation and labor standards.

• Minimum wage laws and labor policies affect restaurant employment structures and pricing strategies.

What this restaurant count tells us about dining in America

With hundreds of thousands of restaurants across the U.S., this massive industry fuels the economy, provides millions of jobs, and constantly evolves to keep up with what diners want.

From the rise of digital ordering and ghost kitchens to shifts in food trends like boba tea shops, the way we eat out is always changing. Economic factors, local regulations, and even where people choose to live all play a role in shaping the restaurant landscape. These numbers tell a bigger story about how restaurants adapt, survive, and thrive in an ever-changing world.

However, no matter how trends shift or what challenges arise, one thing is certain—Americans love dining out, and the restaurant industry will continue evolving to satisfy their cravings!