How Many Restaurants Are in the U.S.? (2026 Restaurant Industry Statistics)

If you’ve searched how many restaurants in the US, you’ve probably noticed that different sources give different numbers. Some say there are more than a million. Others report figures closer to 700,000. So what’s the real answer?

The truth is: it depends on how “restaurant” is defined.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• How many restaurants are in the US
• The number of restaurants in the United States by official classification
• How many restaurants are in America compared to global totals
• How many restaurants in California specifically
• What counts toward the restaurant industry total
• Why totals vary depending on the source

Let’s start with the most searched question.

How Many Restaurants Are in the United States?

When people ask how many restaurants are in the US, they’re usually looking for a single number. But there are two commonly referenced totals:

1. Broad Industry Definition (Restaurant & Foodservice Outlets)

Using a broader industry definition that includes full-service restaurants, limited-service restaurants, cafés, bars, caterers, and foodservice contractors, the U.S. has over 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets.

This is the larger figure often cited in industry reports and reflects the total footprint of foodservice locations across the country.

2. Narrower Government Classification (NAICS 722)

Using the official federal classification “Food Services and Drinking Places” (NAICS 722), which includes restaurants and bars but focuses on registered establishments with payroll, the total is closer to approximately 720,000–730,000 establishments in recent counts.

So when someone asks:

• How many restaurants are there in the US?
• How many restaurants in the United States?
• Number of restaurants in the US?
• Total restaurants in the US?

The most accurate answer is:

The United States has between 720,000 and over 1 million restaurant and foodservice establishments, depending on how restaurants are defined and counted.

Why Do the Numbers Differ?

Understanding the difference is critical if you want to write about the restaurant industry accurately.

Restaurants vs. Foodservice Businesses

The broader count includes:

• Full-service restaurants
• Fast-casual and quick-service restaurants
• Bars and taverns
• Caterers
• Food trucks
• Institutional foodservice operations

The narrower government count typically includes businesses classified as establishments under federal labor and tax reporting systems.

Establishments vs. Locations

A single restaurant brand may operate multiple locations. Some datasets count each location separately, while others count establishments differently depending on reporting structure.

Employer vs. Non-Employer Businesses

Some food businesses operate without traditional payroll employees. Depending on the dataset, these may or may not be included.

That’s why you’ll see slightly different totals when searching:

• How many restaurants in USA
• How many restaurants are in America
• How many restaurants in America

The variation isn’t an error — it’s a classification difference.

How Many Restaurants in California?

California consistently ranks as the state with the highest number of restaurants in the country.

Recent industry estimates show that California has roughly 85,000–90,000 restaurant locations, depending on classification.

So when someone searches how many restaurants in California, they’re looking at approximately:

86,000+ restaurant locations statewide.

California alone represents nearly 8–9% of total U.S. restaurant locations, which highlights how concentrated foodservice is in large population states.

Other top states for restaurant density include:

• Texas
• Florida
• New York
• Illinois

How Many Restaurants Are in the World?

Restaurant Count Comparison: U.S. vs California vs Global

The global question — how many restaurants are in the world — is much harder to answer precisely.

Unlike the United States, there is no single global registry that tracks every restaurant across all countries using the same definition.

However, global industry estimates suggest:

• There are likely many millions of restaurants worldwide.
• Some broad estimates place the global total in the 10–20 million range, depending on whether cafés, bars, and informal food vendors are included.

The challenge is consistency. Different countries define and regulate restaurants differently. In some regions, informal and unregistered food businesses make up a significant share of the food economy.

So while the U.S. total is easier to measure, the global number of restaurants in the world remains an estimate rather than a fixed statistic.

The Size of the U.S. Restaurant Industry

Understanding how many restaurants are in the United States also requires looking at the scale of the overall restaurant industry.

The U.S. restaurant industry:

• Employs over 15 million people
• Represents one of the largest private-sector employers
• Includes both independent restaurants and multi-unit chains
• Generates over $1 trillion in annual sales

This industry includes everything from local diners to national fast-food chains to fine dining establishments.

So when someone asks:

• How many restaurants are there in the United States?
• How many restaurants in the USA?

They’re really asking about a sector that represents one of the largest economic engines in the country.

Restaurant Density: How Many Restaurants Per Capita?

Another useful way to think about the number of restaurants in the US is per capita.

With a population of roughly 330+ million people and over 1 million foodservice outlets (broad count), that means:

There is approximately 1 restaurant or foodservice location for every 300–350 people in the United States.

Using the narrower ~720,000 establishment figure:

There is roughly 1 restaurant establishment for every 450–500 people.

Either way, the United States has one of the highest restaurant densities in the world.

Growth Trends: Is the Number Increasing?

The number of restaurants in the United States fluctuates due to:

• Economic conditions
• Consumer spending trends
• Labor market constraints
• Supply chain pressures
• Inflation

During downturns, restaurant closures increase. During economic expansion, new restaurant openings rise.

Despite temporary declines in certain years, long-term trends show continued growth in the restaurant industry, particularly in:

• Fast-casual segments
• Takeout and delivery-focused concepts
• Limited-service models

This suggests that while the exact number of restaurants in the US may shift slightly year to year, the overall footprint remains substantial.

Types of Restaurants Included in the Count

When answering how many restaurants are in America, it’s important to understand what types of establishments are typically included.

Full-Service Restaurants

Traditional dine-in restaurants with table service.

Limited-Service Restaurants

Quick-service and fast-food operations.

Fast-Casual Restaurants

Hybrid concepts combining speed and perceived quality.

Drinking Places

Bars and taverns serving beverages.

Special Food Services

Caterers, food trucks, and contract foodservice providers.

Depending on the dataset, all or only some of these categories are included.

Comparing the U.S. to the World

While the U.S. has roughly 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets (broad definition), many countries have far fewer establishments relative to population size.

For example:

• The U.S. has a highly developed chain restaurant sector.
• Europe has a large independent restaurant culture.
• Asia has significant informal food markets not always captured in official statistics.

That’s why how many restaurants are in the world remains more of an estimate than a precise figure.

Why This Matters for Operators and Suppliers

Understanding the number of restaurants in the United States isn’t just trivia. It impacts:

• Equipment demand
• Supply chain logistics
• Food distribution networks
• Commercial kitchen growth
• Restaurant equipment market size

If there are over 1 million outlets nationwide, that represents:

• Millions of commercial ovens
• Millions of refrigeration units
• Millions of smallwares
• Massive ongoing replacement and upgrade cycles

The size of the restaurant industry directly influences the commercial kitchen equipment market.

FAQ Summary (Capturing Key Search Variations)

How many restaurants are in the US?

Between roughly 720,000 (narrow classification) and over 1 million (broad restaurant & foodservice outlets).

How many restaurants are in the United States?

Approximately 720,000–1,000,000+, depending on definition.

How many restaurants in USA?

More than 1 million foodservice outlets; around 720k establishments under narrower definitions.

How many restaurants are in America?

America (U.S.) has roughly the same totals — around 720k to over 1 million.

How many restaurants in California?

Approximately 86,000+ restaurant locations.

How many restaurants are in the world?

Likely in the tens of millions globally, though exact figures vary widely.

Final Thoughts

The answer to how many restaurants are there in the United States isn’t a single number — it’s a range defined by methodology.

• Narrow federal classification: ~720,000 establishments
• Broad restaurant & foodservice count: 1 million+ outlets

Either way, the U.S. restaurant industry is one of the largest and most dynamic sectors in the economy.

From small-town diners to national chains, from food trucks to fine dining, the total restaurants in the US represent a massive network of businesses serving hundreds of millions of meals every day.

And globally? The number climbs into the many millions — reflecting just how universal dining out has become.