Consumer Trends

Women Own Nearly Half the Restaurants in the U.S.

New research from the National Restaurant Association reveals that nearly 50 percent of restaurants are now owned by women. In addition, restaurants employ more minority managers than any other industry in the U.S.

  • Hispanic restaurant ownership has increased 42 percent in the past five years.
  • 46 percent of restaurant employees say they would like to own their own restaurant some day.
  • Restaurants are primarily small businesses; 93 percent have fewer than 50 employees.
  • For all industries, 75 percent of women-owned businesses are majority owned by women (51 percent or more), for a total of 7.2 million firms, employing 7.3 million people and generating $1.1 trillion in sales, reports the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

What will get the consumer spending at restaurants again?

The Bottom Line: November was another tough month for fast-food chains. It could take a sustained run of higher-than-inflation wage growth to ease the restaurant industry’s pressure points.

Food

California Fish Grill packs protein and sustainability into 5 new bowls

Behind the Menu: Sustainable seafood and global flavors are the focus of the fast-casual’s newest items, with salmon, shrimp, beans and more providing up to 56 grams protein in each.

Emerging Brands

Following acquisition, CRU Wine Bar & Bistro takes flight

This Dallas-based concept hopes to capture a new generation of wine drinkers by taking pretention out and offering better value.

Trending

More from our partners