U.S. restaurant industry grows in 2012

Recent data from the NPD Group shows that the U.S. restaurant industry expanded between 2011 and 2012. According to QSR Web, there were more than 616,000 restaurants in the nation as of fall 2012 – a 0.7 percent year-over-year increase. Additionally, researchers found that the number of full-service establishments, including casual and fine dining restaurants, rose 1.1 percent.

“The changes in spending, consumer visits and unit growth while slight are, at least, on the positive side,” NPD Group spokesperson Greg Starzynski told the news source.

Meanwhile, restaurants in some portions of the country expect significant gains in 2013. For example, CultureMap Austin reports that industry experts are predicting that Texas restaurants will gross $40.8 billion in profits this year – a 5 percent increase from 2012.

Growth in the U.S. restaurant segment may impact the nation’s job market. More positions could become available in the industry, and establishments could hire more qualified staff members to fill important roles with their teams. In fact, restaurant professionals may assist establishments throughout the country, as these workers possess the expertise and skills to help business owners boost their sales and attract new customers.