Fast Casual: Restaurant Numbers Drop as Diners Stay Home

Most of the news, polls and data analysis surrounding the restaurant industry currently is not very positive. According to a recent Fast Casual article, the NPD Group reported that the number of restaurants has dropped to its lowest level in the past 10 years. The poll found that 62 percent of those who said they were eating out less said it was due to cost and that eating at home was the cheaper option.

"This is the most significant drop in total U.S. restaurant counts since the recession," NPD Foodservice Product Management Director Greg Starzynski said in information released about the findings.

The biggest decline is seen in restaurants that are independently run, while chain restaurants actually saw an increase from fall 2007 to fall 2016. The growing fast casual segment grew 7 percent.

"If consumers continue to reduce their restaurant visits, we expect the number and density of restaurant units will continue to decline in response to the lower demand," Starzynski said.