History of Restaurant in Timeline

A restaurant is an establishment that prepares and serves food and drinks to customers, typically consumed on the premises. However, takeout and delivery options are common. Restaurants are diverse, ranging from fast-food and cafeterias to mid-priced family restaurants and high-end luxury establishments, offering a broad spectrum of cuisines and service styles.

1920: Prohibition Impacts Fine Dining

In 1920, the introduction of Prohibition significantly impacted fine dining restaurants. These establishments, which relied on alcohol sales for profit, faced financial challenges, leading to a rise in simpler, more casual dining options such as cafeterias and diners.

1950: Proportion of Meals Consumed Outside the Home in 1950

In 1950, 25% of meals were consumed outside the home in restaurants or institutions.

1964: Civil Rights Act of 1964 Outlaws Segregation

In 1964, the Civil Rights Act outlawed segregation in public accommodations, including restaurants. The Supreme Court case Katzenbach v. McClung upheld Congress's power to forbid racial discrimination in restaurants under the Commerce Clause.

1990: Proportion of Meals Consumed Outside the Home in 1990

By 1990, the proportion of meals consumed outside the home in restaurants or institutions had risen to 46%.

2000: Growth of Restaurants in Vietnam in 2000

In 2000, there were approximately 20,000 restaurants across Vietnam.

2005: Michelin Releases New York City Guide

In 2005, Michelin released its first guide for the United States, focusing on New York City restaurants.

2006: Restaurant Industry Statistics in 2006

As of 2006, the United States had approximately 215,000 full-service restaurants with $298 billion in sales, and 250,000 limited-service restaurants accounting for $260 billion.

2008: Restaurant Industry Growth During the 2008 Recession

During the 2008 recession, the restaurant industry continued to grow despite the economic downturn.

2012: Waiting Staff Statistics in 2012

In 2012, the waiting staff in restaurants numbered 4,438,100, earning an average of $8.84 per hour.

2013: Cooks' Average Hourly Wage in 2013

In 2013, restaurants employed 912,100 cooks earning an average of $9.83 per hour.

2014: American Dining-Out Spending in 2014

In 2014, Americans were spending $683.4 billion annually on dining out, demanding better food quality and greater variety.

2016: Restaurant Growth and Dining Trends in 2016

In 2016, the number of restaurants reached 1,000,000, and a Gallup Poll revealed that nearly 61% of Americans ate out at least once a week. Also starting in 2016, Americans spent more on restaurants than groceries.

2016: Americans Spend More on Restaurants Than Groceries Starting in 2016

Starting in 2016, Americans spent more on restaurants than groceries.

October 2017: Restaurant Growth Statistics in October 2017

In October 2017, The New York Times reported that there were 620,000 eating and drinking places in the United States, with the number of restaurants growing almost twice as fast as the population.

2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts Restaurant Sales

In 2020, the National Restaurant Association projected that the COVID-19 pandemic would decrease restaurant sales by $274 billion, from $899 billion to $675 billion.

2021: Restaurant Industry Revenue in Vietnam in 2021

In 2021, The out-of-home market accounted for VND333.69 trillion, up 19% from 2021

2022: Restaurant Industry Revenue in Vietnam Reaches VND610 Trillion in 2022

In 2022, the restaurant industry in Vietnam saw strong growth. The number of restaurants increased to over 400,000, and revenue reached VND610 trillion, with the out-of-home market accounting for VND333.69 trillion.