History of Restaurant in Timeline

A restaurant is a business that prepares and serves food and beverages to customers. While meals are typically consumed on-site, many restaurants also provide takeout and delivery options. Restaurants are diverse in appearance and offerings, with a wide array of cuisines and service styles ranging from budget-friendly fast-food establishments and cafeterias to moderately priced family restaurants and upscale luxury venues.

1920: Prohibition Impacts Restaurants

In 1920, the implementation of Prohibition in the United States led to significant challenges for fine dining restaurants, which heavily relied on the sale of wine and alcoholic beverages for their profits. This era saw a rise in more casual dining options like cafeterias and diners.

1950: Increase in Dining Out

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

1964: Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Katzenbach v. McClung

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: Rise in Restaurant Dining

By 1990, the proportion of meals consumed outside the home in restaurants or institutions had risen to 46%. Factors included growing numbers of older people, single-parent households, and the convenience afforded by restaurants.

2000: Growth of Restaurants in Vietnam

In 2000, there were about 20,000 restaurants nationwide in Vietnam. The restaurant industry is an important economic sector, making a significant contribution to the national economy.

2005: Michelin Guide Released in New York City

In 2005, Michelin released its first guide for the United States, focusing on New York City. This marked the introduction of Michelin's star rating system to the US restaurant scene, complementing existing rating systems like Forbes Travel Guide and AAA.

2006: Restaurant Industry Statistics in the United States

As of 2006, there were approximately 215,000 full-service restaurants in the United States, accounting for $298 billion in sales, and approximately 250,000 limited-service (fast food) restaurants, accounting for $260 billion.

2008: Restaurant Industry During the 2008 Recession

During the 2008 recession, the restaurant industry in the United States was an anomaly as it continued to grow, despite the economic downturn.

2012: Waiting Staff Employment and Wages in Restaurants

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

2013: Cooks Employment and Wages in Restaurants

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

2014: American Spending on Dining Out

In 2014, Jiaxi Lu of the Washington Post reported that Americans were spending $683.4 billion a year dining out and demanding better food quality and variety from restaurants.

2016: Restaurant Growth and Dining Trends

In 2016, the number of restaurants in the US reached 1,000,000, translating to one restaurant for every 310 people. A Gallup Poll indicated that approximately 61% of Americans ate at a restaurant at least once a week. Also, in 2016 Americans spent more on restaurants than groceries.

2016: Restaurant Spending Exceeds Grocery Spending

Starting in 2016, Americans began spending more on restaurants than on groceries.

October 2017: Growth in Eating and Drinking Establishments

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

2020: Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Restaurant Sales

In 2020, the National Restaurant Association initially estimated restaurant sales at $899 billion before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to the pandemic, the association projected a decrease to $675 billion, marking a decline of $274 billion from their previous estimate.

2021: Growth of the Restaurant Industry in Vietnam

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

2022: Restaurant Industry Growth in Vietnam

In 2022, the number of restaurants in Vietnam increased to over 400,000. According to a report by SSI Securities Corporation, the revenue of the restaurant industry in Vietnam reached VND610 trillion in 2022, up 16% from 2021.