Pioneering Restaurant Intelligence Since 1997
What started as a weekly report on restaurant openings has grown into today’s most comprehensive foodservice data platform.
Today, we help industry leaders make smarter decisions with verified data on 1.1 million locations, 25,000+ VP decision makers, and real-time market intelligence.
Experience the power of fresh, accurate restaurant data
Join the industry leaders who trust RestaurantData.com for comprehensive foodservice intelligence.
Fresh, Verified Data
Our motto is simple: ‘Just say NO to dead data.’ Every piece of information in our database is regularly verified and updated by experienced professionals who understand the restaurant industry inside and out.
Deep Industry Experience
It's in our DNA – we've spent decades building relationships, refining our methodology, and developing proprietary research tools that deliver unmatched data accuracy. Our commitment to painstaking research hasn't changed since day one.
Intuitive Intelligence Platform
We've transformed complex industry data into an intuitive platform that helps you find exactly what you need. From detailed metrics like seat counts and average checks to comprehensive ownership structures, every data point is at your fingertips.
Human-Powered Accuracy
While others rely on automation alone, we combine advanced technology with human expertise. Our dedicated research team verifies and updates information continuously, ensuring you always have the most accurate, up-to-date intelligence available.
Pioneering restaurant data since 1997
For over 28 years, we’ve set the standard for comprehensive foodservice data collection and verification. What began as weekly reporting on new restaurant openings has evolved into North America’s most trusted source for restaurant industry intelligence.
1997: Company Foundation
Founded in NYC, pioneering weekly restaurant opening reports for the East and West coasts.
2004-2013: Digital Transformation
Evolved from print to digital, launching interactive directories covering 640,000+ restaurants.
2014–2020: Service Expansion
Introduced consultative services, data harmonization, and executive verification systems.
2021: Data Integration
Unified platform launch connecting 250,000+ locations with parent companies and decision makers.
2022: Market Leadership
Launched North America’s largest hierarchical research system for foodservice ownership tracking.
2024: Platform Evolution
Expanded to 34 industry segments with enhanced C-suite access covering 28,000 decision-makers.
Present: Today’s Impact
Now covering 1.1M+ Foodservice Locations in the US & Canada. RestaurantData.com continues to pioneer comprehensive foodservice intelligence for industry leaders.
Meet our team members
Keith Gellman
Industry pioneer with 30+ years of restaurant and hospitality expertise. Founded RestaurantData.com in 1997 after managing major restaurant chains.
Reuben Rosenblatt
Operations veteran with 35+ years experience. Led development of the RestaurantData directory.
Maura O'Neill
Joined RestaurantData.com in 1998 as one of its first employees. Holds an MA in Research Psychology from Iona College. As Director of Research, she oversees data flow and dissemination, ensuring accuracy across all services.
Joe Dunbar
MBA from Rutgers Business School. Former CFO at Sodexo’s International Boatel. Founded Dunbar Associates in 1990. Joined RestaurantData.com in 2010 as Director of Business Intelligence, specializing in restaurant cost control.
James Santo
IT industry veteran with 30+ years of experience. Holds a BS in Computer Science from Brooklyn College and an MS from PACE University. Former AT&T Bell Labs manager, now leading IT solutions at RestaurantData.com.
Jackie Dunbar
Joined RestaurantData.com in 2012 with 25 years of research experience. Holds an MLIS from San Jose State and a BA in Economics from UC Santa Cruz. Specializes in business intelligence, database structures, and data integrity.
Dina Fernandez
Joined RestaurantData.com in 2013, leveraging a BS in Childhood Education from Hunter College. As Team Lead, she oversees restaurant openings research, data verification, training, and social media content management.
Accuracy Guaranteed
Our industry-leading methodology transforms diverse data sources into actionable intelligence through rigorous verification and enhancement.
Raw Data Sources
We aggregate data from multiple authoritative sources to build a comprehensive foundation of restaurant industry information.
Public Records
Systematic collection of licenses, permits, and official documentation.
National Databases
Access to government filings, business registrations, and regulatory documents across all jurisdictions.
Industry Networks
Proprietary connections with restaurant groups, suppliers, and industry associations.
Data Processing Engine
Our sophisticated processing system validates, enriches, and connects data points to reveal meaningful relationships.
Verification Protocol
Multi-step validation process including direct phone confirmation and cross-reference checking.
Enhancement Systems
AI-powered data enrichment combined with human expertise for maximum accuracy.
Relationship Mapping
Proprietary algorithms identify and verify complex ownership and operational connections.
Actionable Intelligence
Transform raw data into valuable insights that drive business decisions and identify opportunities.
Verified Contacts
Accurate, up-to-date decision-maker information with multiple verification points.
Ownership Structures
Clear visibility into complex franchise and multi-concept relationships.
Market Intelligence
Comprehensive insights into market positions, technology adoption, and growth patterns.
Understand Precisely Defined Operator Relationships
Gain clear visibility into the complex web of ownership connections between locations, multi-concepts, franchisees, and ultimate corporate owners through our hierarchical view
Trusted market research partner for 28+ years
We shopped around and can confidently say you’re the best out there–very impressive.
The New Openings Report has been a game-changer for my recruiting work. It points me to small groups that are adding locations and need managers right away. I’ve placed several candidates thanks to leads I never would have found on my own.
The New Openings Report includes direct access to owners and their contact info, making outreach easy—and we land new clients every month. Even the leads without contact info are gold, since we’re seeing them before anyone else.
It’s been great—truly wonderful. Our team really values the variety of data types, which allow us to run advanced queries we just can’t do anywhere else. We’ve seen a lot of success since becoming a Restaurantdata client.
Given our direct sales into larger franchisee ownership groups, I find Restaurantdata.com has the best and most organized data for our “bottom up” sales efforts. The platform is great. We love it!’
The system is intuitive and easy to use. The data they capture and provide to our sales and BDR team has been invaluable. Our sales reps are logging in daily to research our target brands. Customer support has been very responsive to our inquiries and needs.
Restaurantdata.com has been essential to me and my success over the years.
Over the years using Restaurantdata has saved us countless hours and expense.
Even after exploring countless other lead sources over the years, yours continues to stand out as the most reliable and comprehensive. The ongoing development and enhanced search features have only made a great tool even better.
As we continue to expand, having a flexible and niche filter friendly platform has been pivotal.
Frequently asked questions
Our database contains approximately 1.1 million records, including independent restaurants, franchisees, franchisors, and chain HQs.
Currently, we have around 5,000 restaurant chain HQs with decision-making authority over multiple locations, and we’re continuously adding more.
Yes! Our unique hierarchical data structure connects each location to its parent company, up to four levels, ensuring accurate and reliable insights.
We verify most company HQ records four times per year, including updates on 26,000+ VP-level contacts.
Our entire database is sourced, integrated, and cleaned four times per year to maintain accuracy.
- Two-thirds of all locations have an owner’s name.
- One-quarter of locations include a direct email address.
- About half of our HQ contacts include an email address.
- One-third have direct dial phone numbers.
Currently, we have 1,000 franchisee companies in our directory.
Our data covers approximately 235,000 restaurant units operated by chain HQs.
We offer dozens of search filters, including:
- Name, type, and style
- Cuisine categories
- Sales, seating capacity, square footage
- Employee counts
- Decision-maker contact info
- Title level, geography, number of units
- Years in business, tech stack, and more!
Yes! Our data includes POS system details for chain HQs with 5+ units. We also track online ordering, loyalty, and reservation systems.
We provide weekly alerts in our Fresh Bites section, keeping you informed on store expansions and VP-level executive changes.
Yes!
- 450+ new restaurant openings are sourced weekly from the earliest legal filings.
- Closures are analyzed monthly using data from Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and OpenTable.
Yes! Our platform allows you to assign a sales value to each location and HQ based on your ideal customer profile and lookup criteria.
Yes! We currently provide API integration with Salesforce and HubSpot.
Absolutely! You can seamlessly import your records to cross-reference existing clients, prospects, and sales opportunities.
Yes! Our “Hot Leads” system lets you:
- Save searches
- Tag records
- Add notes
- Manage both master and individual user accounts
Yes! Our database also includes Grocery, Convenience Stores, Hotels, and all other out-of-home foodservice segments.
Yes! You’ll have:
- A dedicated account manager
- Multiple company contacts for real-time support
- Access to a connected Slack and Teams channel for assistance
With nearly 30 years of experience in the foodservice industry, we’ve developed a deep understanding of market trends, data analysis, and strategic growth. Our expert team of data scientists are here to provide guidance and tailored support for a wide range of projects.
When standard search functionalities within our Data Directory don’t meet specific needs, our research team steps in to deliver custom insights and solutions on demand.
Our Data Intelligence Services Include:
Data Hygiene – Over time, ingested data becomes messy. Our data scientists specialize in harmonizing, standardizing, and integrating your existing data to create a seamless, actionable resource. Unlock deeper insights, optimize your sales process, and drive better results with clean, structured data tailored to your needs.
Custom Data Curation – Build targeted datasets based on your unique criteria.
Venture Capital & Private Equity Support – Data-driven insights to evaluate startups and investment opportunities.
Sales Lead & Prospect Targeting – Pinpoint the right decision-makers for your business.
Advanced Site Selection – Leverage data to identify prime locations for expansion.
Tailored Market Research – Get in-depth analysis customized to your needs.
Account-Based Marketing (ABM) Solutions – Our team helps refine ABM strategies, ensuring highly targeted outreach that drives exceptional engagement.
Reach qualified restaurant operators with tailored promotions designed to drive engagement and sales. Whether it’s product samples, rebates, gifts, or promotional cards, we help you connect with decision-makers who match your ideal customer profile.
Leverage our comprehensive data to uncover hidden opportunities near your:
Existing locations Current customers Distribution centers Showrooms
Maximize your reach and ensure your promotions land in the hands of the right prospects. Let us help you turn data into action!
Whatever your initiative, we have the expertise and resources to help you succeed. Let’s discuss how we can support your next project!
Recent averages are between 400-600 per week. We publish weekly, 49 weeks per year and update continuously. Duplicate checking and cross referencing of every lead is a priority for our researchers. You get fresh, new leads every week.
Our focus is independent owners (fastest path to the buyer). Chain openings are flagged separately. Each week on average, 10-15% of all new openings are group/chain stores.
Select one or more trade area, perfect for local reps or regional teams. National coverage is available for enterprise.
Email highlights plus CSV / spreadsheet exports for CRM loading. API access is available on enterprise plans.
Owner/operator contact (when available), concept/cuisine, address, opening stage, expected timing, and source trail. Notes are included where we interviewed directly.