What the Data Shows: 3 Key Trend Patterns

This analysis tracks new restaurant opening activity across the United States from March 2020 through late 2024; covering 4.5 years of weekly legal filing data since the pandemic shutdown began. The data provides insight into how the foodservice industry recovered, stabilized, and ultimately surpassed pre-pandemic opening rates.

📊 Key headline: In the U.S., more than 70 new restaurants open every day. In recent months, RestaurantData has tracked an average of 300 –550 new openings per week. RestaurantData receives notification prior to opening. Contact us for a free sample in .csv or .pdf format.

Weekly Opening Trends: March 2020 – Late 2024

The three charts below track weekly activity across five metrics: DBA filings, Incs & LLC formations, combined alcohol permits, total raw filings, and net new restaurant openings all measured from the week the pandemic shutdown began, through the end of the tracked period.

Chart: Trend of Total Net New Restaurant Openings Over Time · March 2020 – Late 2024 · Source: RestaurantData.com weekly legal filing analysis

Trend Observations

DBA and Incs/LLCs: Both DBA filings and Incs & LLC formations exhibit fluctuating trends throughout the period. Incs & LLCs generally show higher variability week-to-week, reflecting the uneven pace of new business entity creation as the industry recovered from the 2020 shutdown.

Combined Alcohol Permits vs. Total Raw: Alcohol permit filings remain relatively steady over time — a sign of consistent full-service and bar concept activity. Total Raw filings show much larger fluctuations, driven by variability in construction permits and DBA activity across different markets.

Net New Restaurant Openings: This metric shows steady growth with periodic peaks. After the sharp drop and recovery in 2020–2021, net new openings have sustained a consistent range of 300 –550 per week, with the most recent months trending toward the higher end of that range.

Summary Statistics — Weekly Averages Since March 2020

The table below summarizes the weekly average, minimum, and maximum for each tracked metric across the full 4.5-year period.

* Total Raw represents the pre-vetted aggregate count of legal filings, encompassing DBAs, LLCs, state incorporations, alcohol and building permit filings. Net New Restaurant Openings reflects the verified weekly count after RestaurantData removes duplicates, cross-checks with existing chain locations and HQ records, and validates geography.

What This Means for Foodservice Suppliers

With 500–650 verified new restaurant openings every week across the U.S., the opportunity for suppliers, distributors, equipment vendors, and technology providers is significant; but only if you can identify and reach those operators before they standardize on existing vendors.

RestaurantData.com tracks new restaurant activity through legal filings. DBAs, LLC formations, alcohol license applications, and construction permits delivering verified, de-duped weekly leads to clients before new locations open their doors.

See also: Fast Growing Restaurant Brands →