Restaurant closures data across the United States has shown significant volatility since the COVID shutdowns began. Historically, restaurant closures averaged approximately 4,233 locations per month. However, during the early months of the pandemic, closure activity slowed dramatically as operators temporarily paused permanent closure decisions amid uncertainty.
Beginning in June, restaurant closures accelerated substantially, reaching nearly 10,000 closed locations per month in certain periods. Despite this increase, longer-term averages remain close to pre-COVID levels when viewed across a multi-month timeframe.
At the same time, new restaurant openings continue to occur at a steady pace, currently averaging approximately 325 net new locations per week. Comparing restaurant closures and restaurant openings provides insight into broader foodservice industry recovery trends and long-term market stability.
Companies tracking restaurant leads and foodservice leads often analyze both closures and openings to understand market turnover and identify new restaurant opportunities earlier in the development cycle.
Restaurantdata’s expert research team has been performing lock-step closing reports of U.S. restaurant locations for the past 5 years. Due to COVID we are now performing monthly sweeps of the U.S. restaurant universe.
Prior to COVID, closings clocked in at the rate of around 4,233 per month. In March once the rolling shutdowns began closings nearly stopped. It was as if we were frozen in time.
Average closing numbers were less than 700 per month during the months of March, April and May. The major acceleration began in June and are now averaging near 10,000 closed restaurant locations per month. On the flip side, new openings are currently averaging 325 net new locations per week.
Since COVID. The 5 month average is 4,344. Although accelerating, SO FAR- Almost no discernible difference from the Pre-COVID average of 4,233.
We challenge the results of the general media\’s numbers. However, we do expect the acceleration to continue.
To receive a sample of closings, please contact us.
Restaurant closures and openings often occur simultaneously within local markets, creating ongoing opportunities for suppliers, service providers, and technology vendors. Tracking both closures and new restaurant openings provides a more complete understanding of market dynamics than analyzing either metric independently.
Key Insights
- Pre-COVID restaurant closures averaged approximately 4,233 per month
- Early COVID months saw closures temporarily decline below 700 per month
- Closure activity accelerated beginning in June
- Some months show closure counts approaching 10,000 locations
- New restaurant openings averaging approximately 325 net new locations per week
- Long-term averages remain close to historical norms
- Monitoring closures and openings together provides insight into industry recovery
Pre-Opening Restaurant Sales Leads
Businesses monitoring restaurant closures and openings often use structured restaurant leads data to understand market turnover and identify expansion opportunities earlier.
Restaurant closures and openings often occur simultaneously within local markets, creating ongoing opportunities for suppliers, service providers, and technology vendors. Tracking both closures and new restaurant openings provides a more complete understanding of market dynamics than analyzing either metric independently.