U.S. Restaurant Operators Plan 20% Increase in New Locations By 2025

A recent study conducted by Crunchtime Information Systems in partnership with Technomic has revealed that multi-unit restaurant operators in the United States plan to open 20% more new locations over the next two years compared to the previous two years. This expansion comes despite 73% of operators expressing concerns about economic uncertainty and 75% acknowledging that growth has become more challenging.

The 2025 Restaurant Growth Insights Report highlights several key findings regarding the operational challenges faced by restaurant operators. One significant issue is the accuracy of sales forecasting. Although 72% of operators utilize technology-based forecasting tools, they report an average accuracy rate of only 60%. This discrepancy suggests that existing solutions may not fully meet the needs of operators, which could potentially impact growth and profitability.

Another challenge identified in the report is the lack of real-time visibility into critical operational data. While 80% of operators prioritize access to real-time data in areas such as labor, food costs, and compliance, fewer than half have achieved this level of visibility. Gaps in tracking food costs, waste, and ingredient usage are noted as significant obstacles to profitability. The report emphasizes the importance of full visibility for identifying issues, ensuring accountability, and making informed decisions to support growth and maintain guest experience.

The study also highlights the importance of strong vendor support for successful expansion. Although 83% of operators aim to partner with vendors that can support their growth, 79% have encountered challenges during expansion phases. These challenges include rising costs and poor integration, which can be exacerbated as brands scale. The findings suggest that current tools may not always provide the necessary real-time guidance or accuracy.

The report provides benchmarks for operators to evaluate their systems, teams, and partnerships as they plan for growth. It also highlights opportunities to enhance forecasting accuracy and provide real-time visibility into operational data, which are deemed critical for successful expansion.

The full findings of the study are available in the 2025 Restaurant Growth Insights Report. A live webinar discussing the report's insights is scheduled for October 15.