Restaurant Industry Statistics - CO Restaurant Association

The Colorado Restaurant Industry in 2024

“303,000+ Employees”
Colorado restaurants employ 11% of the state’s labor force; it employed 10% pre-pandemic.

“69% Independent”
The majority of Colorado restaurants are independently owned and operated.

“$426 Million”
Colorado restaurants generate millions in state sales tax each year, plus any taxes collected locally in more than 600 jurisdictions.

“12,700+ Locations”
Colorado ranks 5th nationally in the number of restaurants per capita.

“$20+ Billion”
Colorado restaurants are engines of our state economy, earning billions in revenue. Every additional dollar spent in local restaurants contributes $2.21 to the state economy, and every additional $1 million spent generates 16.8 local jobs.

An Industry of Opportunity…

“Minorities & Women”
Restaurants employ more minority managers and have more women in management and ownership positions than any other industry.

“80% Entry to Owner”
Four in five restaurant owners say their first restaurant job was an entry-level position.

“30% First-Time Workers”
One in three adults found their first job in the restaurant industry.

…But Not Without Its Challenges

“Industry Margins Are Tight”
About 3¢ is all that remains from each dollar spent at a restaurant after operators pay for labor, overhead, and food.

“Operational Costs Are Skyrocketing”
Colorado had the highest menu-price inflation in the nation in 2023.

“The Labor Crisis Continues”
8 out of 10 local restaurants are struggling to hire enough staff, even as industry wages in Colorado have risen an average of 30%.

CRA Industry Impact Data

The CRA conducts regular impact surveys to gather data on the issues facing Colorado restaurants. We receive feedback from hundreds of operators across the state, painting a clear picture of the state of the restaurant industry at a moment in time.