Industry Statistics

“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.

“14,400+ Locations”

Colorado ranks 5th nationally in the number of restaurants per capita.

“$28+ 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.

“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.

“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”

Local restaurants continue to struggle with hiring qualified staff, even as industry wages in Colorado have risen an average of 30%.