Limited-Service Restaurants Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Restaurant Type, By Cuisine Type, Target Customer, Price Point, Service Model and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Limited-Service Restaurants Market is accounted for $1162.74 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $1806.89 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. Limited-service restaurants are restaurants that offer fast, convenient, and affordable dining experiences with minimal table service. These establishments typically provide a limited menu selection, self-service ordering or counter service, and quick turnaround times for dine-in, takeout, or drive-through orders. Limited-service restaurants prioritize efficiency and speed, catering to customers seeking quick meals on-the-go.

According to a report by the National Restaurant Association, restaurant sales in the United States are expected to reach a record high of US$ 899 billion in 2022, reflecting an increase in consumer demand for dining-out experiences.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increasing consumer demand for convenience

The increasing consumer demand for convenience is a significant driver in the limited-service restaurant market. As modern lifestyles become busier and time becomes more valuable, consumers seek quick and convenient dining options that fit into their fast-paced routines. Limited-service restaurants, with their emphasis on efficiency, self-service ordering, and fast food preparation, perfectly cater to this demand. By offering convenient dining experiences with minimal waiting times, these establishments attract customers looking for quick and hassle-free meal solutions, driving growth in the market.

Restraint:

Health and nutrition concerns

As consumers become increasingly health-conscious, there is growing scrutiny over the nutritional content and quality of fast food offerings. Limited-service restaurants often face criticism for serving calorie-dense, high-fat, and high-sodium menu items that contribute to obesity, heart disease, and other health issues. This heightened awareness prompts consumers to seek healthier alternatives, including fresh, organic, and locally sourced options, which may not align with the typical offerings of fast-food chains, which limits market growth.

Opportunity:

Rise of fast casual dining concepts

Fast casual restaurants offer higher-quality food and a more upscale dining experience compared to traditional quick-service options, appealing to a broader consumer base seeking convenience without compromising on taste or ambiance. This trend taps into the growing demand for healthier, more customizable menu options and fosters customer loyalty through enhanced dining experiences. Fast casual concepts enable limited-service restaurants to capture market share and drive revenue growth.

Threat:

Intense competition

Intense competition is a significant threat in the limited-service restaurant market due to the saturation of similar offerings and the constant pressure to differentiate and attract customers. With numerous players vying for market share, businesses face challenges in standing out and maintaining profitability. High competition can lead to price wars, eroding profit margins, and reducing customer loyalty. Additionally, new entrants and innovative concepts continually disrupt the market, which limits market expansion.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the limited-service restaurants market, causing widespread closures, revenue losses, and operational disruptions. Mandatory lockdowns, social distancing measures, and consumer reluctance to dine out have led to a sharp decline in foot traffic and sales. Many restaurants have shifted to takeout, delivery, and online ordering to survive, while others have closed permanently. The pandemic has accelerated digital transformation in the industry, with businesses investing in contactless payment systems and online ordering platforms to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

The drive-thru restaurants segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The drive-thru restaurants segment is anticipated to dominate the limited-service restaurants market during the forecast period due to its convenience, speed, and contactless service, which have become increasingly important factors for consumers, particularly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Drive-thru establishments offer customers a quick and efficient way to order and receive food without leaving their vehicles, making them well-suited to meet the demand for on-the-go dining experiences. Additionally, this segment's growth is further fueled by technological advancements and innovations in drive-thru operations, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

The online ordering platforms segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The online ordering platform segment is projected to experience the highest growth rate during the forecast period in the limited-service restaurants market. This growth can be attributed to the increasing consumer preference for convenience and digital solutions, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Online ordering platforms offer customers the convenience of ordering food from their preferred restaurants with ease, while also providing restaurants with opportunities to expand their reach, enhance customer engagement, and streamline operations through digital integration, which is boosting the segment's growth.

Region with largest share:

The Asia-Pacific region is poised to capture the largest market share in the limited-service restaurants market due to various factors. Rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes and changing consumer lifestyles are driving the demand for convenient dining options. Additionally, the region's diverse culinary landscape and cultural preferences contribute to the popularity of limited-service restaurants. Furthermore, expanding urban populations and increasing adoption of digital technologies for food delivery and online ordering are fueling growth opportunities for restaurants in the Asia-Pacific region.

Region with highest CAGR:

Europe is poised for significant growth in the limited-service restaurants market due to changing consumer lifestyles, and a growing preference for convenient dining options is driving the demand for fast-casual and quick-service restaurants. Moreover, the region's diverse culinary landscape and the popularity of international food chains contribute to market expansion. Additionally, technological advancements, such as online ordering platforms and mobile apps, are enhancing the accessibility and convenience of limited-service restaurants, further fueling market growth in Europe.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Limited-Service Restaurants Market include Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc., Chick-fil-A, Inc., Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., Denny's Corporation, Domino's Pizza, Inc., Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc., Five Guys Enterprises LLC, Jack in the Box Inc., Jimmy John's Franchise, LLC, McDonald's Corporation, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., Panera Bread Company, Papa John's International, Inc., Restaurant Brands International, Shake Shack Inc., Sonic Drive-In, Starbucks Corporation, Subway IP LLC, Wendy's Company and Yum! Brand.

Key Developments:

In November 2023, Jack in the Box Inc., one of the leading QSR brands, announced that it signed 123 new restaurant commitments during its 2023 fiscal year. The brand also announced the signing of 138 new restaurant commitments for Del Taco. The news comes as the company announced its Q4 and fiscal year 2023 financial results.

In May 2023, Chick-fil-A, Inc. released its 2022 Global Impact Report detailing the company's corporate social responsibility commitments and demonstrated efforts to care for people, local communities and the planet, while also showing care through food. By 2025, Chick-fil-A seeks to impact more than 50,000 restaurant Team Members through education initiatives, provide 200 million meals throughout the communities it serves through Chick-fil-A Shared Table(R), divert 25 million pounds of restaurant food waste from landfills and provide more than three million people with resources that support economic mobility..

Restaurant Types Covered:

• Cafes and Bakeries
• Drive-thru Restaurants
• Fast Casual Restaurants
• Fast Food Restaurants
• Pizza Delivery Shops

Cuisine Types Covered:

• American
• Asian
• Fusion
• Italian
• Mediterranean
• Mexican
• Other Cuisine Types

Target Customers Covered:

• Families
• Gen Z
• Millennials
• Students
• Tourists
• Working Professionals
• Other Target Customers

Price Points Covered:

• Budget-Friendly
• Mid-Range
• Premium

Service Models Covered:

• Counter Service
• Self-Service
• Takeout/Delivery
• Online Ordering Platforms

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances