The number of restaurants in the country is shrinking. Total restaurants in the US fell by 9,450 units, or 2%, according the the NPD Group, which I call the Elias Sports Bureau of consumer statistics.
Getting hit the hardest, as usual, are independent operators. The report says that of the 9,450 closing, 8,650 are independently operated. Meanwhile, just under 6,000 are full-service restaurants, while the rest are quick service.
And we thought that restaurants were the category out there expanding the most. And there are lots of restaurants out there expanding. Of course, most of them are already large chains.
So the mom and pop businesses are the victims again. Are there any local restaurants you've loved and lost during the recession?
In New York City, we have a highly publicized eatery closing in Queens, and a favorite of vegans shutting down near Wall Street, just to name two.
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