about 90%
About what share of US restaurants have fewer than 50 employees?
The restaurant industry is overwhelmingly made up of small operations, not big chains.
Source: National Restaurant Association (2024) restaurant.org
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About how many independent restaurant locations were there in the US in 2025?
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Chain by the numbers
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down 2.3% (over 9,500 closures)
How did the number of independent restaurants change in 2025?
Rising costs and lower consumer spending hit small independent operators harder than large chains.
Source: Nation's Restaurant News (2025) nrn.com
up about 1.4%
How did chain restaurant locations trend in 2025, versus independents?
Analysts described 2025 as a year where 'the haves grew, the have-nots did not.'
Source: Nation's Restaurant News (2025) nrn.com
What people think about chain restaurants versus independent restaurants
Vote to see the live results. All polls →
Do you prefer eating at chain restaurants or independent ones?
What draws you to a chain restaurant?
What draws you to an independent restaurant?
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Questions
How does ChainSurvey.com work?
Each question asks you to guess a real number about chain restaurants versus independent restaurants. After you answer you see how everyone else guessed, then the real figure and where it comes from.
How is the daily round scored?
Four stats and one opinion poll. A correct guess earns 100 points plus up to 50 for speed, with a combo bonus for answers in a row. The range next to the right answer earns 40. Opinion polls earn 25 for having your say, and nailing every stat adds 150.
Where do the numbers come from?
Every stat links to its source, such as government statistics agencies, research organizations and industry groups. Figures are checked against the source before they go live.
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