Service facts & stats

Question 1

In 2021, about how many Americans worked in the restaurant industry?

Accepted Answer

14.5 million workers. That industry generated about $799 billion in sales that year, up from $632 billion in 2012.

Question 2

By 2023, media outlets reported that customary restaurant tips had crept up from the traditional 15% to occasionally what level?

Accepted Answer

30%. This trend, dubbed 'tipflation,' was widely reported as beginning around 2023.

Question 3

A 2018 estimate from the National Restaurant Association found what share of Gen Z's first jobs were in restaurants?

Accepted Answer

82%. This overrepresentation in service jobs is one reason researchers say younger generations tip more sympathetically.

Question 4

A 2023 study found what share of customers said they were tipping MORE because of the pandemic?

Accepted Answer

10%. That's far fewer than the 17% who said they were tipping less because of inflation around the same time.

The basics