U.S. food and hospitality data
Current figures on bakery work, food pricing, restaurant spending and the appetite for food experiences. Every statistic is dated and linked to its original source.
Last updated September 2, 2026
A quick reference
These figures bring together the latest available U.S. data that matters to bakery, dessert, catering and event-food conversations. They are useful for writers, hosts, hospitality professionals and anyone following how food experiences are changing.
Citable statistics
$1.55T
The National Restaurant Association projects nationwide restaurant industry sales of $1.55 trillion in 2026, with 1.3% real growth.
Source: National Restaurant Association, State of the Restaurant Industry 2026, February 11, 2026 ↗15.8M
Operators expect to add about 100,000 jobs, bringing total restaurant industry employment to 15.8 million in 2026.
Source: National Restaurant Association, State of the Restaurant Industry 2026, February 11, 2026 ↗70%
Seven in ten consumers said they would be interested in tasting events, a useful signal for interactive food and dessert experiences.
Source: National Restaurant Association, Restaurant Industry Poised for Growth in 2025, February 6, 2025 ↗249,100
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 249,100 baker jobs in 2024 and projects 263,200 in 2034.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bakers Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024-34 projections ↗+6%
Baker employment is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the 3% average for all occupations.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bakers Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024-34 projections ↗39,900
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 39,900 openings for bakers each year, on average, over the 2024-34 decade.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bakers Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024-34 projections ↗+1.0%
U.S. cereal and bakery product prices rose 1.0% in 2025, below their 20-year average annual increase of 2.8%.
Source: USDA Economic Research Service, U.S. food-at-home prices increased 2.3 percent in 2025, April 30, 2026 ↗+5.1%
U.S. sugar and sweets prices increased 5.1% in 2025, making this one of the larger food-at-home price increases that year.
Source: USDA Economic Research Service, U.S. food-at-home prices increased 2.3 percent in 2025, April 30, 2026 ↗Sources and methodology
Each figure comes from a named public report or government data source. The number, measurement period and source date are stated with the statistic so it can be quoted with the right context.
This page is reviewed regularly. When a source publishes a newer figure, the existing statistic is updated in place to keep the links and anchors dependable for readers who cite it.
Dolce Fresh Market & Catering. “Bakery, Dessert and Event Food Statistics.” Updated September 2, 2026.
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