DC restaurants are in trouble and a survey of restaurant operators by the Association of Metropolitan Washington restaurant has a dark perspective for 2025.
DC restaurants continue to fight from the pandemic, with a record of 73 restaurants closing in 2024, and a survey of restaurant operators by the Association of the Metropolitan Washington restaurant Will put a dark perspective for 2025.
More than 200 restaurant owners responded to the survey – almost half said they saw fewer guests in 2024 and 47% said they saw lower sales.
Restaurants relaxed at full service are the least optimistic about their business, 44% saying that they are likely to close in 2025, citing the cost increase and the increases in diving wages which exceed income. This almost represents double the number of suburban restaurants that have expressed themselves to stay in business stay.
In addition, 51% of the operators of the survey restaurants expect conditions this year, 21% of the association’s survey last year last year.
The association’s own forecast for this year suggests that if the inclined salary increases another 20% in July, restaurant closings could increase by 50%.
Two in three relaxed restaurants at full service at DC declared lower profits, compared to 52% in the suburbs. Sales fell 47% of all restaurant segments. Food and drinking costs have increased for 68% of restaurants, and 88% of restaurants expect even higher expenses this year.
In addition to higher costs for food, rent and labor, DC restaurants are also faced with changing behaviors to eat customers.
A separate survey of DC residents found that the price increase leads to reducing meals, with 47% less catering and 46% more likely to choose restaurants in Maryland or Virginia. A third of DC residents interviewed say they choose cheaper restaurants, and another third party say they order fewer dishes per visit.
In the Operator Survey restaurant, 71% in the district said they had reduced staff and 82% reduced their hours.
The complete results of the survey and the association of restaurants for metropolitan comments in Washington are online.
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