Illinois restaurants are a large, labor-intensive part of the state's economy. The figures below bring together the latest published state data available from the National Restaurant Association and the Illinois Department of Labor. Last updated September 11, 2026.
Restaurant locations
Illinois has 26,770 restaurant locations in the National Restaurant Association's 2026 state fact sheet, based on 2025 data.
SourceRestaurant and foodservice sales
The National Restaurant Association projected $54.4 billion in Illinois restaurant and foodservice sales for 2025.
SourceRestaurant and foodservice jobs
The Association projected 588,100 Illinois restaurant and foodservice jobs for 2025.
SourceEating and drinking place employees
Illinois eating and drinking places employed 458,900 people in the Association's 2025 state breakdown, a narrower measure than the full restaurant and foodservice workforce.
SourceDirect economic output
Illinois eating and drinking places were projected to contribute $59.28 billion in direct economic output in 2025.
SourceTotal economic impact
Including indirect and induced effects, Illinois eating and drinking places were projected to generate $104.76 billion in total economic output in 2025.
SourceJobs supported by eating and drinking places
The Association's 2025 economic impact model projected that Illinois eating and drinking places would support 552,014 jobs directly.
SourceDirect labor income
Illinois eating and drinking places were projected to deliver $19.57 billion in direct labor income in 2025, including wages, salaries, proprietors' income, and benefits.
SourceTotal taxes paid by restaurants
Illinois restaurants paid $11.5 billion in total taxes in the Association's 2026 state fact sheet, based on 2025 data.
SourceIllinois minimum wage
Illinois law guarantees a $15.00 hourly minimum wage for workers age 18 and older, effective January 1, 2025.
SourceTipped cash wage
For employees who receive gratuities, Illinois law allows employers to pay 60% of the minimum wage, which is $9.00 per hour at the current statewide rate.
SourceMethodology and sources
This page reports published figures as stated by the original source. Restaurant and foodservice figures are forecasts or modeled economic estimates for 2025. Employment measures use different definitions, so they should not be added together.
- National Restaurant Association: 2026 Illinois state fact sheet, based on 2025 data, for locations, sales, and restaurant employment.
- National Restaurant Association: 2025 Illinois economic impact report, for modeled output and direct job support.
- Illinois Department of Labor: Minimum Wage Law, for the current statewide wage rules shown here.
Cite this page
E&A Insurance Group. "Illinois Restaurant Industry Statistics." Updated September 11, 2026. Link directly to the relevant statistic heading when quoting a figure.