Restaurant survey examines inflation, labor, AI and revenue trends
Toast's 2026 survey of hundreds of restaurant operators looks at how the industry is managing inflation, labor issues, AI adoption, and revenue growth. The report highlights major pain points and opportunities compared with last year. Restaurants continue to demonstrate durability in 2026.
Toast’s 2026 survey gathered responses from hundreds of restaurant operators and examined cost pressures, workforce challenges, artificial intelligence use, and sales performance. It compares current difficulties and openings with the prior year’s findings, with the summary suggesting restaurants remain resilient in 2026. For small-business finance, the report can serve as a snapshot of how food-service operators are navigating a shifting environment, though the available material does not include specific figures or detailed results.
The survey’s findings could influence how restaurant owners think about pricing, staffing, and technology, which may affect workers through hiring and job roles and diners through service and costs. If the industry’s resilience continues, local communities and suppliers could benefit from stable food-service activity. If pressures persist, smaller operators may face tougher choices. These are possible effects, not certain outcomes.