Rising construction and materials costs were the biggest challenge in 2025 for 30% of readers of restaurant development + design magazine, according to a survey fielded in October. Labor and staffing issues were a close second with 26% of readers reporting that as their top challenge in 2025.
Securing new business and pipeline uncertainty came in third with 20% of readers saying that was their greatest challenge this year.
Shifting client expectations and priorities were a challenge for 13% of readers surveyed and compressed project timelines topped the list of challenges for 9% of readers.
Navigating permitting and regulatory hurdles was the top challenge for just 1% of readers.
Other answers included being “overwhelmed,” dealing with “contractors who do the bare minimum” and “picking up all the work that everyone else is… not doing.”
rd+d regularly surveys subscribers on the state of restaurant development and design. This survey was fielded in October 2025. Subscribe to The Pulse to get rd+d’s surveys and results delivered to your inbox six times a year.
