Readers of restaurant development + design are taking a careful posture in 2026.
When asked to describe their companies’ momentum so far, the largest share of respondents — 43% — described the year as “stable with selective growth,” per a reader survey fielded in March. Another 22% are simply holding steady, bringing the share of respondents in a maintenance or measured mode to nearly two-thirds.
On the growth end of the spectrum, just 15% reported strong growth in and active expansion of their businesses, and 8% said they are actively reducing or consolidating.
The remaining 12% said it's too early to tell despite being near the end of Q1.
What does it mean? Taken together, the data points to an industry that is cautiously moving forward but mostly holding steady.
rd+d regularly surveys subscribers on the state of restaurant development and design. Subscribe to The Pulse to get rd+d’s surveys and results delivered to your inbox six times a year and to contribute your opinions to the surveys.
