In a survey fielded in March, 39% of restaurant development + design readers say they are “somewhat optimistic” about the industry’s outlook for 2026. Another 28% claim to be “neutral” about the industry’s 2026 outlook.
Just 15% of readers surveyed say they are “very optimistic” about 2026, but even more — 17% — are “somewhat pessimistic” about the year ahead.
Just 1% say they are “very pessimistic” about 2026.
What does it mean? The results of this survey — and all the related questions for 2026 — paint a similar picture: Readers are holding steady, cautiously optimistic but largely reserved about 2026’s business environment.
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.
