Independent Restaurants in New York City: By the Numbers

As of 2022, New York City hosted approximately 27,000 independent restaurants, according to the NYC Hospitality Alliance.

Market Context

• Total food establishments: ~45,000+ (including chains, cafes, bars, food trucks)
• Independent share: ~60% of all restaurants
• Employment: 300,000+ workers
• Economic impact: $50+ billion annual revenue

Recent Trends

• Pre-pandemic (2019): ~29,000 independents
• COVID-19 impact: ~1,000 permanent closures (2020–2021)
• Recovery: New openings offset losses; net decline ~7%
• Pressures: Rent increases, labor costs, supply chain, regulatory burden

Borough Distribution (Approx.)

• Manhattan: 8,500
• Brooklyn: 7,500
• Queens: 6,500 (highest ethnic diversity)
• Bronx: 2,500
• Staten Island: 1,000

Definition

"Independent" = locally owned, ≤3 locations, not part of national chain. Includes fine dining, ethnic eateries, diners, bakeries, bars with kitchens.

Data sources: NYC Hospitality Alliance, NYC Open Data, NYS DOL, industry surveys.