The number of self-employed individuals in the US food and beverage services sector is expected to decrease steadily from 194,000 in 2024 to 189,000 by 2028. From 2024 to 2025, the sector experiences a slight contraction of approximately 0.52%. This downward trend continues, with a year-on-year decrease of 0.52% from 2025 to 2026, and an average annual decline rate or CAGR of 0.65% over the five-year period from 2024 to 2028.
Future trends to watch for include technological advancements in food delivery and service processes, changes in consumer behavior regarding dining out, and the impact of economic conditions on self-employment opportunities. Additionally, regulatory changes and shifts in market demand could further influence self-employment trends in this sector.
