In 2023, the number of self-employed persons in food and beverage service activities in the US stood at 198.0 thousand units. Forecasts for 2024 suggest a slight decline to 196.0 thousand, with a projected decrease each subsequent year: 194.0 thousand in 2025, 193.0 thousand in 2026, 192.0 thousand in 2027, and 190.0 thousand in 2028. The year-on-year decline indicates a steady decrease, averaging a -0.8% annual change over the five-year period from 2024 to 2028.

Future trends to watch for include:

Potential impacts of economic factors such as inflation and labor market dynamics on self-employment.
The influence of emerging technology on employment within the food and beverage sector.
Regulatory changes that might affect small businesses and self-employment.