The Way to the Heart I
RESTAURANTS DRI
It ’ s Friday night after a long work week , and you ’ re ready to
unwind . You know an evening out is exactly what you need to start your weekend . According to research and data provided by Statista , 11 % of Americans eat out with friends at least once a week , 9 % eat out with their family , and 10 % even dine alone once a week . This doesn ’ t include those who dine with a partner ( 8 %) and those with colleagues ( 9 %) – but it ’ s easy to see the vital role the restaurant industry plays in any community ’ s economy .
Food and beverage sales topped $ 800 billion in 2017 , and Statista notes that before COVID , Americans were dining out more than ever before . Of that nearly $ 300 billion was spent in full service restaurants , employing 1.15 million people .
In Florida , 2018 stats provided by the National Restaurant Association show $ 50.1 billion in sales for Florida restaurants , contributing between $ 1.73 and $ 2.04 to the state ’ s economy for every dollar spent .
From fine dining to the sports bar , there are over 300 restaurants in Volusia County serving up the best of the best , employing thousands of hospitality workers and supporting associated industries across Central Florida . Some of these locations have gained notoriety bringing high visibility to their area or have become economic drivers for their downtown communities .
Leading the day-to-day operations , some owners or managers
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