Ninety-two percent of Americans say they enjoy going to restaurants, according to NRA research

Nevin Barich

WASHINGTON , August 28, 2012 (press release) – The restaurant industry was again found to be one of the most highly regarded business sectors in America, according to a recent Gallup survey. Restaurants came in second only to the computer industry, with retail ranking third.

According to National Restaurant Association research, 92 percent of Americans say they enjoy going to restaurants, confirming that dining out is one of America's favorite pastimes.

Restaurants are the cornerstone of local communities across the nation, with more than nine out of 10 participating in charitable activities. Each year, charitable contributions by restaurants are estimated to reach up to $3 billion.

Restaurants are also a leader in job creation. The industry employs nearly 13 million people, almost 10 percent of the U.S. workforce. Job growth in the industry has outpaced overall job growth for 13 consecutive years, and is currently outpacing the national job growth rate by two to one.

The restaurant industry has remained at the top of Gallup's annual list since the organization started polling for consumer perception of industries in 2001, consistently ranking in the top two.

The poll asks Americans to rate industries on a scale from "very positive" to "very negative." Lowest on the list this year are oil and gas, the federal government, and the banking industry.

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