Economics in a small business
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities. While restaurants may be the largest private sector employer in the state and second in the nation, they have tight margins and are often among the first to feel the impact of shifts in the economy.
Small businesses are the cornerstones in our communities
Washington’s restaurants continually strengthen the state’s economy. Our local and state governments depend on our revenue to support government services. Restaurants are vital to our economic health.
- Generate $628 million in annual tax revenue
- Have $8.8 billion in gross annual food and beverage
- Pay employees more than $3.1 billion each year
- Employ 191,000 people in Washington
Seventy-nine percent of restaurants are small businesses and
employ fewer than 20 employees.
*Data from the National Restaurant Association 2007-2008 Operations Report.
