More than 7,500 U.S. restaurant locations closed in the first half of 2026, CBS News reported, as operators faced pressure from costs and sales.
CBS News, in a segment by Mark Strassmann, tied the closures to higher operating costs and weaker sales.
A separate Gallup finding offers context on dining habits: 39% of U.S. adults said they ate at restaurants weekly in July. Gallup said price increases over the previous four years may have contributed to less frequent visits, while other factors may also have played a role. EconoTimes previously covered the survey.
