Rising operating expenses, thin profit margins, and changing customer spending habits are creating difficult conditions for American restaurants, including independent businesses throughout the St. Louis region. ST. LOUIS, MO – October 30, 2026 (StLouisRestaurantReview) Thousands of American restaurants closed during the first six months of 2026, highlighting the financial challenges facing an industry struggling with elevated operating expenses, narrow profit margins, and changing consumer spending habits. According to RestaurantData‘s First-Half 2026 Restaurant Closure Report, an estimated 7,593 restaurant locations closed in the United States between January and June. The research company reported 8,171 estimated closures across the United States
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