Fewer city food permit requests; suburban spots trending up

Less food establishments are applying for permits in the city annually than before the pandemic. Suburban food establishment permit requests have trended up compared to 2019. Approximately 25% of food spots in the city and suburbs closed over a five-year period.

The annual number of new permit applications and number of closings for Richmond and Henrico County from 2019-2024. The number of new city food establishments opening annually is lower than pre-pandemic openings. Suburban food establishment openings have trended up compared to 2019. Approximately 25% of new restaurants in both the city and suburbs closed over a five-year period.
Closures are based on number of food spots whose status is now closed, but not necessarily in the year they requested a food permit. Businesses must request a permit each year. Food establishments counted are carryout, full service restaurants, fast food and mobile food trucks. Permits sorted by "new permits" only.
Chart: Parker Barnes | VCU Capital News ServiceSource: Restaurant permit data requested from health departments.Get the dataEmbedDownload imageCreated with Datawrapper