The Impact of Restaurants in Upper Merion Township

With the start of King of Prussia Restaurant Week (March 3-14…make your reservations now!), there’s no better time to celebrate the local restaurant scene—not just for its great food but for the major role it plays in the Upper Merion economy.

From fine dining to fast food, restaurants in the area serve thousands daily while creating jobs and generating significant economic impact. Here’s a closer look at the numbers behind the industry that fuels our community.

Restaurants are a key employer in Upper Merion Township, with 6.5% of the workforce (4,220 workers) in 2022 employed in the Accommodation & Food Services sector, according to OnTheMap. Unsurprisingly, major employment hubs are centered around King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia Town Center and Moore Park, where dining and retail thrive, as depicted in the following map.

Beyond job creation, the National Restaurant Association and IMPLAN economic model project that in 2024, Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District (which includes most of Upper Merion’s restaurants) will see a direct economic impact of $2.9B from restaurant spending. When factoring in supply chain effects and household spending by restaurant workers, the total regional economic impact reaches $3.7B, supporting over 34,000 jobs.

Despite challenges in recent years, restaurants in Upper Merion are bouncing back, with Placer.ai data showing a strong return to pre-pandemic visit levels in 2024. Consumers are shifting away from the off-premises dining habits of the pandemic and returning to dine-in experiences that focus on value, ambiance and social connection.

While some well-loved restaurants may not appear in the rankings due to data limitations, it’s clear that both fast-casual and sit-down dining remain key pillars of the local food scene.

Support Local Restaurants & CHOP During KOP Restaurant Week

The return to dining out isn’t just good news for restaurants—it’s a win for the entire community. King of Prussia Restaurant Week (March 3-14) is the perfect chance to support local eateries while giving back, as a portion of proceeds benefit Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

So whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or enjoying a night out, your meal is making an impact. Bon appétit, KOP!