Restaurants contribute significantly to New York City's identity and economy.
The restaurant sector employs approximately 15 percent of all people employed in New York City, attracts millions of visitors each year, and is among the fastest growing economic sectors in New York City. In addition, because restaurants are so numerous and because of the nature of the restaurant industry, the industry generates significant quantities of solid waste. While many restaurant operators seek to reduce their solid waste generation and increase profits, efforts to do so pose challenges. The City offers everything from small store-front restaurants to the lavish Tavern on the Green and Rainbow Room . In 1995, approximately 116,400 people were employed by the City's restaurant industry.