The ever-increasing number of eateries is putting a serious strain on labor. To combat a continual worker shortage, more restaurants will be cross-training workers and more diverse concepts will come to market, say the industry's experts, who are calling for nearly a 7% jump in sales this year. The industry is expected to post sales of $26.4 billion by year's end.

Austin-San Marcos diners will outspend the state by paying $1,940 each to eat out, says the association. In San Antonio, the annual dining out tab is expected to hit $1,858 and Galveston, $1,774. A Dallas diner will spend $1,636 this year, while a Ft. Worth resident will lay out $1,560. The university town of Bryan-College Station will realize $1,476 per patron annually; Houston, $1,376; and the Lubbock area, $1,351.

Houston, which will add up to 90,000 jobs this year, will be the state's big gainer. It is expected to rake in $5.7 billion or 7.5% more this year in sales. In Dallas, restaurant owners are bracing for a record year, hoping to ring up $5.6 billion for a 10.9% increase over last year.