Operators experience stronger sales and traffic trends, but economic uncertainty continues to weigh on business confidence. Continue Reading
Labor and food remain the largest expense increases as menu price hikes help operators maintain pre-pandemic profit margins. Continue Reading
Sales remained resilient while customer traffic continued to lag, reflecting cautious optimism among restaurant operators as they navigate an uncertain economic environment. Continue Reading
Eating and drinking places are expected to add 450,000 seasonal jobs this summer as fewer teenagers enter the workforce and operators contend with uneven customer traffic. Continue Reading
Capital spending fell 2% in April, but the monthly Restaurant Performance Index found that overall conditions were mostly flat. Continue Reading
Despite inflationary pressures, sales and quoting activity reached its highest levels in four years, according to the MAFSI Business Barometer. Continue Reading
A majority of operators continue to invest in new equipment and other capital expenditures, according to the monthly Restaurant Performance Index. Continue Reading
New data from the U.S. Census Bureau show accommodation and restaurant business applications are far outpacing pre-2020 trends as entrepreneurship rises. Continue Reading
Strong same-store sales and traffic gains push the Restaurant Performance Index above 100 for the first time in nine months. Continue Reading
Manufacturers report a sluggish start to 2026 as tariffs, inflation, and Middle East tensions have the potential to impact sales. Continue Reading
Customer traffic remains a challenge, according to the January 2026 Restaurant Performance Index, but most operators are still making and planning equipment purchases. Continue Reading
The National Restaurant Association’s newly released State of the Restaurant Industry 2026 report finds an increased operator focus on workforce development and technology improvements. Continue Reading
