Social Media News Release

December 19, 2008
Industry Forecast Predicts Trends in Healthier Options and "Greener" Restaurants in 2009

Mike Donohue, (202) 331-5902
Maureen Ryan, (202) 331-5939
Annika Stensson, (202) 973-3677, Twitter.com/AnnikaStensson

The 2009 Restaurant Industry Forecast: Every Move Matters — Strengthening Your Game in 2009 includes economic, workforce, consumer and menu trends, as well as information for restaurant operators to overcome the current economic challenges and position themselves for future growth.

Note to journalists: You may receive free access to the full 2009 Restaurant Industry Forecast; please contact Media Relations staff at media@restaurant.org to request a copy.

• According to the National Restaurant Association 2009 Restaurant Industry Forecast, restaurant industry sales are expected to reach $566 billion in 2009, with the industry employing 13 million individuals in 945,000 restaurant-and-foodservice outlets nationwide.
• The Forecast projects that while overall restaurant industry sales will increase in current dollars by 2.5 percent over 2008 figures, the numbers translate to an inflation-adjusted decline of 1.0 percent. Despite the economic downturn, the industry will remain a cornerstone of the economy, representing 4 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product and employing 9 percent of the U.S. workforce, and restaurants will continue to adapt to the latest menu trends and consumer preferences.
• Sales at fullservice restaurants are projected to reach $182.9 billion in 2009, an increase of 1.0 percent over 2008. Quickservice restaurants are projected to post sales of $163.8 billion in 2009, a gain of 4.0 percent over 2008. Eating-and-drinking places will see an increase in sales from 2008 of 2.2 percent, totaling $395 billion.
• Even in today’s economy, restaurants remain a generator of jobs and careers. Employment in the restaurant industry outpaced the overall economy in 2008 for the ninth consecutive year, despite several months of modest industry job losses, and is expected to continue to outpace the economy in 2009.
• To be successful during the present economic downturn and prepare for an eventual recovery with its pent-up demand for restaurant services, restaurant operators are offering the value patrons desire in conjunction with operational improvements that cut costs without detracting from the dining experience. Indeed, the top trend restaurateurs see for 2009 is an expanded focus on value, with 36 percent of quickservice operators and 16 percent of casual-dining operators seeing the demand for value as the year’s top trend in their segment.
• Read the full news releases.

• "The restaurant industry is both innovative and resilient. In the year ahead, the industry’s sales are projected to continue to increase, with a total economic impact that exceeds $1.5 trillion, yet at the same time, the industry is experiencing unprecedented challenges due to the economic recession and elevated food prices. Americans will continue to rely on restaurants as a key part of their lifestyle as the industry provides the food, value and service customers seek. Nearly half of consumers’ food budget will be spent in restaurants, rewarding the continued responsiveness and innovation that our industry provides to budget-conscious Americans."
  
  — Dawn Sweeney, National Restaurant Association President and CEO

• Industry Forecast Predicts Trends in Healthier Options and "Greener" Restaurants in 2009
• Restaurant Industry Expected to Post Modest Sales Growth in 2009 as it Copes with the Weakest Economy in Decades

• 2009 Restaurant Industry Forecast Purchase Information
• 2009 Forecast Press Conference Webcast
• Economic Commentary from NRA Chief Economist, Bruce Grindy (PDF)
• Restaurant Performance Index
• Restaurant Trendmapper
• Chef Survey: What's Hot in 2009 Social Media Release

• The National Restaurant Association, founded in 1919, is the leading business association for the restaurant industry. Comprised of 945,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and 13 million employees, the restaurant industry is the cornerstone of the economy, career opportunities and community involvement. Along with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Association represents, educates and promotes the rapidly growing industry. For more information, visit our Web site at www.restaurant.org.