Consumer spending in restaurants rose 1% in September

Eating and drinking places* registered total sales of $96.4 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis in September, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Census Bureau. That was 1.0% higher – or a full $1 billion – than August’s upward-revised sales volume of $95.4 billion.

September’s healthy sales volume – when combined with the positively-revised readings in both July and August – suggests that consumers’ ability and willingness to spend in restaurants remains intact. 

The rate of growth certainly slowed from the pandemic-recovery period, but the trendline remains generally positive – particularly compared to other retail sectors. The 3.7% increase in eating and drinking place sales between September 2023 and September 2024 was more than double the 1.4% gain in non-restaurant retail sales during the same 12-month period.

While overall consumer spending in restaurants trended higher in recent months, average menu prices rose at a slightly stronger pace. As a result, real restaurant sales lost ground relative to 2023 levels. After adjusting for menu price inflation, eating and drinking place sales edged down 0.3% between September 2023 and September 2024. 

*Eating and drinking places are the primary component of the U.S. restaurant and foodservice industry and represent approximately 75% of total restaurant and foodservice sales. Monthly sales figures presented above represent total revenues at all eating and drinking place establishments. This differs from the National Restaurant Association’s sales projections, which represent food and beverage sales at establishments with payroll employees. 

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