Restaurant Performance Index increased 0.8% in November
The National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) registered a healthy gain in November, driven by broad-based gains in the current situation and forward-looking indicators. The RPI – a monthly composite index that tracks the health of the U.S. restaurant industry – stood at 101.2 in November, up 0.8% from October and the highest reading since July 2023.
The RPI’s recent rebound was the result of improvements in both the current situation and expectations indicators. Restaurant operators reported a net increase in both same-store sales and customer traffic in November, while their six-month outlook for sales and the economy continued to strengthen.
The Current Situation Index, which measures current trends in four industry indicators, stood at 100.3 in November – up 0.8% from October and the fourth consecutive monthly gain. November represented the first time in 14 months that the Current Situation Index stood above 100 in expansion territory.
The Expectations Index, which measures restaurant operators’ six-month outlook for four industry indicators, stood at 102.0 – the second consecutive month above the 100 level. Restaurant operators continue to have a positive outlook for sales growth and the economy in the months ahead.
RPI Methodology
The National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) is a monthly composite index that tracks the health of the U.S. restaurant industry. Launched in 2002, the RPI is released on the last business day of each month.
The RPI is measured in relation to a neutral level of 100. Index values above 100 indicate that key industry indicators are in a period of expansion, while index values below 100 represent a period of contraction for key industry indicators. The Index consists of two components — the Current Situation Index, which measures current trends in four industry indicators (same-store sales, traffic, labor and capital expenditures), and the Expectations Index, which measures restaurant operators’ six-month outlook for four industry indicators (same-store sales, employees, capital expenditures and business conditions).
The RPI is based on the responses to the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Industry Tracking Survey, which is fielded monthly among restaurant operators nationwide on a variety of indicators including sales, traffic, labor and capital expenditures. Restaurant operators interested in participating in the tracking survey: contact Bruce Grindy.
Updated 12/31/2024