Research
October 15, 2026
Total restaurant industry sales
Restaurant sales rose for the 8th consecutive month in September
Consumer spending in restaurants continued to trend higher in September, despite the added wallet competition from rising gasoline prices during the month.
Eating and drinking places registered total sales of $92.9 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis in September, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Census Bureau. That was fully $1 billion higher than August’s sales volume of $91.9 billion.
September marked the eight consecutive month of restaurant sales growth, with total volume rising 7.0% above year-ago levels. That represented the strongest 12-month sales gain in more than three years.
The recent positive sales trajectory came despite numerous headwinds, including elevated gas prices, a softening labor market and dampened sentiment about the overall economy. However, most consumers are still generally positive about their own personal financial situation, which remains a top factor in their willingness and confidence to keep spending.
[Note: The September sales report included the Census Bureau’s annual revisions to the data. While the month-to-month trend in eating and drinking place sales remained generally consistent, the total monthly sales volume was revised significantly lower.]
The recent positive sales trajectory was notable in the fact that nominal restaurant sales growth outpaced the increase in menu prices. That differed from the trend of the last couple years, when restaurant sales growth was largely driven by rising menu prices. As a result, real restaurant sales rose for the sixth consecutive month in September.
After adjusting for inflation, eating and drinking place sales increased 3.4% between September 2025 and September 2026. That represented the strongest 12-month real sales gain in nearly four years.
In addition to restaurants, consumer spending growth was broad-based across most retail categories in September. Gasoline stations led the way with a strong 6.4% increase, which was largely the result of higher pump prices.
Home furnishing stores (+1.3%) registered strong sales growth in September, slightly outpacing the 1.1% gain at eating and drinking places.
Among all of the major retail sectors, only building material and garden supply stores (-0.6%), sporting goods and hobby stores (-0.5%) and general merchandise stores (-0.1%) saw lower sales in September.
Note: Eating and drinking places are the primary component of the U.S. restaurant and foodservice industry and represent approximately 72% of total restaurant and foodservice sales.
Eating and drinking places registered total sales of $92.9 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis in September, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Census Bureau. That was fully $1 billion higher than August’s sales volume of $91.9 billion.
September marked the eight consecutive month of restaurant sales growth, with total volume rising 7.0% above year-ago levels. That represented the strongest 12-month sales gain in more than three years.
The recent positive sales trajectory came despite numerous headwinds, including elevated gas prices, a softening labor market and dampened sentiment about the overall economy. However, most consumers are still generally positive about their own personal financial situation, which remains a top factor in their willingness and confidence to keep spending.
[Note: The September sales report included the Census Bureau’s annual revisions to the data. While the month-to-month trend in eating and drinking place sales remained generally consistent, the total monthly sales volume was revised significantly lower.]
The recent positive sales trajectory was notable in the fact that nominal restaurant sales growth outpaced the increase in menu prices. That differed from the trend of the last couple years, when restaurant sales growth was largely driven by rising menu prices. As a result, real restaurant sales rose for the sixth consecutive month in September.
After adjusting for inflation, eating and drinking place sales increased 3.4% between September 2025 and September 2026. That represented the strongest 12-month real sales gain in nearly four years.
In addition to restaurants, consumer spending growth was broad-based across most retail categories in September. Gasoline stations led the way with a strong 6.4% increase, which was largely the result of higher pump prices.
Home furnishing stores (+1.3%) registered strong sales growth in September, slightly outpacing the 1.1% gain at eating and drinking places.
Among all of the major retail sectors, only building material and garden supply stores (-0.6%), sporting goods and hobby stores (-0.5%) and general merchandise stores (-0.1%) saw lower sales in September.
Note: Eating and drinking places are the primary component of the U.S. restaurant and foodservice industry and represent approximately 72% of total restaurant and foodservice sales.