This section offers regular updates on key economic indicators affecting the restaurant and foodservice industry and your business. These data points are valuable for understanding economic trends and the industry outlook, providing relevant insights for operators, suppliers, and others looking to stay informed on the current state of the market.
Industry outlook
Restaurant Performance Index – Produced monthly by the National Restaurant Association, the RPI measures overall industry sentiment based on surveys of restaurant operators. This key indicator provides insights into current and expected business conditions, helping to identify whether the sector is experiencing expansion or contraction.
Same-Store Sales and Customer Traffic – The National Restaurant Association’s regular surveys assess same-store sales and traffic trends, offering important insights into current industry conditions and operators’ growth expectations.
Economic indicators and their impact
Gross Domestic Product – This all-important quarterly indicator from the Bureau of Economic Analysis provides insights into the size and growth of the U.S. economy. For restaurant operators, it’s a valuable tool for assessing current economic conditions and developing growth forecasts. Read more.
Total Restaurant Industry Sales – The Census Bureau's monthly retail spending updates, including data for eating and drinking places, serve as a key gauge of the industry's overall health. Read more.
Total Restaurant Industry Jobs – The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides monthly data on total employment for eating and drinking places. With one out of every ten U.S. employees working in the industry, this data is crucial for understanding job growth in both the sector and the broader economy. Read more.
Restaurant Job Openings Data – The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases monthly updates on job postings, hiring, and separations through the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). With workforce challenges persisting, these metrics are increasingly significant. Read more.
Total U.S. Jobs – The Bureau of Labor Statistics' monthly nonfarm payroll report covers employment, the unemployment rate, and average earnings, capturing the attention of financial markets and analysts. For restaurant operators, these figures are key to assessing U.S. economic health and overall labor market trends. Read more.
Food Costs – The Producer Price Index (PPI), published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, offers insights into wholesale price growth for businesses, including those in the restaurant industry. Given recent increases in food costs, this indicator is critical for understanding pricing pressures and profitability. Read more.
Menu prices – The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI), released monthly, is the most widely cited measure of inflation. It tracks price growth for consumer purchases, including food away from home. Read more.
PCE Deflator – The Bureau of Economic Analysis provides monthly updates on personal consumption expenditures (PCE), including this preferred measure of inflation used by the Federal Reserve. Read more.
Monetary Policy – The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets regularly to set monetary policy, adjusting interest rates as needed to achieve its goals for price stability and employment. The Federal Reserve’s policy decisions are essential for restaurant operators seeking a better understanding of economic conditions, investment planning, hiring, and overall growth strategies.