Current developments affecting restaurant demand, pricing, food costs, labor and operations. Updated as the evidence changes.
U.S. eating and drinking place sales reached $105.1 billion in August, up 1.2% from July.
DevelopingPricingFood-away-from-home prices rose 3.4% year over year in August; full-service meals were up 3.5%.
EasingFood CostsAverage wholesale food prices fell in both July and August, though commodity-level pressures remain uneven.
AcceleratingLaborFood services and drinking places added 59,200 jobs, far above their prior 12-month monthly average.
PersistentConsumerRestaurant spending remains resilient while surveys show a widening divide between financially secure and pressured households.
DevelopingBeveragesNew national research shows operators expanding beverage choice as younger consumers seek more variety, discovery and beverage-focused occasions.