Current developments affecting restaurant demand, pricing, food costs, labor and operations. Updated as the evidence changes.
September confidence fell sharply while major retailers moved more aggressively on price. The evidence points to a more value-conscious consumer, not yet to an across-the-board spending contraction.
DevelopingCostsThe two countries plan reciprocal reductions covering $60 billion in goods and extended their trade truce into January. For importers, this is selective cost relief rather than a return to pre-tariff conditions.
AcceleratingDemandU.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 financially pressured households are becoming more selective.
DevelopingBeveragesOperators are expanding beverage choice as consumers seek more variety, discovery and beverage-focused occasions.