National Restaurant Association expects stronger restaurant sales in months ahead

Although the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index fell below 100 in November, economic fundamentals of the restaurant industry remain positive. And that likely will lead to stronger sales in the months ahead, according to Hudson Riehle, senior vice president, research and and knowledge, NRA.

The RPI – a monthly composite index that tracks the health of and outlook for the U.S. restaurant industry – stood at 99.9 in November, down 0.8 percent from October. November was the first time in three months the RPI stood below 100, the level above which signifies expansion in the index of key industry indicators.

“While the RPI’s November decline was largely the result of softer same-store sales and traffic performances, it doesn’t necessarily mean the industry’s recovery is in peril,” Riehle said. “Like the economy as a whole, the restaurant industry’s road to recovery will be one with occasional bumps along the way.”