Restaurant Economic Insight Blog
Regular insights from the Association's team of economists providing a nuanced look at the market forces affecting the restaurant industry.
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Research
Restaurant and Lodging Business Applications Remain Highly Elevated
April 08, 2026 -
Research
Potential Workers on the Sidelines: Labor Force Participation Continues to Slide
April 07, 2026The labor force participation rate contnues to slide lower. -
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Slowing population growth has implications for restaurant sales
March 27, 2026States in the southeast and mountain west are leading the way in population gains. -
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New Association report provides a demographic profile of the restaurant workforce
March 25, 2026Restaurant employees tend to be younger and more diverse than the overall U.S. workforce. -
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Softer tourism spending is making business conditions more challenging for restaurants
November 14, 2025Travel and tourism typically accounts for 3 in 10 dollars spent at U.S. restaurants. -
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Average Family Health Insurance Costs Soared to Nearly $27,000 in 2025
October 22, 2025The average health insurance plan for a family of four cost $26,993 in 2025, up 6% from 2024, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s latest annual survey. -
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Higher volume restaurants reported lower food-cost ratios in 2024
October 16, 2025Lower costs flowed through to the bottom line in the form of higher profitability. -
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Restaurant Sales Estimated to Have Risen by 0.5% in September
October 16, 2025The National Restaurant Association has developed a macroeconomic model to estimate sales at eating and drinking places. In the absence of official figures due to the government shutdown, this post estimates September 2025 sales data. -
Research
Elevated labor costs had a significant impact on restaurant profitability in 2024
October 08, 2025Profitable restaurants were much more likely to keep labor costs in check. -
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Higher-income households are driving restaurant sales
September 18, 2025The number of households with income above $100k jumped by 5 million during the last 2 years.