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
New NRA Survey: Restaurants Stay a Priority as Financial Strains Challenge Spending
June 02, 2026This post summarizes the Q2 2026 Quarterly Consumer Insights Survey from the National Restaurant Association, showing both resilience and caution amid economic uncertainties. Thankfully, consumers continue to prioritize going out to eat even as they cut back in other spending categories. -
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GLP-1 and Restaurants: Shifting Habits, Not Shrinking Demand
May 20, 2026Restaurants remain deeply embedded in the lifestyles of GLP-1 users -
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International tourism is projected to rebound this year after a 2025 decline
May 19, 2026Number of international visitors will remain well below the pre-pandemic peak -
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New Association report provides a demographic profile of restaurant owners
April 16, 2026The accessibility of restaurant ownership across demographic groups illustrates the entrepreneurial opportunities in the industry. -
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Restaurant and Lodging Business Applications Remain Highly Elevated
April 08, 2026 -
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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.