Research
July 17, 2025
Total restaurant industry sales
Restaurant sales registered a moderate increase in June
After taking a brief pause in May, consumers ramped up their spending at restaurants in June.
Eating and drinking places registered total sales of $98.7 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis in June, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Census Bureau. That was up 0.6% from an upward-revised sales volume of $98.2 billion in May.
June’s increase in restaurant sales was on par with the 0.6% gain in consumer spending in non-restaurant retail sectors. Retailers seeing the largest sales boost in June included auto dealers (+1.2%), building material and garden stores (+0.9%) and clothing stores (+0.9%).
Amid the rising uncertainty and dampened sentiment among consumers during the first half of 2025, restaurant sales held up comparatively better than other retail categories. Total consumer spending in restaurants increased 6.6% between June 2024 and June 2025. That was nearly double the 3.5% increase in sales in non-restaurant retail sectors.
This suggests that consumers are continuing to prioritize restaurants in the spending decisions – a trend that is likely to continue even if the economy slows during the second half of the year.
Although restaurant sales gains were primarily fueled by rising menu prices during the last several months, the industry also saw growth in inflation-adjusted terms.
After adjusting for menu price inflation, eating and drinking place sales were up 2.6% between June 2024 and June 2025. That marked the fourth consecutive month with real sales growth above 2%.
*Eating and drinking places are the primary component of the U.S. restaurant and foodservice industry and represent approximately 72% of total restaurant and foodservice sales.
Eating and drinking places registered total sales of $98.7 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis in June, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Census Bureau. That was up 0.6% from an upward-revised sales volume of $98.2 billion in May.
June’s increase in restaurant sales was on par with the 0.6% gain in consumer spending in non-restaurant retail sectors. Retailers seeing the largest sales boost in June included auto dealers (+1.2%), building material and garden stores (+0.9%) and clothing stores (+0.9%).
Amid the rising uncertainty and dampened sentiment among consumers during the first half of 2025, restaurant sales held up comparatively better than other retail categories. Total consumer spending in restaurants increased 6.6% between June 2024 and June 2025. That was nearly double the 3.5% increase in sales in non-restaurant retail sectors.
This suggests that consumers are continuing to prioritize restaurants in the spending decisions – a trend that is likely to continue even if the economy slows during the second half of the year.
Although restaurant sales gains were primarily fueled by rising menu prices during the last several months, the industry also saw growth in inflation-adjusted terms.
After adjusting for menu price inflation, eating and drinking place sales were up 2.6% between June 2024 and June 2025. That marked the fourth consecutive month with real sales growth above 2%.
*Eating and drinking places are the primary component of the U.S. restaurant and foodservice industry and represent approximately 72% of total restaurant and foodservice sales.