US restaurant sales to hit record high in 2003

US restaurant industry sales are expected to increase by 4.5% to a record $426.1b (£267.3b) in 2003, compared with 2002, according to the National Restaurant Association's 2003 Restaurant Industry Forecast.

Full service restaurant sales are expected to reach $153.2b (£96.1b) in 2003, an increase of $7b (£4.4b) on 2002. Fast food restaurants will see a 4.1% increase in sales to $120.9b (£75.8b).