Restaurant Industry Index Down a Bit in September

Restaurant Industry Index Down a Bit in September

The National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI), a monthly composite index that tracks the health and outlook for the U.S. restaurant industry, declined slightly in September from its record high in August. However, the RPI found that restaurateur optimism reached a new mark.

The RPI slipped 0.3 percent in September from its record high of 101.0, the first decline in three months. However, restaurateurs continue to be optimistic about the direction of the U.S. economy, as 52 percent of respondents said they expect economic conditions in six months to be better than they are now. Only 10 percent said they expect economic conditions to deteriorate in six months.

About the Restaurant Performance Index
The Restaurant Performance Index is based on responses to the Association’s Restaurant Industry Tracking Survey, a national, monthly survey of restaurateurs measuring sales, traffic, labor and capital expenditures. The RPI consists of two components: the Current Situation Index and the Expectations Index. The Current Situation Index measures current trends in same-store sales, traffic, labor and capital expenditures. The Expectations Index measures restaurateurs' six-month outlook for same-store sales, labor, capital expenditures and the overall economy.