Newly released research from a trio of sources points to slowed restaurant industry sales trends and weakened consumer confidence in the early summer months, snapping a string of recent positive news that had sparked operator optimism.
The National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index posted its first decline in five months this May, after hitting its highest level in 11 months back in April. The NRA index of restaurant activity, which was released Tuesday, surveys operators on four economic indicators including sales, traffic, labor and capital expenditures. The May result stood at 98.3, down 0.3 percent from April and its 19thconsecutive month below 100. The index is pegged to 100, meaning results below that level indicate industry contraction, and results above 100 indicate industry expansion.
Studies show waning optimism among restaurateurs
Like to receive news like this by email? Join and Subscribe!
Get the latest potato industry news straight to your WhatsApp. Join the PotatoPro WhatsApp Community!
Related News
April 21, 2026
Spain: stronger agri-food border controls with more physical inspections
The government says that the reorganization of border controls made it possible to increase physical inspections of agri-food products by 7.5% in one year, strengthening oversight of imports and exports amid growing trade flows.
April 08, 2026
Europe: ecological requirements for the agro-industrial sector
All packaging placed on the EU market must be recyclable by 2030, while the industry is calling for more flexible requirements and extended timelines to clear existing stock.
April 04, 2026
FAO Food Price Index rises for a second consecutive month, driven mostly by energy‑related pressures on vegetable oil and sugar prices
The FAO Food Price Index* (FFPI) averaged 128.5 points in March 2026, up 3.0 points (2.4 percent) from its revised February level, marking a second consecutive month of increase.
