economy

Urban and office traffic is coming back, but slowly

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 22, 2022

Data on foot traffic is showing improvements in the number of people in downtown areas and office buildings, but it remains far below pre-pandemic levels.

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Financing

5 reasons not to fear a recession

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 19, 2022

The Bottom Line: The likelihood of an economic downturn is increasing and there is already evidence of slowing demand, but there are reasons the industry is in better shape to withstand these problems.

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Financing

Restaurant sales rise, thanks to inflation and consumer demand

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 15, 2022

The Bottom Line: Restaurant sales rose 1% in June, about as much as menu prices increased. The average consumer remains resilient and less willing to cut back on dining out than on other things.

Financing

A look at rising menu price inflation

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 13, 2022

Prices hit a 40-year high again in June. But overall inflation has been worse.

Financing

Restaurants added more jobs last month, but wage growth slowed

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 08, 2022

The industry added 40,800 jobs in June, continuing a generally slower rate of hiring. But wage growth was at its lowest level in months.

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Financing

The private sector has recovered jobs lost from the pandemic, but not restaurants

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 08, 2022

The Bottom Line: The industry remains 700,000 workers behind where it was before the pandemic, even as sales have recovered. Why is the business so far behind?

Financing

Consumers say inflation is causing them to eat out less often

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 21, 2022

More than eight in 10 consumers say they are cutting back on restaurant visits as evidence of spending shifts continues to grow.

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Financing

As fears of recession grow, here’s a look at who may do best, and worst

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 13, 2022

The Bottom Line: An economic downturn appears likely, which sent stocks tumbling again on Monday. We can find clues about potential winners and losers from the Great Recession.

Consumer Trends