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economy

Financing

Here's another reason why sales might slow later this year

 By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 18, 2023

The Bottom Line: U.S. consumers, which have kept spending at restaurants despite higher prices, are running out of excess pandemic savings. That might affect their spending.

Financing

The restaurant industry turns a corner, but what's next?

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 28, 2023

The Bottom Line: Inflation is easing, profitability is improving, the consumer is more resilient than expected and we might avoid a recession. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t concerns.

Financing

Restaurant menu price inflation shows some signs of easing

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 12, 2023

The industry appears to be slowing its rate of price hikes as overall inflation eases. But restaurants are still raising prices faster than grocers.

Workforce

Restaurant and bar employment unexpectedly slips in June

By Peter Romeo on Jul. 07, 2023

New government data show a decline in the employee head counts of eating and drinking places. Hotels, in contrast, accelerated their hiring.

Financing

Why student loan repayments may hit restaurants

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 16, 2023

The Bottom Line: Americans will soon start repaying their student loans again. That could sap some energy out of restaurant sales.

Financing

Restaurants continued to raise prices in May

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 13, 2023

Limited-service prices increased 8% annually last month, even as retail grocery price inflation slowed further.

Financing

Restaurant executives, mostly, brush off concerns of a downturn

By Jonathan Maze on Jun. 08, 2023

Industry executives are confident in their ability to withstand a recession. But whether they're seeing a consumer shift now depends on who you ask.

Financing

Restaurants are employing more cooks, but fewer servers

By Jonathan Maze on May 26, 2023

While employment in the industry is down overall, that decline is not spread evenly as operators shift toward production and away from service. But everybody is making more money.

Financing

How higher menu prices will affect restaurants as grocery inflation slows

By Jonathan Maze on May 10, 2023

A Deeper Dive: Michael Swanson, agricultural economist and consultant with Wells Fargo, joins the podcast to talk about the economy, inflation and the outlook on menu prices.

Financing

Inflation at fast-food restaurants shows no sign of slowing

By Jonathan Maze on May 10, 2023

Limited-service restaurant prices accelerated slightly in April, even as inflation cooled at full-service restaurants and grocery stores.

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