The National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) rose sharply in October, due in large part to a solid improvement in restaurant operators’ outlook for business conditions. The RPI – a monthly composite index that tracks the health of the U.S. restaurant industry – stood at 100.4 in October, up 1.6% from a level of 98.8 in September.
The RPI’s current situation indicators improved in October, with restaurant operators reporting a net increase in same-store sales for the first time since December 2023. Restaurant operators also grew significantly more optimistic about future business conditions during the November survey period.
The Current Situation Index, which measures current trends in four industry indicators, stood at 99.5 in October – up 0.9% from September and the third consecutive monthly gain. Although the Current Situation Index remained below 100 in October, restaurant operators reported an improvement in both same-store sales and customer traffic.
The Expectations Index, which measures restaurant operators’ six-month outlook for four industry indicators, stood at 101.2 – the first time in seven months that the forward-looking component surpassed 100. Restaurant operators are significantly more optimistic about sales growth and the economy in the coming months.
