Retail Sales: Restaurants and Other Eating Places
This dataset tracks retail sales: restaurants and other eating places over time.
Latest Value
95640.00
Year-over-Year Change
7.78%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Sales: Restaurants and Other Eating Places trend measures sales at food service and drinking establishments in the United States. It is a key indicator of consumer spending and confidence.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
This series tracks the monthly total sales volume of restaurants, bars, cafes, and other food service businesses. It is used by economists and policymakers to gauge the health of the consumer sector and broader economic conditions.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of a representative sample of retail and food service firms.
Historical Context
The restaurant sales trend provides timely insights into consumer behavior that can inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.
Key Facts
- Restaurant sales account for about 12% of total retail spending in the U.S.
- Food service industry employs over 15 million workers nationwide.
- Restaurant sales declined sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic but have since rebounded.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Sales: Restaurants and Other Eating Places trend measures the monthly sales volume at food service and drinking establishments in the United States.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This trend provides a timely indicator of consumer spending and confidence, which is crucial for assessing the health of the broader economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of a representative sample of retail and food service firms.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: The restaurant sales trend offers insights into consumer behavior that can inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions by the Federal Reserve and government.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly with a short lag, providing relatively timely information on the restaurant industry.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Sales: Restaurants and Other Eating Places (MRTSSM7225USN), retrieved from FRED.