Retail Sales: Food Services and Drinking Places
MRTSSM722USS • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
98,174.00
Year-over-Year Change
6.25%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The Retail Sales: Food Services and Drinking Places trend measures monthly sales at food service and drinking establishments in the United States. It is a key indicator of consumer spending and economic activity.
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 retail sales series tracks transactions at restaurants, bars, and other food service and drinking venues. It is used by economists and policymakers to assess the health of the consumer sector and gauge overall economic conditions.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses.
Historical Context
Retail sales figures influence monetary and fiscal policy decisions.
Key Facts
- Food services and drinking places comprise over 50% of total retail sales.
- Sales in this sector have exhibited strong growth over the past decade.
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in food service and bar revenues.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Retail Sales: Food Services and Drinking Places trend measures monthly sales at restaurants, bars, and other food service and drinking establishments in the United States.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This series is a key indicator of consumer spending and the health of the services sector, making it highly relevant for economists, policymakers, and market analysts.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail businesses conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail sales figures, including this food services and drinking places series, influence monetary and fiscal policy decisions by providing insights into consumer demand and economic activity.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly with a typical lag of around two weeks from the end of the reference period.
Related Trends
Retail Inventories/Sales Ratio: Building Materials and Garden Equipment and Supplies Dealers
MRTSIR444USS
Retail Sales: Grocery Stores
MRTSSM4451USS
Retail Sales: Department Stores
SM45221USN
Retail Sales: Retail Trade
MRTSSM44000USS
Retail Sales: Home Furnishings Stores
MRTSSM4422USN
Monthly State Retail Sales: Gasoline Stations in the United States
MSRSUSA447
Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Sales: Food Services and Drinking Places (MRTSSM722USS), retrieved from FRED.