Advance Retail Sales: Food Services and Drinking Places
This dataset tracks advance retail sales: food services and drinking places over time.
Latest Value
98736.00
Year-over-Year Change
6.57%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Advance Retail Sales: Food Services and Drinking Places 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 data series tracks sales at restaurants, bars, and other food and beverage service providers. It is used by economists and policymakers to assess the health of the consumer sector and gauge broader economic trends.
Methodology
The data is collected through a monthly survey of retail and food service firms by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Advance retail sales data helps inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions.
Key Facts
- Measured in billions of U.S. dollars.
- Sales rose 0.6% in January 2023 vs. December 2022.
- Food services and drinking places make up about 25% of total retail sales.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Advance Retail Sales: Food Services and Drinking Places measures monthly sales at restaurants, bars, and other food and beverage establishments in the United States.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This data is a key indicator of consumer spending and economic activity, providing insight into the health of the consumer sector.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through a monthly survey of retail and food service firms by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Advance retail sales data helps inform monetary and fiscal policy decisions by providing timely insights into consumer behavior and economic conditions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly, with a short lag, and provides an early estimate of retail sales activity.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Advance Retail Sales: Food Services and Drinking Places (RSFSDP), retrieved from FRED.