Advance Retail Sales: Food Services and Drinking Places
This dataset tracks advance retail sales: food services and drinking places over time.
Latest Value
100316.00
Year-over-Year Change
5.43%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Advance Retail Sales: Food Services and Drinking Places metric measures monthly sales at food service and drinking establishments in the United States. This key economic indicator provides insights into consumer spending and the health of the service sector.
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 trend tracks the total dollar value of sales by food service and drinking establishments, including restaurants, bars, and similar venues. It is a closely watched statistic that reflects consumer confidence and discretionary spending patterns.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of retail and food service firms.
Historical Context
Economists and policymakers monitor this metric to assess broader economic conditions and the state of the consumer-driven service industry.
Key Facts
- Food services and drinking places account for over $800 billion in annual U.S. sales.
- This metric has shown steady growth over the past decade, reflecting the rise of dining and entertainment spending.
- Declines in this indicator can signal weakening consumer confidence and a slowdown in the broader economy.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Advance Retail Sales: Food Services and Drinking Places metric 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 indicator provides valuable insights into consumer spending patterns and the health of the service sector, which is a significant driver of the U.S. economy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of retail and food service firms conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Economists and policymakers monitor this metric to assess broader economic conditions and consumer confidence, which can inform decisions on monetary and fiscal policy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Advance Retail Sales data is published monthly, with a typical release lag of around two weeks after the end of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Advance Retail Sales: Food Services and Drinking Places (RSFSDPN), retrieved from FRED.