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Source: www.foodtruckoperator.com, August 2020
Customer transaction declines at major restaurant chains improved in the week ending August 16, moving into single digits after 21 weeks of double-digit declines.
Customer transactions were still down, -9% compared to a year ago, but much healthier than the -44% in mid April, according to data from The NPD Group.
The figures come from NPD’s Crest Performance Alerts which provide a weekly view of chain-specific transactions and trends for 75 QSR, fast casual, midscale and casual dining chains, according to a press release.
Customer transactions at major QSRs, which represent the bulk of industry transactions, were down -8% compared to year ago and full service chain restaurants saw customer transactions declines of -19% versus year ago.
While still a decline, the figure is a +57-point gain from the steepest decline of -76% in week ending April 12 compared to year ago, noted the release.
“Although transactions are still down, the move into the single-digits is a positive sign for the U.S. restaurant industry,” David Portalatin, NPD food industry advisor and author of Eating Patterns in America, said in the release on the data. “Although we’re stuck in neutral for now, I firmly believe there is still a lot of upside recovery for restaurants. My belief is rooted in one reality: consumers are not willing to give up on the convenience and experience a restaurant meal brings to them and their families regardless of the barriers.”
