News

Restaurant sales can't stop, won't stop

August 20, 2019

Restaurant sales are still soaring, up more than 4% this year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And that's not the only good news. Restaurant numbers surpassed grocery sales at just 3% year-over-year growth, and the National Restaurant Association projected an overall industry sales list of 3.6% to hit $863 billion in 2019.

"There are two important drivers for the industry from a consumer perspective — convenience and socialization," Hudson Riehle, NRA senior vice president of research, told CNBC.  "Particularly looking at quick service, which has grown much more quickly than table service. There's a greater focus on the off-premise market including carryout, drive-through, delivery, curbside and even food trucks."

Restaunt brands have been scrambling to enhance their customer experiences via technology and adding delivery. 

"Demographics of younger restaurant patrons are dramatically different than baby boomers. Their expectation of restaurant experience basically incorporates some aspect of technology," Riehle said. "One of the most important developments over past few years has been rapid integration of tech into delivery and ordering experience."