The outlook for the restaurant industry continues to improve. The National Restaurant Association comprehensive index of restaurant activity rose for the third consecutive month in March, according to a report released Thursday by The National Restaurant Associations.
Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) a monthly composite index that tracks the health of and outlook for the U.S. restaurant industry stood at 97.7 in March, up 0.2 percent from February and 1.3% during the last three months.
The RPI is constructed so that the health of the restaurant industry is measured in relation to a steady-state level of 100. Index values above 100 indicate that key industry indicators are in a period of expansion, while index values below 100 represent a period of contraction for key industry indicators.
From NRA: “Although the RPI remained below 100 for the 17th consecutive month, which signals contraction, there are clear signs of improvement,” said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of Research and Information Services for the Association. “Restaurant operators reported a positive six-month economic outlook for the first time in 18 months, and capital spending plans rose to a 9-month high.”
RPI is released on the last business day of each month.
Graph: NRA
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