| Bigger check size boosts sales 4.6% |
(Sep. 16, 2008) Despite rising gasoline prices and an economic slowdown, consumer spending at Canadian restaurants increased 4.6% in the 12 months ending May 2008 over the same period in 2007, according to CREST/NPD Group.
During this time, a 6.3% increase in the average check per person helped to offset a modest decline in traffic (1.6%). With menu inflation of only 2.5%, most of the increase in the average check size came from increased consumer spending rather than from rising menu prices.
All foodservice segments posted increased sales, with the largest gains at fine-dining and family/midscale restaurants. Sales at fine-dining restaurants jumped 12.7% thanks to a 9.9% increase in the average check per person and a 2.5% increase in traffic.
Sales at family/midscale restaurants jumped 7.7% due to a 2.8% increase in traffic and a 4.7% increase in the average check per person.
Rising average check sizes at quick-service restaurants and casual dining restaurants offset slight decreases in traffic, lifting sales by 3.3% and 2.5% respectively.
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