The National Restaurant Association 2010 Forecast calls for $580 billion in total industry sales this year, which is a 2.5 percent increase in current dollars over 2009 sales. Adjusted for inflation, 2010 sales will be essentially flat, which is an improvement over the 1.2 percent and 2.9 percent negative growth in real sales that the industry experienced in 2008 and 2009, respectively.
“The past two years have been a very challenging time for our industry. While there are still substantial challenges ahead, we are encouraged that the outlook is improving,” said Dawn Sweeney, NRA president and CEO. “With a total economic impact of more than $1.5 trillion, the restaurant industry is a strong player in the economic recovery. Restaurants are the cornerstone of communities across this nation and we are a key player in propelling job retention and creation across the United States.”
While the quick-service segment is expected to post a 3 percent gain this year, driven by an ongoing consumer demand for value, full-service restaurant growth is anticipated at 1.2 percent; the segment should reach $184.2 billion.