• October 29, 2010

Reflecting improved same-store sales and traffic levels and increased restaurant operator optimism in September, the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) rose above 100 -- signifying expansion -- for the first time in five months.

Forty-four percent of operators reported a same-store sales gain for the month in comparison with September 2009, up from 38% reporting higher sales in August. Negative same-store sales were reported by 38%, down from 43% reporting negative sales in August.

A slight uptick was seen on the traffic front, with increases reported by 38%, and declines by 37%. In August, 35% reported traffic increases and 42% reported declines. 

"Restaurant operators reported positive same-store sales and customer traffic levels for the first time in six months, which propelled the RPI's Current Situation Index to its highest level in nearly three years (100.3)," noted Hudson Riehle, SVP of the association's Research and Knowledge Group. 

Current labor and capital expenditure indicators remained soft.  However, operators reported more optimism about sales growth in the months ahead, and their outlook on the economy rose to its highest level in five months.