• August 9, 2011

The number of U.S. commercial restaurant units declined by 2%, to 9,450, between April 2010 and March 2011, according to The NPD Group.

NPD's Spring 2011 ReCount census found quick-service restaurant locations down 1%, to 3,495, and full-service restaurant units (casual dining, mid-scale and fine dining) down 2%, to 5,965.

Independents were particularly hard-hit, seeing their largest unit declines since ReCount started in 2001. NPD notes that these businesses are vulnerable because of a lack of financial backing, as well as the economy.

However, NPD's CREST data for the year ending in May show restaurant visits having remained stable compared to the same time a year ago (when they were down 3%), and sales up 2% for the year (versus showing a 1% decline at the same time a year ago).