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Economist’s Notebook

Key industry highlights from our Chief Economist, Chris Elliott’s research, data, and insights.

Economist’s Notebook

Nearly half of restaurant owners are pessimistic about the future

Summer is usually a time of great enthusiasm and optimism for the restaurant industry as the warm weather…

Economist’s Notebook

After a persistent sluggish performance, does breakfast improve in July?

According to Restaurants Canada’s latest REACT Survey, 62% of Canadians purchased breakfast from a restaurant in July 2023….

Economist’s Notebook

Restaurants Canada Revises Foodservice Sales Forecast But Profits Remain Elusive

84% of foodservice companies reported lower profits in 2023 than 2019, and half of all foodservice companies are operating at a loss or just breaking even.

Economist’s Notebook

Foodservice Bankruptcies Soar 127.6% in May

The latest data from the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy paints a grim picture for Canada’s foodservice industry.

Economist’s Notebook

Restaurant Visits Moderates in April Due to Pullback In Snacking Purchases

Fewer Canadians purchased a coffee or snack from a restaurant in April 2023. While this was evident across…

Economist’s Notebook

Eight in 10 Foodservice Operators are Making Less Profit Today Compared to 2019

Back in January 2022, on-premise dining was shut down again due to the spread of the Omicron variant….

Economist’s Notebook

Economic Slowdown To Curtail Foodservice Sales in 2023

According to Restaurants Canada’s latest forecast, annual commercial foodservice sales in Canada are forecast to decelerate to 6.5% nominal growth in 2023 to $88.3 billion.

Economist’s Notebook

Consumer Dining Index Bounces Back in February, But Profits Still Down

Restaurants Canada’s Consumer Dining Index improved in February rose by 15.4 points to 90.5 (July 2022 = 100).  This represents the highest level since October 2022. Beginning next month, Restaurants Canada will be able to track dining trends on a year-over-year basis, which will remove the seasonal influence.

Economist’s Notebook

Cooling Economy and Rising Prices Result in Fewer Restaurant Visits in January

According to Restaurants Canada’s latest REACT Survey, the number of restaurant purchases made by Canadians continued to trend down in January 2023.

Economist’s Notebook

Why 2022 Was Not the “Return-to-Normal Year” as Hoped for by Many Restaurant Owners

Despite an increase in restaurant traffic in 2022 compared to 2021, more was needed to enable restaurant owners to