Economist’s Notebook

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

Full-Service Restaurant Sales Falter in October

Commercial foodservice sales in Canada advanced by 6.4% in October compared to October 2022. Once adjusted for menu…

Economist’s Notebook

Menu inflation moderates to 19-month low in October

According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, menu inflation in Canada slowed to 5.7% in October after…

Economist’s Notebook

How Canadians Save Money When Ordering From A Table-Service Restaurant

According to Restaurants Canada’s latest Quarterly Forecast, the impact of an economic slowdown and higher prices are expected…

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.