Sales Continue To Improve In Canada, Reports Restaurants Canada

Restaurant sales continued to show strength in the third quarter of 2014, according to the latest Restaurant Outlook Survey from Restaurants Canada, the Canadian foodservice association. Nearly four of 10 operators, 39%, reported higher same-store sales in the quarter compared with the third quarter 2013, nearly matching the 40% Q2. What’s more, only 25% said same-store sales were lower, down from 28% Q2 and 38% Q1. It was the smallest percentage for lower sales since RC began its Restaurant Outlook Survey in 2011. The percentage reporting equal same-store sales rose to 36% from 32% Q2.

Much of the improvement in sales came from full-service operators. The percentage reporting higher same-store sales rose to 42% from 37% Q2. At quick-service restaurants, 36% said same-store sales rose, down from 42% Q2. Thirty-eight percent of other operators—including lodging, catering and bars—said same-store sales rose Q3.

Operators remain confident about sales trends the next six months, with 36% expecting increased same-store sales down insignificantly from 37% in the Q2 survey.

Continuing food and labor cost increases remain the most serious concerns for operators. As in the U.S., beef and pork prices are growing at double-digit rates. The operators reported an average 3.7% increase in overall food costs over the past 12 months. Half plan to raise menu prices in the next six months.

The complete Restaurant Outlook Survey is available at restaurantscanada.org.  “””