6 Figures to Know From the Latest Restaurant Performance Index

Despite a slight decline in the National Restaurant Association’s latest Restaurant Performance Index, most restaurant operators still reported higher same-store sales and customer traffic. Many also have a positive outlook for future sales and plan to make or have made capital expenditures for equipment or expansion.

That data and more was highlighted in the RPI for the month of May. Overall, the index stood at 105.5, down 0.8% from 106.3 in April. The Current Situation Index and Expectations Index also took slight dips from April.

Here are the six figures you need to know:

• 69%: The percentage of restaurant operators who plan to make a capital expenditure for equipment, expansion or remodel in the next six months—down from 74% in April.
• 63%: The percentage of operators who made capital expenditures for equipment, expansion or remodel in the last three months. RPI states this was the highest reading in nearly three years.
• 75%: The percentage of operators who expect their sales volume in six months to be higher than it was during the same period in the previous year—down slightly from 79% in April. Only 5% expect lower sales.
• 85%: The percentage of restaurant operators who indicated their same-store sales rose between May 2020 and May 2021. Only 10% reported a decline.
• 45%: The percentage of operators whose sales were higher in May 2021 than 2019. However, 49% reported lower sales. The RPI found limited-service operators were more likely to report an increase than full-service.
• 80%: The percentage of restaurant operators who reported an increase in customer traffic between May 2020 and 2021. Approximately 15% indicated a decline.

To view the index in its entirety, click here.