Consumers’ Summer Dining Adds Up

Last month, consumers’ restaurant spend rose 0.6% over the prior month, according to analysis by the National Restaurant Association, and 6.6% year-over-year.

June’s sales totaled $98.7 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

After factoring for rising menu price inflation, the association says sales were up 2.6% between June 2024 and June 2025. A separate association report indicates that average wholesale food prices increased 0.3% from May to June, and 4.7% over a year ago.

“Amid the rising uncertainty and dampened sentiment among consumers during the first half of 2025, restaurant sales held up comparatively better than other retail categories,” says the association. “Total consumer spending in restaurants increased 6.6% between June 2024 and June 2025. That was nearly double the 3.5% increase in sales in non-restaurant retail sectors.”