Operators Report Higher Sales in May

Same-store sales were on the rise this May, according to data tracked by the National Restaurant Association.

Compared to May 2024, 52% of polled operators said their same-store sales rose, while 38% reported declines. In April 2025, 45% reported a rise, and 41% a decline.

The survey also covers customer traffic; 40% of operators said traffic rose and 42% reported lower traffic in May 2025, as compared to May 2024.

“Although May’s results were an improvement from softer readings during the last three months, it still represented the fourth consecutive month of net negative customer traffic,” says the association.