According to the ReCount, which was collected from April 1, 2009, to March 31, 2010, the number of quick-service restaurants (QSRs) [image-nocss] declined by 1% or 2,521 units. Full-service restaurant units, which includes the casual dining, midscale and fine-dining segments, also experienced a unit loss of 1% or 2,683 units.
"It has been a difficult time for the restaurant industry with customer traffic down over the past year," said Greg Starzynski, director, product development-foodservice at NPD. "The unit losses we're seeing in our latest census are a reflection of the weakness in the industry with the greatest impact on the independent restaurant operators."
According to The NPD Group's CREST, which continually tracks consumer usage of commercial and noncommercial foodservice outlets, visits to U.S. restaurants declined by 3% for the year ending May 2010 compared to a year ago. Consumer spending at restaurants declined by 1%, the first decline in dollars NPD has reported since it began tracking the foodservice industry in 1976.
The NPD Group, Chicago, is a leading provider of consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, commercial technology, consumer technology, entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, foodservice, home, office supplies, software, sports, toys and wireless.Click the Download Now button below to view a larger version of the chart.
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