As a result of softer customer traffic levels and a somewhat dampened outlook among restaurant operators, the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) registered a moderate decline in September. The RPI – a monthly composite index that tracks the health of and outlook for the U.S. restaurant industry – stood at 101.0 in September, down 0.9 percent from its August level. Despite the decline, the RPI remained above 100 for the 19th consecutive month, which signifies expansion in the index of key industry indicators.
"The September decline in the RPI was due in large part to a dampened outlook among restaurant operators for business conditions in the months ahead," said Hudson Riehle, Senior Vice President of the Research and Knowledge Group for the National Restaurant Association. "Restaurant operators remain unimpressed about the direction of the economy, with elevated food costs remaining at the top of their list of challenges."