Restaurant operators feel conditions are good and plan to invest more in off-premise strategy and technology solutions in the coming years.

The National Restaurant Association has released its annual State of the Restaurant Industry Report, and the forecast for the industry is sunny. QSR Magazine reports that by the end of this year, restaurant sales are projected to reach $863 billion, with three in four operators responding that industry conditions are “excellent” or “good.”

“The restaurant industry is on a continued growth trajectory, driven by an expanding U.S. economy and positive consumer sentiment,” said Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, in a statement quoted by QSR.

The report found that quick-service, fast-casual and casual dining saw increased takeout and delivery sales over two years ago, and by the end of 2019, four out of every 10 operators plan on investing more resources in their off-premise strategies. Further, 70 percent of quick-service operators plan on investing more in customer service technology as demand grows among younger “digital natives.”

Read the full article on QSR here.