Restaurant Sales Soar in November, Reaching a 10-Year High

Restaurants throughout the country saw higher-than-average sales in November. A new Black Box Intelligence report shared with Nation’s Restaurant News found that sales increased 8.3% in November 2021 when compared to November 2019.

Larger check averages are being credited for the increase in restaurant sales for the industry. The strongest growth in restaurant sales was during the week of Thanksgiving, when same-store sales grew by 6.2% from the same week in 2019. 

While restaurants experienced an increase in sales, restaurant traffic growth remains below pre-pandemic levels. Restaurants saw a 1.6% increase in traffic during the month of November 2021 compared to October 2021, yet traffic is still down 4.17% compared to pre-pandemic levels. 

Although foot traffic is down, the industry finds optimism in spending patterns among consumers. Nation’s Restaurant News said that consumers want to enjoy the holiday season after the pandemic halted plans for millions. 

Fast-casual, a segment of the restaurant industry that typically sees a decline in sales during the week of Thanksgiving, reported flat sales this year compared to previous weeks.

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