The National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) remained elevated in June, due largely to the continued dampened year-ago comparisons for many indicators. The RPI – a monthly composite index that tracks the health of the U.S. restaurant industry – stood at 105.6 in June, up slightly from a level of 105.5 in May.
A strong majority of restaurant operators reported higher same-store sales and customer traffic levels compared to June 2020. Looking ahead, restaurant operators remain generally optimistic that business conditions will continue to improve in the coming months.
The Current Situation Index, which measures current trends in four industry indicators, stood at 105.7 in June – unchanged from May. The current situation indicators remain elevated because of the dampened comparisons during the early months of the pandemic. As a result, it is not a direct reflection of the overall health of the restaurant industry.
The Expectations Index, which measures restaurant operators’ six-month outlook for four industry indicators, stood at 105.4 – up 0.2% from the previous month. Restaurant operators remain optimistic about sales growth and the economy in the months ahead, and a solid majority of operators continue to plan for capital expenditures.
RPI Methodology
The National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) is a monthly composite index that tracks the health of the U.S. restaurant industry. Launched in 2002, the RPI is released on the last business day of each month.
The RPI is measured in relation to a neutral level of 100. Index values above 100 indicate that key industry indicators are in a period of expansion, while index values below 100 represent a period of contraction for key industry indicators. The Index consists of two components — the Current Situation Index, which measures current trends in four industry indicators (same-store sales, traffic, labor and capital expenditures), and the Expectations Index, which measures restaurant operators’ six-month outlook for four industry indicators (same-store sales, employees, capital expenditures and business conditions).
The RPI is based on the responses to the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Industry Tracking Survey, which is fielded monthly among restaurant operators nationwide on a variety of indicators including sales, traffic, labor and capital expenditures. Restaurant operators interested in participating in the tracking survey: contact Bruce Grindy.
For more detailed analysis of the RPI and Industry Tracking Survey data, see Restaurant TrendMapper.
Updated 7/30/2021
