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The number of diners visiting casual sit-down restaurants such as Applebee’s and Olive Garden was 3 percent less in the three months ending 12 June than in the same period the year before, restaurant research service Black Box Intelligence reported.
Although the dollar value of sales rose 4.4 percent during the year, inflation accounts for most of that, Black Box noted.
To fill seats, restaurants are tempting customers with more than food.
Darden Restaurants, parent of Olive Garden, has pledged to keep menu price increases below the rate of inflation. BJ’s Restaurants and Red Robin Gourmet Burger have announced that they will offer more deals and specials.
More than half of U.S. adults have altered their eating habits because of inflation, a late June Morning Consult poll found.
Of nine possible changes that respondents had the option to choose in the survey, 84 percent said they visit restaurants less often.
Black Box also noted that compared to last year, customer counts for casual dining restaurants were down 3 percent in the three months ending on 12 June.
TREND FORECAST: Inflation will continue to eat away at the restaurant industry.
High-end eateries will survive with the fewest casualties, as will the top fast-food joints. Mid-price casual restaurants, especially franchise outlets that face strong competition from other chains fighting for the same market sector, will be hit hardest.