The monthly surveys conducted by the NPD Group demonstrated a three percent decline in sales for QSRs in January 2022 compared to the corresponding month in 2021. In contrast, full-service restaurant traffic increased by two percent in January 2022.  The rate of recovery is, however, minimal since January 2022 figures were down 21 percent from January 2019 prior to the onset of COVID.  With respect to QSRs, dine-in traffic increased by 40 percent in January 2021, but correspondingly carry-out and delivery were down 10 percent.

David Portalatin, Food Industry Advisor to NPD noted, "looking ahead we should expect volatility.  February restaurant numbers will be compared to a rough February last year because of extreme weather".  He added, "just stay the course because we are on a steady path of gradual improvement". 

The survey was conducted before the emergence of the Ukraine invasion that has increased inflation and generated concern over the possibility of a recession. This has in all probability led consumers to reduce expenditures on eating out and entertainment.