According to the NPD Group, both online and in-store dining increased in February registering a two percent higher patronage than January 2022 and eight percent above February 2021.

The highlight was a five percent increase in morning traffic compared to a 12 percent decline in February 2021.

In commenting on data, David Portalatin, Food Industry Advisor to the NPD stated, "February began with visits soft as Omicron suppressed consumer sentiment for dining out.  The back half of February benefited from comparisons to last year's historic winter deep freeze".

The upward move in meals served at breakfast represents increased demand for medium sized eggs and egg liquids. The trend suggests a return to work with the realization that pre-COVID life is returning.