According to a survey conducted by NPD during the second quarter of 2022, restaurant traffic fell by two percent compared to the corresponding quarter in 2021 that marked a resurgence following COVID restrictions.  The impact of inflation was also demonstrated by a two percent increase in revenue despite the lower patronage.

David Portalatin of NPD stated, “Consumers continue to deal with rising inflation and higher prices.  We see three ways consumers respond to higher menu prices.  They trade down to lower-priced items, cut back on the number of items ordered, or reduce restaurant visits altogether.  In June the Consumer Price Index rose by 9.1 percent compared to June 2021.