2025 summer continues to rise in consumer visits but remains slightly below 2024 levels
Restaurants Canada’s Consumer Dining Index rose for the third consecutive month in July, reaching 94.2 compared to 92.6 in June. This marks the highest level recorded so far in 2025 and reflects steady momentum in consumer dining activity. However, overall visits remain slightly below July 2024, primarily due to fewer dinner purchases among Canadians compared to last year.
Among dayparts, the coffee and snack occasion stood out with the strongest growth, as weekly visitation climbed three percentage points in July compared to June. This suggests that Canadians are increasingly turning to smaller, more frequent dining occasions, even as dinner visits continue to lag.
For the first time, Restaurants Canada also examined the key factors influencing dining frequency. Findings show that 42% of Canadians reduced restaurant visits in July due to budget constraints, underscoring the continued impact of affordability and cost pressures. On the other hand, 32% reported dining out more often, driven by social gatherings and activities, highlighting the role of lifestyle and community in supporting restaurant demand. Political and economic events were also cited as contributing factors to reduced visits.
As the Chief Economist and Vice President of Research for Restaurants Canada, Chris Elliott manages and produces a comprehensive research program that has made Restaurants Canada a leading source of information for and about Canada’s nearly $124-billion foodservice industry. Chris tracks and analyzes key industry and economic indicators and translates them into member reports and publications. He also provides research to support Restaurants Canada’s lobbying efforts on issues that affect foodservice operators – from payroll taxes to food costs.
Chris has worked with Restaurants Canada for over 20 years, has a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s Degree in Economics and specializes in economic modelling and forecasting.
