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Economist’s Notebook

Key industry highlights from our Chief Economist, Chris Elliott’s research, data, and insights.

Economist’s Notebook

Consumer Dining Index Recovers After Unexpected Slump in June 2024

Restaurants Canada’s Consumer Dining Index (CDI) recovered from May’s drop to 82.6, climbing up to 95.9 in June as Canadians returned…

Economist’s Notebook

Consumer Dining Index Slumps to Lowest Level Since January 2023

Restaurants Canada’s Consumer Dining Index (CDI) dropped unexpectedly in May to 82.6 (July 2023 = 100) from 92.2 in April…

Economist’s Notebook

Restaurants Canada Updates Restaurant Sales Forecast

Restaurants Canada Updates Restaurant Sales Forecast Restaurants Canada has updated its quarterly forecast of foodservice sales for the remainder of…

Economist’s Notebook

Canada’s restaurant industry records lacklustre real sales in March

The combination of weak consumer confidence and high cost of living continued to restrain guest spending at restaurants in March…

Economist’s Notebook

Consumer Dining Index Dips in March 2024 Compared to February

Consumer Dining Index Dips in March 2024 Compared to February Restaurant Canada’s Consumer Dining Index (CDI) dipped slightly in March…

Economist’s Notebook

Restaurant employment tumbles 26,600 jobs in March

Restaurant employment tumbles 26,600 jobs in March Canada’s restaurant and accommodation industry shed 26,600 jobs in March compared to February…

Economist’s Notebook

Nine provinces report lower real restaurant sales in January 2024

Nine provinces report lower real restaurant sales in January 2024 Canada’s commercial foodservice industry began the year on a weak…

Economist’s Notebook

Restaurant Bankruptcies Soar 112% in January

Restaurant Bankruptcies Soar 112% in January The number of restaurant bankruptcies in Canada jumped to 121 in January according to…

Economist’s Notebook

Full-Service Restaurant Sales Falter in October

Commercial foodservice sales in Canada advanced by 6.4% in October compared to October 2022. Once adjusted for menu inflation of…

Economist’s Notebook

Menu inflation moderates to 19-month low in October

According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, menu inflation in Canada slowed to 5.7% in October after holding steady…