The share of Canadians who purchased dinner from a restaurant once a week or more fell five points to 30% in August. This is the lowest level since Restaurants Canada began collecting traffic data in March. There was a corresponding decline in the share of Canadians that purchased dinner from a restaurant at least once a month in August, returning back to March levels. Typically, August is a strong month for restaurant operators, but high inflation, rising interest rates and growing fears of a possible recession resulted in fewer visits.
The REACT survey also found that Canadians made few purchases from a restaurant for lunch, breakfast and snacks in August. The share of 18 to 34 year olds that purchased lunch from a restaurant once a week or more fell to 22% in August compared to 28% in July.
Looking ahead, three in 10 Canadians said they expect to order from a table- or quick-service restaurant less often in September compared to August. Despite a strong labour market, a recent survey by Angus Reid found that 77% of Canadians believe we are currently in a recession, or headed towards a recession.
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