Restaurant Trends July 2022
US Quick-Service Trends
QSR traffic trends in the US stabilized for Q2 2022 compared to Q1. Pricing activity also leveled in Q2. While average price jumped significantly from a 6.8% increase YOY in Q4 2021 to 10.3% in Q1 2022, Q2 only saw a slight increase, to 10.8% YOY.
Breakdown of Quarterly QSR Trends
The following is a snapshot of US Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) trends for Q2 2022.
When compared to Q2 2021:
- QSR net sales are up 1.4% YOY, positive news for operators after experiencing a decline in overall performance in Q1 of 2022 due to the Omicron variant spread throughout the US.
- Traffic is down 5.4% compared to the same quarter in 2021, though trending upward when compared month-over-month. Traffic trends are down -4.0% YOY in June 2022, a slight improvement from the -4.1% YOY we saw in May. This is a significant increase from the year’s lowest YOY reporting of -9.4% in April 2022.
- In Q2 2022, average check is up 7.2% compared to Q2 2021 and continues to drive sales performance. Average net price is up 10.8% in Q2 2022. In our Q2 consumer survey, almost 1 in 2 respondents are managing costs by ordering less from restaurants, a trend reflected in the significant decrease in basket size — down -3.2% YOY. To receive our exclusive consumer reports, subscribe to our mailing list.
Daypart Trends
When looking at the contribution to the overall traffic loss (-5.4%):
- Lunch (-2.6%) and dinner (-2.3%) had a larger contribution to the overall decline in Q2 traffic.
- Breakfast (-0.4%) traffic stabilized for the quarter after a sizable drop in April when traffic was down -2.9% YOY.
RMS will continue to track daypart trends as we enter Q3.
Drive-thru Traffic Hits A Rough Patch
When comparing revenue channels, drive-thru traffic reported the poorest performance, down -10.3% for the quarter. Drive-thru represents approximately 75% of total QSR sales (down from 90%+ at the height of the pandemic), so operators are watching the channel carefully.
The good news? Consumers are seeing a drop in gas prices, bringing guests back to drive-thrus, especially in the summer as families look for entertainment.
As restaurants proceed with caution in the current inflationary environment, data-driven solutions based on specific guest patterns can help. Reach out today with questions. We’re here to help.
Consultant’s Corner
Is a Recession Coming for Restaurants?
In this current inflationary environment, understanding your restaurant data has never been more critical, noted QSR Magazine’s Danny Klein in a recent state of the industry report featuring RMS insights. For more on the consumer reports referenced in the article, click here.
How Can Restaurants Balance Today’s Value Equation?
According to ResearchandMarkets, the global plant-based market is forecasted to reach USD 14.9 billion by 2027 as customers seek tastier options and more variety. Listen in as ProFood World reviews the current state of plant-based alternatives and how customers are reacting, featuring RMS consumer insights.
