Economy Worries Restaurant Owners

 

The economic outlook of the nation's restaurant owners dropped to a nine-month low in May, marking the second straight month of declines, according to the National Restaurant Association.

Based on a nationwide survey of its members, the trade group's monthly restaurant performance index fell 0.1 percent from April to 100.9. Results above 100 indicate growth.

While owners were generally positive about current business conditions, including sales, customer traffic, and spending plans, many were concerned about the direction of the economy over the next six months, the survey found.

Hudson Riehle, the group's vice president of research, said restaurant owners were taking a "more tempered economic outlook" for the months ahead.

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