National Restaurant News and MillerPulse partner to survey and report restaurant sales in an exclusive operator survey and the April 2013 numbers are in. The restaurant brokers, along with others in the industry are excited to see a rebound in sales after a relatively slow first quarter.

MillerPulse reports Industry that same-store sales rose 2.9 percent in April, an improvement from the 1.3-percent increase reported in March. You may recall the restaurant brokers recent article which showed that Atlanta outperformed the national trend in first quarter so we expect that to continue when April numbers are released for the local marketplace.

The national survey results includes full-service restaurants (casual and fine-dining brands) along with quick-service (fast-food and fast-casual).  According to MillerPulse, they compiled date from 66 operators that represent about 21 percent of all restaurant sales.

When looking at the data by category, fine dining actually led the results of the survey. The data showed fine-dining restaurants with a 5.1-percent increase while fast-food and fast-casual restaurants saw increases of 2.8 percent and 3.0 percent for the month, respectively. Casual-dining segment saw sales increase 2.5 percent, its strongest performance since January 2012.  Traffic was also up for the month, its first increase this year. 

The restaurant brokers are getting sales results in from our markets and expect that Atlanta and South Florida will report similar trends since weather improved significantly for most operators in the month of April.  Colorado was hit with unseasonably cold weather with one baseball game cancelled because of a snow storm so we don't anticipate the same gains there.

Here is the graph released by NRN/MillerPulse of same-store sales and traffic measured against the prior year for each month.

According to Miller of the MillerPulse survey, “The two-year trend in April was relatively unchanged, suggesting easier comparisons helped the month,” Miller said. “The good news is sales comparisons generally get easier for the rest of 2013.”

In addition to measuring actual results, the survey data also asks operators to share their forecast for upcoming periods.  According to the article, "Surveyed operators were largely optimistic looking ahead, Miller said, with 82 percent saying that better sales trends would continue moving forward. Overall, operators across all segments — fast-food, fast-casual, casual-dining and fine-dining — said they believe sales will improve over the next six months."  That is also on par with what these restaurant brokers are gleaning from our markets.  Optimism seems to be at an all time high with many more contracts being put on the table and multiple offer situations ensuing on restaurants for sale.

Consumer confidence was also up in April 2013 with national consumer confidence turning in an unexpected 68.1 level versus 61.9.  Consumer confidence, measured by industry group the Conference Board beat expectations by both economists and pundits. 

What do the restaurant brokers forecast for the trends in restaurant sales?  Eric Gagnon says, "We see continued increased sales for restaurants along with  better profitability.  Most operators have weathered tough economic times and become much leaner over the past three years.  Now that sales are rising, they are benefiting from increased earnings passing direct to their bottom line."

Restaurant broker Robin Gagnon adds, "Along the consumer front, confidence is higher as evidenced by all the sales, offers and activity on restaurants for sale that we are seeing.  All in all, dining out is a way of life for most Americans and they are not going to keep that experience on hold very long.  It's an easy way to treat their family to a simple pleasure that isn't tremendously expensive.  Restaurant operators have done a good job creating value meals and offers to drive them in the door and reinforce this message." 

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