Monthly Restaurant Trend Analysis

Out of the Box Monthly Update Series

Your go-to resource for timely insights into the very latest restaurant industry performance trends.

Each month, our Out of the Box articles summarize the top line performance metrics from across the restaurant industry. These updates are designed to help restaurant leaders stay informed and ready to act.

Note: Also check out our separate but complementary Monthly Second Helping series for key topical trends.

A group of four people is sitting at a fast-food restaurant table. They are holding drinks and eating food, laughing, and engaged in conversation. In the background, other customers and a child are visible. The atmosphere is casual and lively.

What We Cover Each Month

In our Out of the Box series, we use industry data captured direct from restaurant units and concepts via our Restaurant Performance Network:

Latest Overall Sales and Traffic Data

Consumer Sentiment Trends

Workforce Turnover and Compensation

Best vs Worst Segment Comparison

Best vs Worst Region Comparison

Browse Entire Back Catalog

All Out of the Box Monthly Updates (in Order of Most Recent)

A person in a suit pays at a restaurant by holding a smartphone near a wireless payment terminal, reflecting March 2025 restaurant industry trends toward seamless digital transactions amid food, coffee, and utensils on the table.

Restaurant Insights & Research

Restaurant Industry in Review: Trends from April 2025

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Three chefs work together in a restaurant kitchen under warm hanging lights, preparing dishes and plating food on a counter, reflecting March 2025 restaurant industry trends, with shelves and kitchen equipment visible in the background.

Restaurant Insights & Research

Restaurant Industry in Review: Trends from March 2025

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Two men sit at an outdoor table, clinking small glasses in a beer tasting flight—smiling, savoring new flavors inspired by February 2025 restaurant industry trends. City buildings and string lights shimmer in the sunny background.

Restaurant Insights & Research

Restaurant Industry in Review: Trends from February 2025

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Outdoor restaurant patio with empty chairs and tables covered in snow. String lights hang on the building, hinting at cozy January 2025 Restaurant Trends as small trees in planters line the snowy walkway. The atmosphere is quiet and wintry.

Restaurant Insights & Research

Restaurant Industry in Review: Trends from January 2025

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A calendar overlay appears on top of a table with various dishes, including salad, pasta, and bread, reflecting 2024 Restaurant Industry Trends in meal planning and scheduling.

Restaurant Insights & Research

The 2024 Restaurant Industry Trends: A Year in Review

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A festive table inspired by November 2024 Restaurant Trends features roasted chicken, vegetables, pie, fresh cranberries, Christmas cookies, dried orange slices, and holiday decorations on a wooden surface.

Restaurant Insights & Research

Restaurant Industry in Review: November 2024 Restaurant Trends

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Black and white photo of a meal with a burger and fries on a plate, two glasses of iced drinks, and a dish of salad in the background—capturing the casual dining vibe inspired by October 2024 Restaurant Trends.

Restaurant Insights & Research

Restaurant Industry in Review: Trends from October 2024

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A rustic table set for fall, featuring a plate with a fork, knife, and napkin, surrounded by decorative gourds, autumn leaves, and corn. Papers with colorful graphs highlight September 2024 Restaurant Trends on the side.

Restaurant Insights & Research

Restaurant Industry in Review: Trends from September 2024

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A rustic table is set with muffins, cookies, mousse desserts topped with cookies, orange drinks, and plates, surrounded by autumn leaves and small clusters of orange berries—capturing the warmth of an August Restaurant Performance.

Restaurant Insights & Research

August Restaurant Performance: Could It Be the Turning Point?

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