Avero Index: March 2019
March brought good news to restaurants across the country this year. Every city examined in the Avero Index saw strong restaurant sales with a year-over-year increase since March, 2018. Not a single city experienced decreased restaurant sales, and for the first time in over a year and a half, covers increased by 1 percent. This jump in traffic was strongest for casual restaurants with an average check between $0 to $25, showing an increase of 4 percent, and in New England where traffic increased by 10 percent. This strong performance in New England can largely be attributed to less snow and warmer temperatures this year.
New York City
New York City particularly benefited from better weather this year with sales increasing by 1.6 percent. Last March, New Yorkers endured four nor’easters that shut down large parts of the city and kept diners from going out for meals.
National
Nationally, restaurant sales held constant for the second month in a row with zero change in gross sales. However, across menu categories our data tells a different story. It seems Americans had a stronger preference for savory this March opting for entrees, appetizers and sides while desserts saw a 7 percent drop in sales.
Miami
Despite spring break crackdowns complete with armored police riot squads attempting to decrease crowds, restaurants in Miami still saw increased sales this March. Traffic remained steady with zero change in covers over last year while sales saw a jump of 2 percent.
