U.S. restaurant spending rose 3.7% year-over-year in August, accelerating from July’s 2.5% gain as consumers returned to both chain and independent establishments. The uptick reflects renewed sector momentum fueled by a broad-based recovery across income levels and regional markets. Chain restaurant sales fell 0.9% in August, improving from July’s 2.9% drop, while independent eateries grew 5.3%, up from 4.3%. Quick-service restaurants, excluding pizza, saw sales decline 1.3% in August, improving from a 2.9% drop in July. Pizza restaurant spending fell 2.8% in August, improving from a 4.8% decline in July. Fast-casual dining sales nearly returned to growth in August, with declines easing to 0.6% from 2.6% in July. Casual dining chains posted a 2.4% sales increase in August, rebounding from a 1.1% decline in July.
