National Restaurant Association improves outlook of dining industry

Confidence and profits are expected to continue rising

The National Restaurant Association is reporting that the economic outlook of the restaurant industry is up in July, primarily on the back of a slightly improved Restaurant Performance Index (RPI), a composite number that tracks the financial health of the industry.

"Although restaurant operators continue to report soft same-store sales and customer traffic levels, they are more optimistic about improving conditions in the months ahead," said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of Research and Information Services for the Association, quoted by Reuters. "Restaurant operators reported a positive six-month economic outlook, and the proportion expecting higher sales rose to its highest level in three months."

This newly-recovered optimism appears to stem from the growing belief among restaurant operators that the economy is beginning to improve, which may translate into elevated consumer confidence and spending.

In addition, Reihle says his organization expects sales in restaurants to reach $556 billion this year, which is a record high for the industry.

This should be good news to those who would like to become chefs, as these improved numbers point to increased opportunities, making this a good time to begin their culinary education.