April 2025 national restaurant sales metrics are in!
The trailing 4-week (28-day) average of year-over-year (YOY) sales for Fast Casual came in at +2.47% and Full Service at -0.78% at the end of April compared to 2024 sales.
Across the 7-day moving average chart, we saw positive sales throughout the month for Fast Casual, and a slight bump at the end of April for Full Service.
Food costs averaged 28% of sales last month, reflecting a 1% increase from March's average.
Plain cheesecake and pizza sauce topped our Droppers list with prices -62% and -40%, respectively, lower on average than in March, followed by eggs (down -37%) and chicken wings. For our Movers chart, fresh asparagus prices had a +39% increase compared to March prices, followed by focaccia (+38%) and boneless chicken thighs (+20%).
Regionally, the South ended April with 4% growth and the Northeast with 2%.
We'll see you in June!