March 2024 National Restaurant Sales Metrics

 National restaurant sales metrics for March 2024 are in!   

Fast Casual ended the month -3% down compared to March 2023's numbers and Full Service ended with -1%. While both segments ended the month down, mid-month performance was stronger, peaking around 3% for Full Service and 5% for Fast Casual. 

Grape tomatoes topped our Droppers list at an average -35% price drop across MarginEdge customers in March, while rhubarb rose +50% to the top of our Movers list. Lettuces dominated the rest of the Movers list and it really wouldn't be spring without ramps making an appearance.

The average food category costs as a percentage of sales decreased again from last month for MarginEdge customers, with food costs averaging 28% of sales.

Regionally, the Midwest ended the month with some positive growth while the other regions ended all within w few percent of each other. 

We'll see you in May!