Economic data for food service equipment and supplies (E&S) professionals. Industry economic data includes NRA Performance Index, MAFSI Business Barometer, Conference Board data, government reports and more.
Unemployment Claims Flat in Mid-June 7/9/2008 11:41:00 AM
The Department of Labor announced that it received 384,000 initial claims for unemployment insurance for the week that ended on June 21, a figure that is unchanged from the prior week. More
C-Stores Can Offset Pain at Pump through Foodservice By FES Staff - 07/23/2008
An old cliché goes “all market conditions favor someone.” While most foodservice operators continue to struggle with the impact of rising gas prices, an unlikely segment may be poised to cash in, according to “Target: C-Stores, A Growing Opportunity on the Foodservice Landscape,” a research report released by Chicago-based Technomic.
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Consumer Confidence Drops in May 07/09/2008
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index fell by 7.7 points in May to 50.4. The measure’s two component indices, the Present Situation Index and the Expectations Index, both fell during the month.
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Manufacturing Sector Expands in June 07/09/2008
Following four consecutive months of decline, the domestic manufacturing sector expanded in June, according to a report from the Institute for Supply Management. More
Durable Goods Orders Rise in May 07/09/2008
New orders for manufactured durable goods posted a slight increase in May to approximately $213.6 billion, according to the Department of Commerce. Though that figure represents less than a 0.1-percent increase, it also breaks a string of three consecutive monthly declines for new orders.
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DOC Releases Retail, Foodservice Figures 07/09/2008
The U.S. Department of Commerce has released its advanced monthly figures for retail and foodservice sales for the month of May. More
RPI Posts May Increase 07/09/2008
The National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index posted an increase of 0.2 points in May. The RPI now stands at 98.6.
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MAFSI Barometer Calls for Softer Second Quarter By FES Staff - 07/01/2008
For the first time in five years, foodservice equipment and supplies sales contracted by 1.2 percent, according to the Manufacturers Agents for the Foodservice Industry. In releasing this data through the association’s quarterly Business Barometer, MAFSI projects second-quarter equipment and supplies sales will contract by .5 percent.
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E&S Segment Spotlight: Pizza E&S As more consumers are strapped for cash, they’re turning to pizza as an economical option for dining out, and at the same time, operators are going back to pizza’s roots, serving authentic-style, Italian pies.
Facility Design Project of the Month Dos Caminos, Las Vegas This glitzy version of the NYC restaurant, Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino with over-the-top design and a menu of upscale Mexican cuisine thanks to an efficient, new kitchen.
FOH photos, B.R. Guest Bar & kitchen photos, JEM Consulting Group; Tim McDonald
Chain Profile: Which Wich Superior Sandwiches Founder and CEO Jeffrey Sinelli “chooses the superior vibe” as part of his mission for the five-year-old, upscale quick-service chain.
Photos courtesy of Which Wich Superior Sandwiches