Restaurant Industry Commentary and Same-Store Sales Data

This report presents findings from the Restaurant Industry Insiders Conference held in May 2026, detailing insights from multi-unit franchise operators regarding menu pricing and customer traffic projections. A survey indicated that 100% of participants expect to slightly increase menu prices in 2026, while 86% raised prices by 1.5%-8% in 2025. Despite these adjustments, only 14% of respondents reported an increase in traffic exceeding 1.5% in 2025, with 71% anticipating flat traffic in 2026. The report outlines the key priorities for growth among operators, including catering and off-premise capabilities, mergers and acquisitions, new unit development, and store refreshes. The document also discusses the challenges faced by the industry, including economic uncertainties and changing consumer behaviors, which are expected to impact restaurant operators in 2026. Additionally, it provides a detailed analysis of same-store sales data across various restaurant segments for Q4 2025, highlighting performance trends and challenges in a competitive market.