Applied Predictive Technologies (APT) today announced that the APT Index of in-store restaurant sales for March 2015 increased +3.5 percent compared with March of last year. The increase was driven by an increase in check size +3.3 percent. 

The APT Index of Quick-Service Restaurant sales increased +6.2 percent and the APT Index of Full-Service Restaurant sales increased +1.6 percent.

 This announcement comes on the heels of results from CNBC’s All-America Economic survey, which showed that Americans’ view of the economy has reached an 8-year high.

“Restaurants are continuing to see strong sales growth, especially in the quick-service restaurant segment, at a time when we’re seeing improved views of the economy and a lot of new innovations in the industry," says Patrick O’Reilly, APT president and COO. "From customizable menu options and more loyalty apps to digital ordering and delivery, restaurants are pushing beyond traditional tactics to reach new customers and increase engagement.”

March Restaurant Sales – by APT Index numbers:

The Big Picture

  • APT Index of Restaurant sales: +3.5 percent, driven by an increase in check size +3.3 percent
  • APT Index of Quick-Service Restaurant sales: +6.2 percent
  • APT Index of Full-Service Restaurant sales: +1.6 percent

Restaurant Sales Better in Areas Where Rainfall Decreased

  • In areas where rainfall decreased from last year, sales increased: APT Index restaurant sales +4.2 percent, quick-service restaurant sales +6.4 percent, and full-service restaurant sales +2 percent
  • In areas where rainfall increased from last year, sales comps were comparatively lower: APT Index restaurant sales +3.1 percent, quick-service restaurant sales +6.1 percent, and full-service restaurant sales +1.5 percent

Major Cities with the Highest Restaurant Sales Comps in March*

  • Riverside, CA +8.5 percent
  • Denver, CO +7.4 percent
  • Detroit, MI +6.7 percent
  • Minneapolis, MN +6.5 percent
  • Los Angeles, CA +5.8 percent

Major Cities with the Lowest Restaurant Sales Comps in March*

  • Philadelphia, PA -2.4 percent
  • New York, NY -1.7 percent
  • Miami, FL +0.8 percent
  • Dallas, TX +1 percent
  • Boston, MA +1 percent
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