Restaurant sales improved in July, with spending at restaurants increasing by 3.3% compared to 1.8% in July 2025.
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Transactions also increased by 1.1%, up from 0.8% a year ago.
Lower-income consumers are driving this growth, with their spending increasing more than middle or higher-income consumers.
Gen Z consumers are also spending more across all industry sectors.
However, national chains are not benefiting from this growth, with independent and regional brands growing sales around 4%.
Sysco CEO Kevin Hourican noted that mom-and-pop restaurants have outperformed chains, contrary to common assumptions, possibly due to easing menu price inflation.
Easing menu price inflation and increased grocery prices may be pushing consumers towards restaurants.
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