Consumer spending is still growing, but not evenly.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s April 2026 Advance Monthly Retail Trade Report, U.S. retail and food services sales rose 4.9% year-over-year, while food services and drinking places grew at a slower pace.
For restaurants, cafés, bakeries, quick-service concepts, and food service operators, this is an important signal.
Demand is still present, but the market is more selective. Customers are still spending, but not every location, concept, or price point will perform the same way.
That is why restaurants need to be careful with site selection, pricing strategy, rent levels, competition, visibility, parking, access, and realistic sales assumptions.
A good restaurant location is not just about finding a space with a kitchen or strong foot traffic.
It is about understanding the trade area, customer behavior, income levels, nearby competition, daytime population, evening traffic, and whether the local market can support the concept.
At Maison RZK, we help restaurants and food service businesses evaluate locations using data, market intelligence, consumer behavior, demographics, competition, traffic patterns, and practical business advisory.
The right location should support the concept — not just fit the budget.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Advance Monthly Retail Trade Report, April 2026.

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