Nations Restaurant News reports, “As restaurant chains begin rolling out holiday promotions, researchers project a challenging season for sales.”

“However, some say slightly lower unemployment rates and gas prices may lift budgetary pressures for consumers in higher income brackets — which could give restaurants a slight boost in November and December. Last week the National Retail Federation, or NRF, projected that retail industry sales for the months of November and December will increase 2.8 percent to $465.6 billion this season, compared with a 5.2-percent increase last year. While the NRF projection does not include restaurants, the holiday shopping season is a key indicator for the foodservice industry, as it struggles to attract cash-strapped consumers.”

Read more: http://nrn.com/article/holiday-restaurant-sales-uncertain-not-doomed#ixzz1aVVJPXw8