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Full-service same-store sales down an average 74%, Black Box saysFull-service same-store sales down an average 74%, Black Box says

Off-premise sales up for full-service and quick-service brands in week ended March 23

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

March 25, 2020

1 Min Read
restaurant decline coronavirus
Black Box Consumer Intelligence also reported grocery sales were up 52.9% compared to the same week last year.Barry Winiker / The Image Bank / Getty Images

Full-service restaurants saw same-store sales decline an average of 74% in the five days ended March 23 and as the coronavirus pandemic deepened, according to new findings from Black Box Intelligence.

As more states and cities restricted dining-room service to stem the spread of COVID-19, the Dallas-based analytics company, which polls its member restaurant brands, found off-premise delivery, to-go, carry-out and drive-thru sales grew 60% for full-service and 30% for limited-service.

“Consistent with historical trends, satisfaction scores for consumers ordering delivery remain significantly lower than dine in and takeout sentiment,” Black Box’ Guest Intelligence division reported Wednesday.

Black Box Consumer Intelligence also reported grocery sales were up 52.9% compared to the same week last year, and consumers were shifting 10% of their spending away from restaurants and to groceries.

Last week, Black Box reported that about 70% of the restaurants it surveys were experiencing traffic declines because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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