FREEZING WEATHER KEEPS DINERS INSIDE

Restaurants continued to take a hit in March, blamed mostly on winter weather and the lack of consumer confidence says analysts. According to NRN, casual-dining restaurants such as Red Lobster, Outback Steakhouse and P.F. Chang’s recorded negative same-store sales in March, while fast food brands like Wendy’s, Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s posted all positive sales. It appears that Olive Garden was one of the only casual restaurants able to post a sales gain in March. The impending spring and summer months may not offer much of a relief, however, if gas prices shoot up like they did last year.

“It’s apparent that many consumers would rather trade up to a more expensive meal or drive-thru somewhere and save a buck or two,” an executive from a major restaurant chain told WSD.