According to the 2016 American Express Restaurant Trade Survey, restaurant operators in the U.S. are feeling bullish about the economic environment. In fact, 39% of restaurateurs said they see the economy improving and expanding opportunities for their businesses over the next six months, while another 32% expect their businesses to grow regardless of the economic climate. Restaurateurs are projecting an average revenue growth of 33% in 2016.

Other top line findings from the survey of more than 500 restaurant operators across the U.S. include:
- Biggest technology trend for the restaurant industry in the next 12 months predicted by restaurant operators is mobile payments.
- Almost two-thirds of restaurant operators said they would possibly inc rease the price of their menu items due to rent increases.
- 29% of restaurant operators plan to adopt the no-tip trend facing the restaurant industry while 18% report that they have already adopted.
- Restaurateurs are anxious about retirement savings: 65% are somewhat to very worried about the ability to save for retirement.
- However, succession planning is not a concern as 71% have a succession plan in place.
- The most popular consumer food trends that restaurateurs adopted/plan to adopt or would like to adopt is plant-based foods or more veggie offerings (92%).

An infographic depicting a few key findings can be found below.

Source: American ExpressSource: American Express
Source: American Express

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