Restaurant spending signals strength in U.S. consumer spending

U.S. restaurant and bar sales rose 6.5% year-on-year through August 2025, up from 4.3% the prior year, according to MarketWatch. The increase is interpreted as a sign of resilient consumer demand—even as lower-income households tighten budgets. Higher-income consumers, supported by equity gains from the AI-led tech rally, are driving much of the uplift. Food-service providers continue to invest in value concepts to attract cost-conscious diners. While regional and income disparities remain, the data suggests a full-blown recession is less likely in the near term.