Restaurant Outlook Survey shows growing pessimism in Alberta

April 28, 2015, Ottawa – After years of strong gains, Alberta’s restaurant industry is feeling the strain of a slowing economy. Close to 40 per cent of restaurant operators in Alberta expect their sales to slow down over the next six months, compared to the Canadian average of just 14 per cent of restaurant operators who are feeling pessimistic about their business.

Restaurants Canada highlighted some of the survey’s key points:

• Nearly half of restaurateurs across Canada – a survey record – expect sales to accelerate over the next six months, while just a quarter of Albertan operators shares the same optimism.  
• The weak economy is a concern for 63 per cent of Albertan respondents, compared to just 37 per cent of Canadian operators.
• Nine in 10 restaurateurs will maintain or grow their workforce in Alberta over the next six months, which is comparable to the hiring intentions in the rest of the country. This is likely due to the severe labour shortage that has left many Alberta restaurants running with an already reduced staff.

Read the full Restaurant Outlook Survey.