For the second straight month, US consumer spending rose at foodservice establishments as warm weather, increased COVID-19 vaccinations and eased restrictions have given consumers more opportunities for in-person dining experiences.

According to US Census Bureau data, eating and drinking places registered total sales of $64.9 billion on a seasonally-adjusted basis in April, the third strong sales increase in the last four months.

Sales at eating and drinking place sales in April remained $1.3 billion (2%) below their pre-pandemic level in February 2020. However, the numbers are trending upward as the industry continues to recover.