Restaurant Business Growing

It seems as if people are not only getting out and traveling more, but they’re also going out to local restaurants.

Yesterday, Marquette County announced record-breaking hotel occupancy for the summer.

And today, the Michigan Restaurant Association released new numbers showing an increase in eating and drinking sales statewide.

Statewide, eating and drinking place sales increased by 1.67% in the first six months of 2010.

According to the MRA’s findings, sales at table service restaurants jumped up 3.33%.

Fast-food restaurants saw sales increase by 0.47%.

Bars and nightclubs saw sales increase by 0.65%.

Overall, compared to 2009 sales at $4.82 billion, Michgian’s restaurant industry’s first 6 months of 2010 saw $4.9 billion in revenue.

Michele Butler, co-owner of Vango’s in Marquette, says the Marquette Original Eastside Restaurant Association also saw an increase in service this summer.

Based on feedback from other independent restaurant owners in the Eastside area of Marquette, and distributors making sales in the area, businesses did see steady sales these past 6 months.

And they hope sales stay steady for the somewhat dead season, generally September and October.

The Marquette Origianal Eastside Association is group of independent restaurants in Marquette offering residents a chance to see the various eating opportunities in the area.

The MRA report is based on sales tax data collected by the Michigan Treasury Department.