MEDIA RELEASE
5 October 2010
IMMEDIATE
ANOTHER BUMPER MONTH FOR RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND CATERERS
The Australian Bureau of Statistics Retail Trade data, released today, shows that August was yet
again a record month for Australia’s restaurants, cafes and caterers. Turnover in August 2010, for
the industry, was a whopping 19.3% up on August 2009, making August the second highest
turnover month ever (second only to December 2009).
As was the case last month, restaurants, cafes and caterers had the highest seasonally adjusted
growth (of 1.6%) compared to a whole of retail growth of 0.5%.
John Hart, Chief Executive of Restaurant & Catering said that ‘the restaurant industry just keeps
out-performing the economy’ –
‘perhaps its driven by Masterchef, or perhaps it is just Australia’s
love affair with eating out that is fuelling the growth and the TV blitz’.
Whilst restaurateurs and caterers are reporting strong revenue growth, on average, there are some
weak spots with Queensland experiencing a dip (off the July peak) and South Australia not
recovering at the same rate as other States.
Revenues for the year to August, for the full service restaurant, café and catering sector are 17.2
Billion with $5.49 Billion coming from New South Wales.
‘Whilst revenues are strong, levels of profit are still very weak (at less than 3%)’ Hart suggested.
Very significant increases in the cost of labour and higher overhead costs are contributing to
‘profitless volume’ in the industry.
Restaurant & Catering is the peak organisation representing the interests of Australia’s 40,000
restaurants, cafes and caterers.
For further information on this media release please contact
John Hart
Chief Executive Officer
Restaurant & Catering
P: 1300 722 878 or 0407 554 878
E: jhart@restaurantcater.asn.au
NEWS 
