Washington, D.C., restaurant traffic hit by government shutdown

Core Insights - The U.S. government shutdown is projected to cost the economy between $7 billion and $14 billion, significantly impacting the restaurant industry, particularly in the $8 billion Washington, D.C. market [1] Industry Impact - Approximately 2,660 restaurants in Washington, D.C. are struggling, with many still recovering from decreased reservations due to previous government actions [2] - The shutdown has exacerbated declining consumer sentiment, leading to fewer restaurant visits, with sentiment levels now lower than during the COVID pandemic [3] - Consumer concerns include pessimism about job availability and rising prices, contributing to increased anxiety among potential diners [4] Performance Metrics - Recent data from BlackBox Intelligence indicates that restaurant traffic in Washington, D.C. has underperformed compared to national levels, with a 2.8% decline in traffic during the week of October 12, compared to a 1.6% increase nationally [4] - Upscale restaurants in Washington, D.C. have seen a 6.8% drop in traffic and a 5.7% decrease in total sales over the past month, while casual dining is the only segment with positive cumulative traffic, up 1.6% [4] Company Reporting - Public restaurant companies are beginning to report quarterly results, revealing the financial impact of the ongoing government shutdown [5]