For the first time in more than a year, people are spending more money at restaurants than on their groceries. It’s yet another sign that the hospitality industry is bouncing back in a big way as the coronavirus pandemic begins to fade away and consumers return to normal life. Join chef Nyesha Arrington and restaurateur Philip Camino as they break down the details of restaurant spending compared to grocery spending. Philip and Nyesha also share their thoughts on why the dynamic has flipped, how restaurants might have to start charging more, and how Amazon’s purchase of Whole Foods could continue to change things after the pandemic. Listen to Philip and Nyesha discuss restaurant sales: Customers are spending more at restaurants than on groceries for the first time since February 2020 Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, restaurant sales exceed grocery sales In April 2019, restaurant sales were $63.62 billion compared to $57.25 billion for groceries In April 2020, restaurant sales plummeted to just $29.9 billion -- a 30-year low At the other hand, grocery sales skyrocketed up to $75 billion in March 2020 thanks in part to panic buying, COVID-19 restrictions, and the ease of grocery delivery apps As of May 2021, restaurant sales totaled $67.3 billion -- an increase from pre-pandemic times Links: Happy Mouth Podcast Instagram Restaurant Business Online - Consumers are back to spending more at restaurants than at grocers Happy Mouth May 26 episode on food insecurity Happy Mouth May 17 episode on the restaurant boom We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other shows: Full Comp  The Happy Mouth Morning Show Restaurant Marketing School The Playbook