Sales at food services and drinking places were up 1.0% to $7.9 billion in November (seasonally adjusted).
Higher sales at full-service restaurants (+1.4% to $3.5 billion) contributed the most to the monthly gain. While sales at limited-service restaurants (+0.5% to $3.6 billion) rose at a slower pace during the month, they maintained their lead in overall sales.
Sales at special food services (+3.2% to $625.7 million)—which includes caterers, school cafeterias and work camps—rose at the fastest pace in November, while sales at drinking places declined 2.6% to $205.4 million.
Ontario (+1.4% to $3.1 billion), Quebec (+1.0% to $1.6 billion) and British Columbia (+0.6% to $1.4 billion) contributed the most to the monthly increase among the provinces, while Alberta (-0.1% to $1.0 billion) reported the lone decline.
The prices Canadians paid for food purchased from restaurants or for alcoholic beverages served in licensed establishments rose at the same pace in November (+5.5%).
Description - November 2023 sales
November 2023 sales
(seasonally adjusted)
+1.0% to $7.9 billion
Full-service restaurants
$3.5 billion; +1.4%
Sales at limited-service restaurants
$3.6 billion; +0.5%
Price variations
November 2023 versus November 2022
+5.5% Food purchased from restaurants
+5.5% Alcoholic beverages served in licensed establishments
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