Dining out rises in Alberta: new data from ATB

More Albertans are picking up a menu over making a meal at home, according to data from Statistics Canada analyzed by ATB Financial.

More Albertans are picking up a menu over making a meal at home, according to data from Statistics Canada, analyzed by ATB Economics.

Although an increase in restaurant sales is welcomed, owners are still serving up cautious optimism.

Compared to the first five months of 2024, year-to-date, restaurant sales in Alberta have grown by 5.2 per cent.

“Stripping out price impacts, real (inflation-adjusted) restaurant sales were up by 4.6 per cent in Alberta and 5.8 per cent in Canada on a YTD basis,” reads The Twenty Four newsletter sent out Tuesday.

The chief economist at ATB says Alberta continues to see strong population growth.

There’s more local activity as Canadians limit travel abroad, and during the month of May, the “buy Canadian” and “staycation” movements were gaining momentum in response to the ongoing trade war with the United States.

However, the pandemic and recent inflation crisis mean that although there is growth, the starting point for hospitality was low.

“It’s still in some ways not ‘back to normal’ for restaurants. Coming out of COVID, they’ve seen their costs go up, consumers are still pretty cautious these days, unemployment rates elevated,” said Mark Parsons.

However, Parsons also points to strong attendance for the Calgary Stampede and K-Days and other events that may see increased activity at bars and restaurants through the summer and into the fall.

The new data gives the Bushi family confidence they expanded their Calgary restaurant business at the right time.

“It feels good for us and for the industry overall; it’s been hard years, and now after COVID, things are improved,” said Ervin Bushi, co-owner of Lusi Italian Kitchen and Pizzeria.

Lusi opened its doors on 17th Avenue S.W. in April.

Owners say bookings have been steady partly because it’s new, but also partly because more Albertans are dining out.

“It’s a huge relief to be where we are,” said Bushi’s wife and Lusi co-owner Michelle.

“As you do in life, you learn to ride the waves, you learn to navigate, you learn to adapt. We’ve done that.”

For Lusi patrons, getting an experience that can’t be replicated at home is worth it.

“Supporting local businesses is important for our Calgary economy,” said Nicole Imeson.

“We do enjoy it. We enjoy the atmosphere; when the kids are calm, we eat out as frequently as we can,” said Samir Patel.