Released yesterday, the latest Statistics Canada data show that restaurant and bar sales in Alberta were robust in August, up 7.6% from the same month last year.*

On a year-to-date basis, revenue was by up 5.9% over the first eight months of the year compared to the same period in 2024.

Removing the effects of inflation, year-over-year revenue was 5.6% higher and year-to-date 4.8% higher, indicating that the growth was mostly due to higher spending rather than higher prices.

How do we account for this rise in spending on eating out/ordering in the face of rising unemployment in the province?

First, there is the inclination of Albertans to continue to enjoy the province’s restaurants and bars.

Second, ongoing population growth and less travel to the U.S. has increased the pool of potential customers.

Third, given the high cost of food, there is likely some bargain hunting going on. I for one was able to get a beef dip from Arby’s for half the price it would have cost me to make it at home.

As always, because we don’t have corresponding data on the operating costs of restaurants and bars, we can’t say with any certainty if the sector is doing better or worse in terms of net profit. Nonetheless, the rise in sales is a positive sign for the sector and an indication that the Alberta economy, despite tariff headwinds, is continuing to push forward.

*All data in today’s Twenty-Four are on a seasonally-adjusted basis.

Answer to the previous trivia question: Samhain is the ancient Celtic festival thought to be the origin of Halloween.

Today’s trivia question: True or false? Did kids on the Prairies (including this Twenty-Four contributor) used to say “Halloween apples” instead of “trick or treat” when going door to door on Halloween?