In a recent report, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) said the outlook for the restaurant industry remains positive for the coming months and noted that its Restaurant Performance Index was well above 100 in April.

The RPI stood at 101.6 in April, down 0.6% from 102.2 in March. Despite the decline, April was the sixth consecutive month the RPI stood above 100. That signifies expansion in the index of key industry indicators.

The NRA said restaurant operators also continue to plan for capital spending in the months ahead. Fifty-two percent of restaurant operators said they planned to make a capital expenditure for equipment, expansion or remodeling in the next six months, down slightly from 56% who reported similarly last month.

“Although the RPI dipped somewhat in April, it remained solidly in positive territory,” said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president, research and knowledge, NRA. “Restaurant operators reported positive same-store sales for the 11th consecutive month, and a majority of them expect business to continue to improve in the months ahead.”

To read the full NRA news release, click here.