Population shifts continue to see the older northeast states losing population to the south and the sun belt according to the latest estimates from the US Census Bureau. New York dropped again from its 2015 estimate as Texas and Florida showed significant population growth – Florida grew by more than twice the national average, while the Lone Star state added over 430,000 residents. On a positive note, we were glad to see that the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index was up significantly for the 2nd month in December coming in at 113.7 (up from 109.4 in November), although the current situation index actually fell a bit. This could be pinned to any number of factors, but we’re hoping it materializes into restaurant sales.
