Overall Inflation Cools in March, But Restaurant Menu Prices Remain Stubbornly High

This article first appeared in Nation’s Restaurant News.

The inflation level in March cooled more than expected, registering an annual rate of 2.4% — a six-month low. Prices fell 0.1% in March, after rising 0.2% in February, according to federal data released Thursday morning.

It’s the first time prices have fallen month-over-month since May 2020, driven by lower energy prices.

Food prices, however, were a different story. Food away from home rose 0.4% in March, matching February’s increase and outpacing every month since at least September. Year-over-year, menu prices are up 3.8%.

Read the full article in Nation’s Restaurant News.