Like most segments of the American economy, the restaurant industry continues await a downturn in the business cycle that so far has failed to materialize.
To date, the impact of staffing shortages and menu price inflation has done little to dampen the public’s enthusiastic, post-pandemic return to restaurant dining. Most operators across the industry spectrum, from fast food to fine dine, have continued to report good sales numbers over the past several months.
But one event that many fear will yet impact the industry and the economy in general is the impending end of the federally-mandated moratorium on student loan payments. First implemented at the start of the pandemic, the loan payment pause is coming to an end this month, with loan interest already starting to accrue. The moratorium on loan payments themselves will be over as of Oct. 1.
