Colorado is expecting stronger restaurant sales this year, according to new data from the National Restaurant Association.
"Colorado once again will have stronger sales this year than last year - and stronger than most other states," said Peter Meersman, Colorado Restaurant Association President & CEO, in a news release.
According to the NRA's 2012 Restaurant Industry Forecast, sales in Colorado are projected to grow by 3.9 percent - from $8.2 billion in 2011 to $8.5 billion in 2012. The growth is expected to create 9,000 new food service jobs - from 228,000 in 2011 to 237,000 in 2012.
"Disposable income is still strong in Colorado, our employment numbers will rise faster than the national average, and we will again have population growth. Those three things add up to more restaurant sales statewide," Meersman said.
By 2021, Colorado is expected to add 34,200 jobs in the restaurant industry - amounting to 271,200. That would be a total increase of 14.4 percent, or an average annual increase of 1.4 percent.
"This is good news for restaurant operators, our 237,000 employees, and our customers. 2012 looks to be a strong year for Colorado and for the nation in terms of growth, stronger consumer confidence, and pent-up demand for the food, service and social outlet that restaurants provide," Meersman said.
The growth trend is welcome news for local restaurant owners and employees, who are finally seeing their business grow.
John England, owner of Dozens Restaurant in Denver, says late 2007, 2008, and 2009 were extremely difficult.
"It was tough - being down 8, 9 and 11 percent. Some of us had to cut staff. Or bring our wives back to work. My wife works here now. I accumulated tens of thousands of dollars in debt," England said.
England says bleeding stopped in 2010 and 2011 - with lukewarm business but no drastic declines.
"We weren't shrinking anymore. We just had to be harder. We had to be tougher," England said.
Now in 2012, tables are full again at Dozens and other Denver restaurants, like the Hornet.
Server Courtney More says she estimates she is taking home nearly twice as much money as before - when the recession left many tables empty.
"People are tipping. So, that's always nice and appreciated. You can tell by the money that I make and the sales at the end of the day," More said.
After going on what she calls a "spending diet," diners like Karol Norie are feeling more inclined to treat themselves.
"I think we're starting to see more people out, which is great. You know, the economy is looking up. Jobs are improving. So yeah, it's optimistic I think," Norie said.
The added business is keeping everyone, from the restaurant staff to the owners, pretty busy.
England says it's a great time to go out because most restaurants haven't raised prices in a couple years.
"We really are growing again. The way we used to. We've been up, we've been up real numbers. Like 7, 8, 10 percent. We're going in the right direction," England said.
It is a much-needed serving of optimism after several years of gloom for the restaurant industry.
Denver Restaurant Week begins on Saturday.
The two-week event features participating restaurants which offer a multi-course dinner for the fixed price of $52.80 for two, or $26.40 for one. The price does not include tax or gratuity.
The goal of the event is to bring-in more diners during what is usually a slow time for the restaurant industry.
If you've been calling around to make reservations, you already know many restaurants are almost booked up for the whole two weeks.
If you are flexible with your days and times, there may be a few seats available.
Entertainment reporter Kirk Montgomery will feature a few of the participating restaurants during our 4pm newscast every day this week.
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