Michigan restaurants being hit by difficult economy

LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Michigan restaurants are being hit harder by the difficult economy than the rest of the industry around the country.

The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association says their April survey found 51% of restaurants had declining sales compared to 39% nationally.

President Justin Winslow says the industry remains committed to Michigan communities, but is “absorbing significant pressure from multiple directions.”

23% say rising food costs are their biggest challenge, 19% say labor costs are their largest issue, and 16% say the overall economy is their biggest challenge right now.