Fast food, cafes and canteens losing patrons

November 2011 receipts declined for these dining places from month-ago levels.

Fast food outlets recorded a 0.6% decline while other eating places, which includes cafes and canteens, saw a steeper 1.2% shrinkage.

Only food caterers posted month-on-month growth at 2.7%. November is the usual time for bookings and prepayments for Christmas catering services.

"After seasonal adjustment, fast food outlets and other eating places (such as cafes and canteens) recorded decreases in turnover of 0.6% and 1.4% respectively in November 2011 compared to the previous month. Receipts of food caterers increased 2.7% over the same period, while those of restaurants remained at a similar level," said Department of Statistics Singapore in its new food & beverage services index report.

"All major segments reported higher turnover in November 2011 compared to the same period
in 2010. Turnover of fast food outlets and other eating places went up 9.5% and 6.1% respectively. Similarly, receipts of food caterers and restaurants rose 4.8% and 3.2% respectively in November 2011 over November 2010," it added.