NRN.com - Sales and traffic bounced back somewhat for restaurant chains in March as the nation thawed after months of snow and ice, according to the latest Restaurant Performance Index, or RPI, by the National Restaurant Association.

The RPI rose to 101.4 in March, the highest level in 10 months, an increase of 0.9 percent compared with 100.5 in February. The monthly composite index tracks the health of and outlook for the U.S. restaurant industry and has remained above 100 for 13 consecutive months, which signifies a period of expansion. Continue