NRA index hits highest level in 2 years

WASHINGTON Foodservice operators in February voiced increased optimism about the industry's future, propelling the National Restaurant Association's monthly Restaurant Performance Index to its highest level since November 2007.

The RPI rose to 99.0 in February, an increase of 0.7 from January, marking the highest level in 27 months.

However, restaurateurs' upbeat outlook stood in contrast to continued declines in same-store sales and