WASHINGTON - Despite sluggish recovery by the nation??s economy, the restaurant industry is projected to expand in 2012, according to the National Restaurant Association??s 2012 Restaurant Industry Forecast. Total restaurant industry sales are expected to reach a record high of $632 billion in 2012 ?" a 3.5% increase over 2011, marking the second consecutive year that industry sales have topped $600 billion.

In addition, the restaurant industry will continue to fuel U.S. employment in the year ahead as the nation??s second largest private sector employer. Overall restaurant industry employment will reach 12.9 million in 2012, representing 10% of the total U.S. workforce.

"As our nation slowly recovers from the economic downturn, restaurants continue to be a vital part of American lifestyles and our nation??s economy," said Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, in a press release. "We expect the nation??s nearly one million restaurants to post sales of $632 billion this year. Combine that with the fact that restaurant job growth is expected to outpace the overall economy for the 13th straight year, and it??s clear that the restaurant industry is once again proving to be a significant economic stimulant and strong engine for job creation."

Giving consumers what they want will be crucial for restaurant operators in 2012. As the recession has caused eight out of 10 consumers to cut back on spending to some degree, it is more important than ever for operators to nudge those guests into patronizing their restaurants.

According to the National Restaurant Association??s 2012 Restaurant Industry Forecast, customers are looking for food quality, value and speed of service when picking where to dine at QSRs. When it comes to food, the top menu trends are all about local sourcing and nutrition, especially kids?? nutrition.

Nearly three-quarters of consumers say they are more likely to visit a restaurant that offers locally produced food items, and more than half of all restaurants currently offer locally sourced produce. Similarly, nearly three-quarters of consumers say they are trying to eat healthier now at restaurants than they did two years ago, and a majority of restaurants agree that customers are ordering more such items.