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5/1/2012
Good news for those looking for a summer job in the service industry.
According to Statistics Canada, more and more of our disposable income is going to the restaurant and bar industry.
ATB Financial Senior Economist Todd Hirsch notes the upswing in Alberta's economy because dining out is a form of non-essential spending.
"Albertans are feeling pretty confident about their income levels and about their jobs," says Hirsch. "When you think about eating out - a lot of the time that's discretionary spending. In other words, people don't have to eat out, but it's a way they entertain friends and family."
Hirsch says the 8.3 percent increase in the last year is bigger that the increase in population growth and inflation - which is a good sign for Alberta's economy.
He also acknowledges that dining out is becoming a normal lifestyle choice for many people.
"A lot of people would say it's a necessity. People are busier. We are racing around to 100 different things and trying to balance work and life and everything else. And just finding a time to grab something on the go or entertain ourselves with friends and family in a restaurant, is a choice I think a lot of people are making because our lives are so busy."
Overall, Hirsch says people are still opting to spend more while at a restaurant or bar. He adds that it's a combination of a strong economy in our province and the fact that we're all living busier lives. (blb)
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