Restaurant business sizzling in recession

While many industries in Canada are struggling, restaurants and bars experienced a big jump in business in November over the same month the year before.

Across the country sales at food service and drinking establishments were up 6.7 per cent in November 2008 comparedwith November 2007, according to a report from Statistics Canada released last week. P.E.I. was leading the way with a 16.8 per cent jump in business.

"There might be a little bit of a comfort food effect, where maybe they won't buy a car or build a new home, but they'll probably still get bacon and eggs," said Peter Walker, owner ofMaid Marian'sCoffee Shopin Charlottetown.

"At least I'm hoping they do."

Alan MacRae was out having lunch with friends at Maid Marian's Friday. They admitted they have lost a lot of money in their investments recently, but said that wasn't going to stop them from meeting for lunch, just like they do every Friday.

"People are going to eat. They're going to go out to eat. They're going to find the money to go out and get away from the kitchen at home," said MacRae.

CBC News contacted a number of diners, pubs and higher-end restaurants on P.E.I. on Friday, and all of them said sales continue to be up over this time last year.

Axel Leonaard just opened his cafe in downtown Charlottetown in November and has watched it get busier every month. He said even in tough times Islanders clearly have an appetite for good food.

"I think it's every time necessary to decide what is important," said Leonaard.

"For a lot of people it's important what we eat, and so quality food is every time a good choice."

Terry Allen, having a bite at the Merchantman Pub, said he doesn't believe the economy is as much of an issue in the eastern part of the country.

"I think it's overstated for the Maritimes. The Maritimes have been in a downturn for years. This is more of an Ontario-Quebec thing," said Allen.

It is true that Ontario had some of the weakest food service industry growth in the country, at 4.6 per cent. Quebecers, however, appear to have turned to food for comfort with a growth of 9.6 per cent.