Restaurants expect strong sales this summer. Consumers aren't so sure
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A waitress delivers sushi orders at Masa Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi in Silver Spring, Maryland. Bill O'Leary | The Washington Post | Getty Images Warmer weather usually boosts restaurant sales, but diners may hold back for the second straight summer as inflation weighs on consumers' minds — and wallets. "I think operators are still hopeful for a good summer boon in foot traffic and sales ... but I think on the consumer side, they're more hesitant," said Huy Do, research and insights manager at market research firm Datassential. Last year, consumers pulled back on their restaurant visits in May, June and July amid inflation concerns. In addition to higher restaurant bills , diners were also paying more at the gas pump and in grocery stores. Salad chain Sweetgreen said its sales slowed after Memorial Day and blamed the trend on a range of factors, including erratic returns to offices and surging summer travel. Chipotle told investors that its sal...