Hawai'i restaurant industry sales are expected to grow 4 percent next year, following at least four years of similar growth.

The National Restaurant Association projects that Hawai'i restaurant revenue will rise in 2008 to $3.1 billion, up from a little under $3 billion last year.

The trade association said if actual sales growth is in line with its projection, Hawai'i restaurant sales would see their smallest increase since 3.5 percent growth in 2004.

Hawai'i restaurant sales are expected to be up 4.8 percent this year, and were up 4.6 percent last year and 4.3 percent in 2005.

The 4 percent growth expected next year compares with a projection for restaurant sales to grow 4.4 percent nationally.

Adjusted for inflation, 4.4 percent growth equates to 0.9 percent real growth.

The trade association said that if its projection is accurate, it would be the 17th consecutive year of real growth for the industry.

Nevada is expected to lead the nation with 6.5 percent sales growth. Michigan is expected to lag the nation with 3.2 percent growth.

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