Restaurant struggles continued in March as sales and traffic again declined year-over-year, according to TDn2K, a firm that provides restaurant industry insights and analytics.

Same-store sales were down 1.1 percent while traffic dropped 3.4 percent. March's results were disappointing for an industry desperately trying to reverse performance trends. Sales have been negative in 11 out of the last 12 months.

The news is relevant in the retail foodservice industry, where supermarkets are continuing to compete with traditional restaurants for business. 

“March sales were expected to be somewhat better than February due in part to the catch-up of tax refunds that were initially delayed in February,” said Victor Fernandez, executive director of insights and knowledge for TDn2K. “In addition, the industry likely benefited from the shift in the Easter holiday, which fell in March 2016. For the largest segments (quick service and casual dining), this holiday represents a potential loss of sales.”