Restaurant traffic was flat during the 12-month period through September, and sales rose a scant 2 percent, metrics NPD Group says will improve next year as consumers see a rise in disposable income and a drop in unemployment. Traffic is on track to rise 1 percent in 2014 and sales are expected to grow 3 percent, with fast-casual eateries and coffee and doughnut shops continuing to lead, the report says. Read the Restaurant-Hospitality.com story here.