Consumer Trends

Consumer trends, insights and preferences

Inflation drives surge in happy hour traffic

By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 18, 2023

Early evening restaurant visits are up across the board as customers look to socialize while saving some money, according to new data from InMarket.

Consumer Trends

Takeout becomes America's preferred dining mode

By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 12, 2023

More than half of people say they’d rather get their food to go than eat it at a restaurant, according to a new survey from US Foods. And they’re doing it a lot more often.

Consumer Trends

Why every restaurateur should remember Joe Baum

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 27, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: His touch is evident throughout the business, from putting a sparkler in a guest's birthday cake to proving themed restaurants would appeal even to an upscale clientele.

Consumer Trends

Consumers see full-service chains offering greater value today, even with inflation

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 27, 2023

A new American Consumer Satisfaction Index survey shows the public perceives the sector as offering better quality for the money.

Consumer Trends

Customers return to restaurants, but they use them differently

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 23, 2023

A new Deloitte survey found that restaurant dining has returned to pre-pandemic levels, but customer behavior has shifted. Convenience matters more than ever.

Consumer Trends

Meat and potatoes dominated Spring's Top 10 LTOs

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 16, 2023

Recent data from Restaurant Business sister company, Technomic, reveals the menu items consumers would most likely purchase at chain restaurants.

Consumer Trends

How remote work has changed the restaurant business

By Joe Guszkowski on Jun. 08, 2023

Big city downtowns may never be the same. But smaller communities are booming, creating new opportunities for operators.

Consumer Trends

Now Chick-fil-A is being blasted by the right

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 05, 2023

Working Lunch: The high-flying chain is drawing fire for hiring a head of diversity, equity and inclusion. Is any brand safe from the nation's political polarization?

Consumer Trends