Wayne Gretzky and the digital consumer

Restaurant operators must skate in the direction of digital technology.

11 shocking new social media statistics in America

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Recent findings from social media behavioral researchers show some shocking changes in how Americans use and consume social media.

Soda: The incredible shrinking portion

Will NYC Mayor Bloomberg's proposal to restrict the sale of extra large sodas turn into a trend?

Game changers and shapers inspiring product development and innovation – Part 2

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Settings in demand during economic recovery include approachable, family friendly dining, vibrant, inspired, authentic and rustic.

Report: American consumers eating more 'mini meals'

August 15, 2012

U.S. consumers are less likely to skip their breakfast, lunch and dinner meal times now than they were five years ago, but these meals are often described as…

Millennials expected to increase foodservice spending

August 9, 2012

New research from Technomic indicates that the Millennial generation has a positive outlook on the future and are expected to increase spending on foodservice…

This Olympian doesn’t want to be on a Wheaties box

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Gold medalist learns new non-carb diet and realizes positive results.

NPD: Consumer interest in smaller portions, customization lead to combo meal declines

July 30, 2012

Combo meals are down by about 1 billion servings since 2007, according to market research firm The NPD Group. A recently released NPD foodservice market…

Game changers and shapers inspiring product development and innovation – Part 1

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

The terms now capturing restaurant consumers' mindsets include simplicity, value, authenticity, playfulness, escapism, invigorating and risk taking.

ONOSYS recognizes chains for online ordering sales growth

July 25, 2012

ONOSYS, a LivingSocial company, has announced the winners of its 2012 Spark Awards. In its second year, the Spark Awards honor ONOSYS' clients for outstanding…

Consumer visit and spending gains buoy restaurant count increases

July 24, 2012

With U.S. restaurant visits and consumer spending increasing after a recessionary slump, the restaurant industry posted a 0.5 percent gain in restaurant counts…

Foodservice demand for California avocados growing

July 23, 2012

The California Avocado Commission (CAC) has experienced a growth in demand through foodservice promotions this year.

The next fast casual cuisine: Are we ready?

Consumers are poised and ready for the next fast casual cuisine. But, what is it and how will it affect menu development?

Glass is half full hiring: it’s all about perspective

by Jason Hamilton — VP of Marketing, Snagajob

Giving an applicant's previous experience a lot of weight in hiring decisions may seem like the prudent approach, but when it comes to finding a right-fit…

Some chains getting head start on menu transparency

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Some chains, while they don't necessarily offer allergen-free dining experiences, do let you know what's in their dishes in a clear, concise manner so diners…

Survey: Most consumers use restaurant discounts while traveling

July 10, 2012

According to the newly released 2012 Restaurant.com Annual Dining Destinations and Deals survey, 61 percent of consumers planning a vacation said they search…

National Restaurant Association reports continued restaurant job growth

July 5, 2012

New analysis by the National Restaurant Association shows that the restaurant industry continues to serve as a leading creator of jobs, outpacing overall U.S.

Disharmonic harmony in trends 2012

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Patterns shift based on their own trajectory regardless of corporate strategy planning.

Report: Barbecue heats up summer menus

July 2, 2012

Throughout the past year, numerous restaurant brands have pushed limited-time offerings featuring barbecue flavors and preparation methods. The trend has…

Restaurant industry reports continued positive sales

June 29, 2012

The outlook for the restaurant industry remained positive for the months ahead, as the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI…