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…

Google: I dislike my staff

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

The second most likely reason your staff leaves is lack of respect or support from a supervisor.

Feeding kids healthier foods

Restaurants and the foodservice industry are making healthy strides when it comes to serving nutritional meals to children.

Report: Online marketing boosts restaurant visits

June 26, 2012

In the first quarter of 2012, 6 percent of restaurant visits (926 million visits) were influenced by online marketing, reports market research company The NPD…

Top trends listed from National Restaurant Association Show

June 25, 2012

The 93rd Annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and 5th annual International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event, held in May…

Retail vs. restaurant competition heats up

June 21, 2012

The daily mealtime competition between restaurants and retailers has become more intense in the past two years, as economic conditions have affected…

Food allergies hit more city kids

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Food allergies and special dining needs are rising, so it's important for restaurants to learn how to cater to this growing demographic.