Mexican menu popularity boosted by fast casual concepts

December 5, 2010

Limited service Mexican restaurant chains were able to increase sales by 2.7 percent and unit counts by 1.8 percent in 2009, despite an overall industry-wide…

Chef’s survey reveals 2011 menu trends

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

The National Restaurant Association’s “What’s Hot” survey of more than 1,500 professional chefs has revealed that local and hyper-local sourcing, healthy…

Consumers choosing healthier foods, NPD says

November 29, 2010

According to foodservice market research by The NPD Group, foods high in sugar content or fat have been ordered less frequently at restaurants over the past 1…

Restaurant comps, traffic push RPI to highest level in three years

November 29, 2010

Fueled by improving same-store sales and customer traffic levels, the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) rose to its highest…

Fast Casual restaurants gain UK market share

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

November 28, 2010

Fast-casual restaurants are continuing to gain market share in the United Kingdom -- growing at a faster rate than their limited-service counterparts…

Study: People choose combo meals regardless of value or size

November 28, 2010

In her new research, "Consumption Effects of Bundling: Consumer Perceptions, Firm Actions, and Public Policy Implications," appearing in the fall issue of…

Is your restaurant required?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Is your restaurant required by law to post nutritional information?

Disharmonic harmony in trends

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

*Disclaimer – I know nothing about music – just embrace the metaphor.

There’s a new shadow in town, pardner

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

My world consists of an overlapping series of chaos, blips, shadows and trends. Not only do contenders move through each of these stages, they interact with…

More steps to gluten free

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Last week, I started this discussion identifying items that contain gluten that might suprise you, as well as the first steps in creating gluten free dishes. 

Mintel outlines law-based opposition and opportunities for 2011 restaurants

November 10, 2010

Recapping a year that saw a new health bill pass with tangible implications for the foodservice industry, research company Mintel outlined five ways…

NPD: Family dining makes a comeback

November 9, 2010

Restaurant visits from families or parties with kids increased this past summer after three years of traffic declines, according to market research company The…

ADA reports on families' fast food consumption

November 8, 2010

The American Dietetic Association Foundation has released preliminary results of a new survey on family eating habits, attitudes and physical activity. The…

Restaurant performance outlook posts modest improvement

October 28, 2010

Driven by improving same-store sales and customer traffic levels, as well as growing optimism among restaurant operators, the outlook for the restaurant…

Mintel: Consumer trends begin with long-term benefits

October 27, 2010

While consumers are still reeling from the aftershock of the global economic crisis, Mintel has predicted nine key consumer trends for the year ahead that…

Zagat: Customers want time limits on free restaurant Wi-Fi

October 26, 2010

Zagat Survey has released the results of its 2011 America's Top Restaurants guide, reporting the opinions and habits of more than 153,000 avid diners. The…

Election Day

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

During election season candidates jockey and vie for position - looking for the edge over the other candidates. Battle plans are drawn. Counter moves…

The young green consumer

by Kim Frankovich — VP of Sustainability, Solo Cup Company

If you want to know what’s happening, or will be happening, in the area of sustainability, look no further than America’s college and university campuses.

2010 Fast Casual Summit Presentation: Shaken, Not Stirred

Shaken, Not Stirred: Consumer Trends for Healthy Living, was presented at the 2010 Fast Casual Executive Summit. The report covers menu trends, business…

Slideshow: Fast Casual Executive Summit Food Tour

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

The Fast Casual Executive Summit kicked off Oct. 10 with the second annual Fast Casual Food Tour.