Having Words with Hudson Riehle Senior Vp of Research & Information Services, National Restaurant Association

Economic forecasts have been peppered this month with predictions of an upcoming recession, as reports of negative indicators from jobs to spending have surfaced. While most restaurant operators and observers remain unconvinced that a true recession will hit the U.S. economy, the state of the consumer and his or her spending habits is top of mind.

At the National Restaurant Association, Hudson Riehle, senior vice