As the federal government prepares to roll out the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, giving most American consumers hundreds of dollars each, the question on many operators’ minds is how much of that money will be spent at restaurants.Between May and...

While environmental concerns, the slowing economy and bad press all have taken a toll on bottled-water servings at restaurants, the well of opportunity for the high-profit product is not dry, according to the NPD Group.Given its portability...

Changing consumer behavior will make this economic slowdown like none the restaurant industry has seen before, according to a new report from The NPD Group.Even as restaurants feel the pinch of slowed spending by skittish consumers, other trends...

It may be among the worst of times for the foodservice industry, but it’s definitely the best of times for certain food and beverage products, most notably chicken sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches and specialty coffee.While foodservice traffic...

Whether the country experiences a recession or not, American consumers already feeling the pressure of these difficult economic times are proving they aren’t prepared to do without, just with a little less—as in less food when dining out.According...

The three-martini lunch, the power lunch and, most recently, the working lunch have each packed restaurants or takeout spots during midday at one time or another. Now, however, operators are increasingly facing a less lucrative trend: the nolunch...

As 2007 gives way to 2008, foodservice operators are bracing for more difficult times ahead as they tally the less-than-stellar results of the past year.Although there were pockets of success, 2007 was a largely dismal year for the restaurant...

The dinner rush is increasingly quiet as relentless economic pressures force more consumers to eat their evening meals at home.According to new data from The NPD Group, the number of restaurant dinner meals purchased per person has fallen...

The Dallas market is crowded with all manner of ethnic and eclectic quick-service restaurants, but it’s the familiar hamburger chains that are the big winners with the area’s consumers, according to new data from The NPD Group.A recent survey of...