Alcoholic beverages increase sales, help distinguish concepts

Small plates, prices satisfy consumers’ economic appetites

The classic daily special makes the leap from afterthought to attention grabber

Restaurant chains turn up the temperature on menu items

Restaurant chains cultivate curiosity, bulk up sales with indulgent offerings

Operators entice diners with creative variations on the fixed-price meal

‘Barbell’ strategy balances high and low prices, indulgent and healthy menu choices

Appropriate menu aesthetics promote spending, strong restaurant image

Chains leverage blogosphere, social media to build menu buzz

Restaurants create marketing buzz with high-priced, opulent menu items