Consumer Trends
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Courtesy of Papa Johns
Why Todd Penegor wants Papa Johns to make more pizzas
Menu innovation may drive customer trial, but that doesn’t strengthen the brand’s core appeal, the chain’s CEO said during an investor event.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 12, 2024 -
Sadi Maria via Getty Images
Base pay has grown for restaurant workers: report
A steady rise in base wages has shrunk tips as a proportion of compensation, but the median tipped worker still gets $14.48 an hour in tips, per ADP.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 10, 2024 -
Explore the Trendline➔
sam edwards via Getty Images
TrendlineMenu development
Restaurants big and small are experimenting with their menus to align with the preferences of on-the-go diners and mitigate the impact of rising food costs, supply chain disruption and shrinking consumer discretionary funds.
By Restaurant Dive staff -
Courtesy of Church's Chicken
Why Church’s launched a loyalty program for its value-seeking customers
Church’s Texas Chicken is one of a growing number of companies that have launched or revamped loyalty programs with a focus on driving more value for members.
By Michael Brady • Dec. 6, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
10 of the restaurant industry’s most impactful bankruptcies of 2024
While dozens of brands and operators filed for bankruptcy this year, a sample of major filings show a range of problems from rising labor costs to low traffic.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 5, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Red Lobster adds happy hour as turnaround continues
The seafood chain is looking to reverse its sales troubles of recent years, and discounts on drinks and apps could help it draw consumers.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 2, 2024 -
4kodiak via Getty Images
NRA predicts a big year for Korean, Vietnamese and Filipino flavors
The NRA also found that cold brew, sweet and spicy ingredients, and a focus on sustainability are trends to watch for 2025.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 2, 2024 -
ozgurcankaya via Getty Images
Over a third of consumers plan to order takeout, delivery for Thanksgiving
Of the consumers planning to order out, a majority said it was easier and a third said it’s cheaper or equal to the cost of buying groceries and cooking, according to Popmenu.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 26, 2024 -
Permission granted by Cava
The restaurant industry’s Q3 winners and losers
2024 has hammered many chains with closures, declining sales and problems of brand perception. But some, like Cava and Chili’s, have managed to rise above the fray.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 26, 2024 -
lechatnoir via Getty Images
Are customers tipping more? Here’s what the data says.
While customers feel more pressure to tip across industries, they still tip a relatively stable 18% at restaurants.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 25, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Jack in the Box sales continue to lag, but unit count grows
Comparable sales headwinds haven’t slowed Jack in the Box’s growth, with the brand opening more stores than it closed for the second year in a row.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 21, 2024 -
Courtesy of Peet's Coffee
Deep DiveHow do coffee chains design, market and analyze their seasonal LTOs?
While flexibility is important, many brands plan coffee LTOs more than a year in advance, meaning next year’s holiday drinks are already in the works at places like Peet’s and Dutch Bros.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 19, 2024 -
Courtesy of Portillo's
Chains struggle to stand out amid ‘noise’ of value wars
Papa Johns, Popeyes and Burger King’s value messages did not break through, while Portillo’s sought to sidestep deep discounting.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 18, 2024 -
Scott Olson via Getty Images
Chipotle defrauded investors with inconsistent meal sizes, says plaintiff seeking class action
The case is an example of securities lawsuits run amok, a directors and officers liability law specialist says.
By Robert Freedman • Nov. 14, 2024 -
Courtesy of Cava
Cava’s winning comp sales streak continued in Q3
Cava is the clear leader of the Mediterranean fast casual segment, and has had one of the strongest 2024s of any major brand.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 13, 2024 -
Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images
Deep DiveWhat restaurants, suppliers can learn from McDonald’s E.coli outbreak
The fast food giant’s initial response to the outbreak was quick, but guest sentiment suffered from a lack of direct consumer messaging.
By Julie Littman , Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 12, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Taco Bell is a winner and KFC a loser in Yum Brands’ Q3
KFC’s value meal did not turn its same-store sales declines around, but Taco Bell’s mix of menu innovation and value messaging drove growth for the company.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 5, 2024 -
Permission granted by Smucker's
Sponsored by Smucker'sDo your beverage offerings welcome all tastes?
Learn more about what your ideal Sweeteners offering looks like!
Nov. 4, 2024 -
Mario Tama via Getty Images
McDonald’s E. coli outbreak now tied to 90 illnesses
The CDC said Wednesday that it’s likely that slivered onions from Taylor Farms used on Quarter Pounders caused the outbreak.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 31, 2024 -
Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks to eliminate non-dairy milk upcharge, hold prices steady
The coffee giant will move towards greater price transparency on customized drinks while cutting back on ineffective discounts, CEO Brian Niccol said.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 31, 2024 -
Courtesy of Subway
Subway adds $6.99 meal deal through year’s end
The monthslong discount signals a shift towards greater value emphasis for the chain, which has stayed largely aloof from 2024’s QSR price wars.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 29, 2024 -
Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images
McDonald’s E. coli outbreak has sickened 75 people
An additional 26 individuals said they fell ill after eating at the fast food chain, according to a Friday update from the CDC.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 25, 2024 -
Brandon Bell via Getty Images
Chick-fil-A is tops for reputation, new report shows
However, customers were increasingly upset over the chain’s rising prices — a sentiment shared across fast food customers, according to Chatmeter data.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 22, 2024 -
Courtesy of Jollibee
Jollibee launches first loyalty program
Members will gain access to exclusive deals and product news as well as give feedback on new menu items.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 22, 2024 -
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Amex Q3 restaurant spending growth edges down
The card issuer has recently focused on courting cardholders hungry for restaurant services, but last week reported spending growth in that category had waned.
By Lynne Marek • Oct. 21, 2024 -
Courtesy of Starbucks
Looking to replace pumpkin spice? Stop looking.
One day there may be another innovative product that hits the cultural zeitgeist, but even then experts say the fall favorite is here to stay.
By Cara Salpini • Oct. 14, 2024
