Forget the chicken sandwich wars. That one is fleeting. One of the biggest disruptors to the restaurant industry is the meal war between grocers and restaurants. Over the years, the fight for American diner dollars have escalated as on-the-go foods have become staples in both industries. With groceries eyeing hot meal delivery as restaurants consider grab-and-go, competition will only get fiercer.
In-store eateries with wine tastings and full menus are making their way into traditional supermarkets while restaurants have fought back by lining their shelves with freshly made on-the-go food. Both are experimenting with how delivery and digital innovation fit into their operations.
As consumers continue to shun at-home preparation in favor of quick, flavorful convenience, the two industries will continue to battle it out. Right now, restaurants have the upper hand. The USDA reports food-away-from-home spending now accounts for 54% while food-at-home has slipped to 46%. But will that last?
Check out Restaurant Dive's collaborative series with Grocery Dive to explore how meal delivery and on-the-go foods can drive traffic and sales to both restaurants and grocery retail.