Consumer Trends: Page 2
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NewSaetiew via Getty Images
Restaurant comp sales recovering in September, report shows
The first three weeks of the month indicate a return to positive same-store sales following a 0.4% dip in August and a rough second quarter, per Black Box Intelligence.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 27, 2024 -
Permission granted by Black Rock Coffee
Q&ABlack Rock Coffee CEO: Experience is key to stand out in glut of ‘beverage places’
As more and more brands serve a wider array of coffee and caffeinated drinks, in-store service will become more important, Mark Davis said.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 27, 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 PDI Technologies
C-stores trail restaurants in delivery satisfaction
While many convenience retailers continue to focus on improving menus, customers want better speed, clarity and customization, according to a new report from Intouch Insight.
By Jessica Loder • Sept. 27, 2024 -
Courtesy of McDonald's
McDonald’s extends $5 meal deal in value push
The Golden Arches is also adding other value promotions as it looks to bounce back from weak comparable sales in Q2 and better compete with rival offerings.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 12, 2024 -
Courtesy of Chipotle
Deep DiveBrian Niccol was hired to transform Starbucks. Is that possible?
Niccol must contend with the coffee chain’s growing brand identity and consumer perception problems, and balance its “third place” value proposition with efficient digital fulfillment.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 9, 2024 -
Courtesy of Carl's Jr. and Taco John's
QSRs made 2024 the summer of value
Nearly a dozen major QSRs launched limited-time and permanent value offerings to woo guests.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 3, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via Getty Images
A look back at August’s frantic restaurant CEO switch-ups
In four weeks, at least eight restaurant companies named new CEOs as sliding sales and declining traffic pushed brands to try turnarounds.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 30, 2024 -
Courtesy of Dunkin'
Dunkin’ launches $6 fall value meal
The brand’s entry into the 2024 value wars includes a breakfast sandwich with a medium coffee and hashbrowns.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 28, 2024 -
Courtesy of Red Robin
How Red Robin’s loyalty revamp helped drive same-store sales growth
The company grew its loyalty membership to over 14.2 million during the second quarter, driven by its May rollout of a revamped points-based program.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 27, 2024 -
Permission granted by Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
Sponsored by Alaska Seafood Marketing InstituteOpportunities for growing seafood sales in foodservice
Consumers seek to increase seafood consumption, and they prefer wild-caught products from Alaska.
Aug. 26, 2024 -
Permission granted by Cava
Cava’s traffic surges in Q2
Customers are switching to the fast casual chain from across the restaurant industry thanks to its moderate approach to menu pricing.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 22, 2024 -
David Ryder via Getty Images
Will Brian Niccol’s customer experience success as CEO of Chipotle translate to Starbucks?
The executive spearheaded mobile ordering upgrades and better order fulfillment at Chipotle. Experts say the same lessons could improve customer experience at Starbucks.
By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 19, 2024 -
Nikola Stojadinovic via Getty Images
Opinion‘Tipflation’ narrative is harmful to the restaurant industry
Saying that tips have spun "out of control" is inaccurate, as data shows a minimal decline in tip percent averages, writes Kevin Bryla, CMO of SpotOn.
By Kevin Bryla • Aug. 16, 2024 -
Courtesy of Taco Bell
C-stores are taking aim at QSRs in the value war. Will it pay off?
C-stores are using value offerings to compete with QSRs as consumers look for cheaper options.
By Christine Blank • Aug. 16, 2024 -
Courtesy of Denny's
Denny’s deploys Banda Burritos brand nationwide
The expansion is another vote of confidence for the chain’s virtual brands at a time when competitors have pulled back from the concept.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 15, 2024 -
Courtesy of Chipotle
The restaurant industry’s Q2 winners and losers
The last few months have produced radically different outcomes at publicly traded restaurant brands, ranging from sinking sales at McDonald’s to Wingstop’s 28.6% comparable sales jump.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 14, 2024 -
Courtesy of KFC
KFC expands $5 meal deal
As U.S. sales shrink, KFC’s new value meals and several digital exclusives could help the chain win back consumers.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 13, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Restaurant industry to grow 0.5% in 2024, IFMA says
The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association forecasts continued demand for eating out from high-income cohorts, despite a drop off in low-income consumers.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 8, 2024 -
Courtesy of McDonald's USA
Beanie Babies, Barbie and more: McDonald’s new collector cups nod to past tie-ins
The latest nostalgia play from the fast food brand comes as it has lost some of its steam, with comparable sales slipping in Q2.
By Peter Adams • Aug. 7, 2024 -
Courtesy of Bloomin' Brands
How Outback is planning to turn around same-store sales declines
The chain is implementing technological investments and will simplify its menu to create more value.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 7, 2024 -
Courtesy of Taco Bell
Taco Bell’s menu innovations drive US same-store sales
The chain’s premium Chicken Cantina menu shifted its sales mix towards chicken by 10 points and joined other LTOs and value deals in driving sales growth.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 6, 2024 -
Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks’ US traffic troubles continue
Domestic comparable traffic fell 6% in Q3 despite the chain’s efforts to drive sales with product launches and improved operational throughput.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 31, 2024 -
Courtesy of Cava
Cava wants to improve its dining room ambiance. Should other QSRs follow suit?
QSRs typically don’t want people to linger, but experts say there are steps operators can take to forge a deeper connection with diners while also keeping them moving.
By Danielle McLean • July 29, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
How Chipotle boosted traffic 8%
Limited-time offers and increased labor deployment grew Chipotle’s transactions and throughput in Q2, driving same-store sales up by 11%.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 25, 2024 -
Courtesy of McDonald's
How chains are competing in the 2024 value wars
From McDonald’s and Burger King’s $5 meals to Del Taco’s $2 menu, fast food chains ramped up their value meals this year to attract price-sensitive guests.
By Julie Littman • July 22, 2024
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