Consumer Trends: Page 22
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Grocers step up to hire restaurant workers sidelined by coronavirus
The two industries are forming creative partnerships as grocers' hiring needs accelerate and restaurants close down their dining rooms.
By Sam Silverstein • March 24, 2020 -
Breakfast wars boost QSR traffic 4% in first week of March
Despite the novel coronavirus outbreak, QSR breakfast traffic was up 4% during the week ending March 8, marking the highest gain for the segment in four weeks, according to data from The NPD Group.
By Alicia Kelso • March 16, 2020 -
Trendline
Top 5 stories from Restaurant Dive
Check out a selection of articles about some of the biggest trends — from the rise of dessert concepts to a cohort of Mexican chains trying to overtake Chipotle — shaping the restaurant industry in 2024.
By Restaurant Dive staff -
Taco Bell fires latest shot in breakfast wars with new burrito menu
The QSR has rapidly launched several items this year, with these burritos becoming a permanent addition complementing LTOs like its Triplelupa and Nacho Fries.
By Julie Littman • March 12, 2020 -
Philz Coffee adds mobile-order-only location
The San Francisco-based coffee chain opened the 1,000-square-foot pilot location in the bustling Salesforce Transit Center, which gives it access to a flow of 45 million travelers each year.
By Alicia Kelso • March 12, 2020 -
Wingstop pays fans to be walking billboards
The fast-food joint is transferring its OOH budget to loyal fans, giving Instagrammers who wear the special branded merchandise $10 via Venmo.
By Dianna Christie • March 10, 2020 -
Deep Dive
2020 is the year of the breakfast wars
Chains like Wendy's, McDonald's, Dunkin', Starbucks and Panera have expanded menu offerings for breakfast to capture growing demand for the daypart.
By Julie Littman • March 9, 2020 -
7-Eleven opens more meal-focused test stores
Following a successful kickoff in Dallas, the chain's Evolution Store concept has opened in Washington, D.C., and will expand to San Diego and other locations in the coming months.
By Jessica Dumont • Feb. 27, 2020 -
Taco Bell CEO says chain will 'definitely' add plant-based protein
Mark King told Nation's Restaurant News he's met with Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods and the restaurant could launch new products by year's end.
By Lauren Manning • Feb. 25, 2020 -
Wingstop bolsters digital growth with pickup lockers, ghost kitchen
CEO Charlie Morrison said on an earnings call that Wingstop's digital mix topped 40% in January and its off-premise business drives about 80% of sales.
By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 20, 2020 -
NextGen Cup Challenge, driven by McDonald's and Starbucks, rolls out reusable cup pilot in California
The programs — set to debut at independent coffee shops around San Francisco and Palo Alto — could pave the way for major chains to make the switch as they seek to meet environmental goals.
By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 20, 2020 -
Sweetgreen taps celeb chef David Chang to promote new sustainable salad
The Momofuku founder stars in a humorous video series alongside fish puppets to discuss the new environmentally friendly kelp offering.
By Dianna Christie • Feb. 18, 2020 -
TripAdvisor's newest tool aggregates reviews for restaurants
The company's Review Hub allows owners and operators to view consumer comments across multiple platforms and respond from one dashboard.
By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 5, 2020 -
Chicago Starbucks Roastery generating strong traffic counts
Placer.ai’s data shows that about 50% of the Roastery’s customers come from outside the Chicago area, traveling more than 30 miles to visit the store.
By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 3, 2020 -
Yum Brands adds KFC's Beyond Fried Chicken to 2 new markets
This marks the second time this week the holding company announced a test of plant-based protein, with Habit Burger putting the Impossible Burger on menus.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 29, 2020 -
Plant-based burger craze will plateau, but no expiration date in sight
Tim Hortons rolled back select Beyond Meat products and Burger King's Impossible Whopper sales are sliding, but analysts predict that meat analogues have long-term staying power.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 27, 2020 -
Topgolf opens upscale bar and restaurant concept
Lounge by Topgolf, which will feature virtual gaming and open in Kirkland, Washington, is part of the brand's strategy to diversify with smaller locations.
By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 23, 2020 -
Dunkin' turns Snoop Dogg stunt into TV spot for Beyond sandwich
The Beyond Meat ambassador is featured in a new TV spot as part of a campaign that includes an online pop-up shop.
By Dianna Christie • Jan. 14, 2020 -
Panera hires Phyllis from 'The Office' to address angry tweets
Actress Phyllis Smith read comments made by disgruntled customers after the chain pulled onion soup from its menu to highlight the return of the item.
By Robert Williams • Jan. 9, 2020 -
Impossible Foods CEO says McDonald's deal is still on the table
Patrick Brown walked back his statement to Reuters Wednesday that it would be "stupid" to pursue the Golden Arches because of inadequate supply, telling Business Insider Impossible "would never blow off or disrespect a potential customer."
By Lauren Manning • Updated Jan. 9, 2020 -
Deep Dive
5 restaurant trends that will define 2020
Analysts predict that ghost restaurants and lifestyle brand campaigns will continue to evolve and shape the market, but Gen Z's influence and interest in micro chains could disrupt the ecosystem.
By Julie Littman , Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 6, 2020 -
Olympics, election will hurt restaurant traffic, analysts predict
These two events will lead to more people staying in versus going out to eat, which could impact traffic by 100 to 150 basis points and bolster pizza delivery, says BTIG.
By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 6, 2020 -
Chick-fil-A cuts 6 items in streamlined menu test
Locations in Arizona and Charlotte will cut Original Chick-n-Strips, Grilled Cool Wraps and more from their offerings to make way for new items, such as a spicy menu that will also be tested in Charlotte, North Carolina.
By Lauren Manning • Jan. 3, 2020 -
Applebee's enters the fast casual game
The casual dining chain opened its first Applebee’s Express in Alabama last month, joining IHOP, The Cheesecake Factory and Famous Dave's in testing to-go friendly concepts.
By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 3, 2020 -
Restaurant Dive's Top Trends of 2019
Delivery innovation, the race for consumer data and the fight against the labor shortage were major storylines.
Jan. 2, 2020 -
How QSRs are leading the way on personalized, omnichannel experiences
Lessons learned by McDonald's, Starbucks and others could help marketers across the industry in 2020 and beyond.
By Chris Kelly • Jan. 2, 2020