Consumer Trends: Page 35


  • KFC steps into streetwear with collection from famed Japanese designer Nigo

    Gear for the "fashionable, finger lickin' hypebeasts of the world" will be available at a New York pop-up on Nov. 16.

    By Erica Sweeney • Nov. 15, 2018
  • Restaurant traffic lags but sales rise on higher menu prices

    October marked the fifth-straight month of same-store sales growth for restaurants, but store visits fell more than 2% due to oversaturation, according to research from TDn2K. 

    By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 13, 2018
  • A photograph of chefs in a kitchen. Explore the Trendline
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    sam edwards via Getty Images
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    Trendline

    Menu 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
  • Will selling hot sauce online broaden Dos Toros' reach?

    The New York City-based chain will sell the products on its website as competition with rivals Del Taco, Moe's and Chipotle intensifies. 

    By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 12, 2018
  • Deep Dive

    How restaurant CMOs are adapting to emerging tech, media channels

    To stay competitive in an age of hyper-convenience, savvy customers and social media dominance, these executives marry marketing with IT.

    By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 12, 2018
  • Party mas: Taco Bell is taking event reservations

    Following success at its Las Vegas Cantina the chain is testing party reservations for $25 — complete with taco-themed decorations.     

    By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 9, 2018
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    Impossible Foods
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    Impossible Burger will be sold in grocery stores next year

    The move into retail will add to the approximately 5,000 restaurants in all 50 states where the plant-based burger is now available — a huge jump from about 50 restaurants a year ago.

    By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 9, 2018
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    Jeff Wells
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    Deep Dive

    What's the secret sauce behind Mariano's store experience?

    The Chicagoland chain, along with Eataly, Lowe's Foods and China's Hema market, offered tips on how to turn locations into destinations.

    By Jeff Wells • Nov. 6, 2018
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    wikipedia
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    Deep Dive

    Are off-premise channels a silver bullet for the casual dining segment?

    Restaurants have experienced declining sales for the past decade, but delivery, catering and carryout are yielding positive results for major chains.

    By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 5, 2018
  • El Pollo Loco's rebrand will focus on Hispanic consumers, delivery

    The California-based Mexican quick-service chain wants to build on a new logo and store design, focusing on its made-in-house ingredients and family dinners.   

    By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 5, 2018
  • Starbucks' renewed focus on coffee, 'happy hour' deals pays off

    The coffee giant reported record consumer spending for its fourth quarter, breaking the company out of its U.S. sales slump and growing revenue 10% to $6.3 billion.

    By Nov. 2, 2018
  • McDonald's focuses on poultry with made-to-order meals

    The addition of two new customizable products at more than 160 Washington restaurants comes as the chain looks to become a go-to chicken destination. 

    By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 2, 2018
  • IHOP gets in the holiday spirit with Grinch-inspired menu, ads

    The pancake chain's limited-time offerings include green pancakes, green whipped cream-topped hot chocolate and a "roast beast" omelet.  

    By Erica Sweeney • Oct. 30, 2018
  • More than 80% of diners choose restaurants that respond to online reviews

    Three out of four consumers believe those responses should be personalized, pressuring businesses to hone their brand voice and be vigilant about managing internet reputations.

    By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 29, 2018
  • Joe & the Juice eyes IPO as the Danish chain expands in US

    The coffee and juice company has about 300 stores in 14 countries and hopes its freeform ethos will appeal to young, urban U.S. consumers seeking nutritious food on the go.

    By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 29, 2018
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    McDonald's
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    Will McDonald's new sandwich help breakfast sales rise and shine?

    The fast food giant, which CEO Steve Easterbrook admitted is losing share in the morning daypart, will roll out Triple Breakfast Stacks next month  — its first new breakfast item in five years.

    By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 25, 2018
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    Dunkin' Donuts
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    Dunkin' launches revamped espresso to check premium rivals

    The chain is betting upscale machinery, trained staff and its recent branding change will lure younger consumers away from Starbucks and other higher-priced competitors.

    By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 25, 2018
  • VeganBurg to bring plant-based comfort foods to 300 California locations

    While chains like Panera and White Castle have added meatless options, the company hopes its 100% vegan burger menu will give it a meaningful slice of the market.

    By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 23, 2018
  • Noon Mediterranean finds a buyer in Daphne's parent company

    Elite Restaurant Group will convert the remaining 12 Noon stores to Daphne's, a Greek fast casual chain it acquired in April, creating a 36-restaurant network to compete in the crowded Mediterranean space.

    By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 22, 2018
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    Christopher Doering
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    Wegmans tests a prepared foods ordering app

    The grocer’s Pittsford, New York, flagship store is offering pizza, subs, sushi and more for pickup or delivery through its new 2GO service.

    By Jeff Wells • Oct. 22, 2018
  • Time Out to open 5 food halls

    The British media company enters a crowded scene in the U.S. after trialing the concept in Portugal for four years. 

    By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 19, 2018
  • Washington, DC mandates sexual harassment training for restaurants

    The D.C. Council also voted to preserve the tip credit, a system some advocates believe is at the root of the industry's history of harassment.

    By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 19, 2018
  • All but 2 burger chains fail antibiotics report card

    Only Shake Shack and BurgerFi earned As on Chain Reaction's fourth annual antibiotic report, followed by Wendy's with a whopping D-.

    By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 18, 2018
  • Burger King concocts Halloween sandwich that's 'clinically proven' to create nightmares

    The brand conducted a sleep study to prove the Nightmare King stirs up bad dreams, and captured the research in found footage-style video. 

    By Erica Sweeney • Oct. 18, 2018
  • Uber Eats courier
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    "The image" by shopblocks is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Most diners order delivery through restaurants, not third-party apps

    Despite the staggering growth of companies such as Uber Eats, 53% of consumers still order food directly through their preferred brands, whether an app or a website. 

    By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 17, 2018
  • Inside Starbucks' secretive, ad-free Facebook community for fall enthusiasts

    The Leaf Rakers Society, now at over 26,000 members, has become a powerful tool for peer-to-peer recommendations around seasonal products like the Pumpkin Spice Latte.

    By Peter Adams • Oct. 17, 2018