Consumer Trends: Page 5
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Brett Dworski/Restaurant Dive
Growing demand for alternative daypart options brings new opportunities for c-stores
Thanks to remote work and generational eating habits, consumers increasingly seek quick, flexible meals throughout the day, experts say.
By Danielle McLean • March 15, 2024 -
Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks debuts 2 iced lavender drinks for spring
The matcha and latte LTOs aren’t part of the new beverage platforms announced earlier this year, but capitalize on growing sales of cold beverages and tea-based lattes.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 7, 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 -
Permission granted by First Watch
First Watch will enter New England, Las Vegas as EBITDA nears $100M
After passing $1 billion in sales, the breakfast chain is eyeing new markets where its suburban-first system could insulate it from high development costs.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 6, 2024 -
Permission granted by McAlister's
McAlister’s Deli tops $1 billion in sales
The chain is GoTo Foods’ first restaurant brand to reach this financial threshold thanks to modernization and a new catering daypart that bolstered AUVs.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 5, 2024 -
Courtesy of Chipotle
These 4 restaurant companies totaled $50B in 2023 digital sales
Yum, Restaurant Brands International, Wendy’s and Chipotle continue to invest in consumer-facing features including app enhancements, loyalty offerings and kiosks to grow their digital mixes.
By Julie Littman • March 1, 2024 -
Courtesy of Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen’s robot kitchens yield 10% higher tickets in test
The salad chain plans to add its Infinite Kitchen to seven new builds and three to four retrofit units in 2024, after two pilot stores yielded improvements in throughput and labor turnover.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 1, 2024 -
Permission granted by Berry Global
Wendy’s backtracks on dynamic pricing
The company said Tuesday that it would not charge higher prices during peak hours. This statement follows widespread consumer backlash on social media in response to mention of a dynamic pricing test in its Q4 earnings call.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 28, 2024 -
Mario Tama via Getty Images
Cava plots ‘3.0’ store design as Q4 revenue soars 52%
The Mediterranean chain wants to make its restaurants more comfortable and inviting for customers, most of whom order in-store, to bolster sales.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 28, 2024 -
Maja Hitij via Getty Images
How is off-premise diner demand evolving? Here’s what the data shows.
Convenience and time constraints continue to drive consumers toward delivery and takeout, according to various industry reports.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 26, 2024 -
Permission granted by Kylah Clay, Starbucks Workers United
Starbucks unionization effortsStarbucks union’s student allies stage national day of action against chain
Demonstrations are slated at 25 major public and private universities Thursday in a bid to push administrators to break ties with the company, or declare solidarity with Starbucks Workers United.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated Feb. 22, 2024 -
Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks opens first fully accessible store in DC
The chain will begin adding inclusive design elements, like wide pedestrian pathways and power doors, to all new builds and remodels in the U.S.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 20, 2024 -
Courtesy of Beyond Meat
Deep DivePlant-based meat needs to beef up its messaging in 2024
Between slumping sales and shifting consumer mindsets, 2023 proved difficult for the sector. Here’s what analysts and experts say the category can do to recalibrate.
By Elizabeth Flood • Feb. 14, 2024 -
Permission granted by Franke Coffee
4 coffee trends for c-stores to watch
Whether through new flavors, expanding creamer offerings or including more cold options, there are many ways for retailers to grow their java business throughout the day, experts say.
By Christine Blank • Feb. 13, 2024 -
Courtesy of Smokey Bones
Smokey Bones revamps loyalty program
Members now receive five points for every dollar spent compared to one point, accelerating the rate in which points are accrued.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 9, 2024 -
Catherine Douglas Moran/Restaurant Dive
How grocers are promoting value among their foodservice offerings
While price continues to draw in consumers, grocers are also finding more ways to showcase quality and highlight the convenience of their meal options.
By Catherine Douglas Moran • Feb. 8, 2024 -
Courtesy of KFC
KFC US launches points-based digital rewards program
Members earn 10 points for every eligible dollar spent online. Points are redeemable for free food in KFC’s Secret Recipe Vault, which rotates rewards.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 6, 2024 -
Permission granted by Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen adds annual loyalty subscription for $100
Enrollment in the company’s rewards program was up 25% during the back half of 2023, and an annual option could further accelerate membership growth.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 2, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via Getty Images
Starbucks says ‘misperceptions’ of Middle East stance dragged US traffic
Visits to the coffee chain took a hit last quarter after customers called for a boycott of the brand when it sued Workers United over social media posts concerning Palestine.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 2, 2024 -
Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks to capitalize on record loyalty membership with app improvements
Starbucks Reward members spent more than ever during Q1 2024, as the company looks to incentivize further patronage with greater personalization.
By Bryan Wassel • Feb. 1, 2024 -
lechatnoir via Getty Images
Restaurant trend outlook for 2024
Slow traffic, growing interest in afternoon snacking and trends toward value menus, digital and in-store personalization will shape the restaurant landscape.
By Restaurant Dive staff • Jan. 31, 2024 -
Jessica Loder/C-Store Dive/Restaurant Dive
ColumnFueling Up: To truly compete with restaurants, c-stores need to ‘break boundaries’
Narrowing the gap with restaurants is top of mind for many c-store retailers. Achieving it requires stepping outside of convenience retail’s comfort zone, one expert says.
By Brett Dworski • Jan. 31, 2024 -
Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks will launch 3 new beverage platforms in 6 months
Pressured by boycotts and snacking competition, the coffee chain will look to new drinks to strengthen its dwindling afternoon traffic.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 31, 2024 -
Permission granted by Wings & Rings
Deep DiveReturn-to-office traffic is fueling a catering boom in 2024
Chains like Cracker Barrel, BJs and Wings & Rings will continue to lean into the profitable channel this year after seeing double-digit growth in 2023.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 29, 2024 -
Courtesy of Craveworthy Brands
Craveworthy Brands buys major stake in Dirty Dough Cookies
This deal marks Craveworthy’s first investment in a snack brand, and reflects growing restaurant interest in concepts and menus that target diner spending between traditional dayparts.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 24, 2024 -
Catherine Douglas Moran/Restaurant Dive
Inside the store: Wegmans’ foodservice paradise in Manhattan
The grocer’s first Manhattan location devotes nearly an entire floor to “restaurant foods selections” including fresh sushi, pizza and poke bowls.
By Catherine Douglas Moran • Jan. 24, 2024
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