Consumer Trends

Consumer trends, insights and preferences

Less is more in healthier feeding, study finds

Feb. 10, 2012

Providing smaller portion options could do more to curb calorie consumption in restaurants than the now-widespread approach of posting nutrition information on menus, according to a new study.

Consumer Trends

What's ahead for natural?

Jul. 18, 2012

The natural food and beverage market—now valued at $127 billion—has reached a new stage in its maturity. “The world of health and wellness is changing dramatically and rapidly, and the natural products industry is positioned as a leading crucible through which we can watch this world unravel and rebuild itself,” says Carlotta Mast, chief author of NEXT: The Natural Products Industry Forecast, compiled by Nutrition Business Journal and the Sterling-Rice Group.

Consumer Trends

Younger Hispanics drive food choices

Dec. 26, 2012

Among the U.S. Hispanic population, Millennials’ food choices reflect cultural preferences, according to the NPD’s NET (National Eating Trends) Hispanic research. This 22- to 35 year-old age group, which comprises 65% of the Hispanic population in the United States, includes Hispanic dishes in 7% of all meals. The research shows that they gravitate toward ready-to eat, fresh and from scratch foods both away from home and at home.

Consumer Trends

Conference finds experience trumps food for attention

Jun. 20, 2013

Assessments of consumer preferences repeatedly turned during a conference this week for limited-service operators to observations that experience is outshining food as a customer draw.

Consumer Trends

Rich man, poor guest

By Peter Romeo on Mar. 26, 2014

One-percenters may not be the ideal customers their income would suggest.

Consumer Trends

3 emerging trends we’re watching in October

By Sara Rush Wirth on Oct. 02, 2015

Here are some of the tactics Restaurant Business is monitoring as the industry tries to win an increasingly hype-sensitive and socially conscious guest.

Consumer Trends

Tipping 360 Part 2: Pay gap could push tipping change

By Kelly Killian on Feb. 11, 2016

The majority of restaurateurs feel it's important to close the gap between front- and back-of-house pay, and nearly a quarter say that discrepancy could prompt them to make a change. Here's how operators' view tipping.

Consumer Trends

Top 10 most welcoming chains for solo diners—and 5 that still have work to do

By Sara Rush Wirth on Dec. 15, 2016

A look at the top chains winning with solo diners—as well as those scoring high with most consumers but missing the mark when it comes to dine-alone guests.

Consumer Trends