Health and wellness consumer drivers

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Consumer drivers, health trends, consumer disconnects and flavor trends lead to a focused health and wellness strategy development.

NPD: Consumers with healthier eating habits snack more

November 12, 2012

Contrary to conventional wisdom, the more consumers snack, the healthier their eating behaviors, according to The NPD Group, a market research company. NPD's…

Restaurants try to balance Millennial trends with other segments

November 7, 2012

According to a new report from market research firm Technomic, restaurant operators are increasingly tasked with making a connection to the influential…

Despite softer September sales, restaurant operators more optimistic

October 31, 2012

As a result of softer same-store sales and customer traffic levels, the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) declined in…

Restaurant consumers increasingly interested in technology

October 31, 2012

Consumers are increasingly interested in technology amenities when dining out, even though restaurants' incorporation of such amenities is slow.

Study: Election a non-factor in hourly employers' business decisions

October 29, 2012

While hourly employers have an eye on the presidential election and its potential effects on health care, most are not waiting until after Election Day to make…

Study: Social media interaction leads to long-term sales increases

October 26, 2012

New research shows that social media interaction between a customer and a brand drives immediate and long-term sales increases. The 2012 LoyaltyOne Social…

Most 'life-changing' pizzas named by Esquire

October 25, 2012

With nearly 70,000 pizzerias in the U.S., it's no easy task to pick favorites. But Esquire attempted to do just that through its "most life-changing pizzas…

Gluten-free market jumps 28 percent in four years

October 25, 2012

The market for gluten-free foods and beverages has continued to grow even faster than anticipated, according to "Gluten-Free Foods and Beverages in the U.S.,…

Waking up to late night

As QSR and casual dining segments increase their late-night business, fast casual remains absent in this growing space.

Why isn’t there more pizza innovation?

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

There are five key innovation trends emerging from independent pizza restaurants in the U.S.

The sustainability playground: consumer fatigue

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Consumer disconnects can only be remedied through education, and marketing familiar terms is essential.

Report: Consumers not 'extremely' concerned about food safety

October 17, 2012

Even with frequent food safety outbreaks and recalls, concern levels about the safety of the U.S. food supply remain relatively constant with temporary spikes…

Technomic: Barbell menus appeal to all income levels

October 16, 2012

The foodservice industry can build incremental sales by appealing to middle- and lower-income consumers as much as those with greater disposable income…

Why the pizza segment is positioned to win in the catering space

Delivery service has already created trust between the consumer and their favorite pizzeria because they know the food will arrive on time, every time.

NPD: US Hispanics perceive healthier meals as less tasty

October 12, 2012

As more brands increase their marketing efforts to appeal to the growing Hispanic population, new research from The NPD Group shows a discrepancy in how that…

Consumers choose CiCi's as favorite pizza chain

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

October 11, 2012

CiCi's Pizza is America's favorite pizza chain, according to a national study of more than 7,600 consumers conducted by Market Force, a customer intelligence…

U.S. restaurant industry outlook: Slow and steady improvement

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

CIT's managing director says financing continues to open up for restaurant companies.

Marketing departments going for the jugular

by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Ads, menu items are outwardly trying to ‘one-up’ the competition.

QSRs leading American employment opportunities

October 4, 2012

Despite a stagnant overall U.S. jobs environment, the restaurant industry is poised to turn in its strongest year of job growth since 2004, according to the…