The pleasure my partner Barbara gets from dining out—relaxing, being waited on, and experiencing new culinary delights—are often lost on her husband, who prefers to eat at home.
Think back 30 years ago. Johnson was president. "Bonanza" was a top-rated TV show. "Up, Up and Away" by the 5th Dimension was blaring from transistor radios, and the median family income was less than $10,000.
Childrens' opinions are a powerful part of the dining decision, not only for fast-food restaurants, but also for casual-dining chains that appeal particularly to families.