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consumers

Operations

Restaurant and foodservice sales are expected to reach $1.55T in 2026

 By Lisa Jennings on Feb. 12, 2026

The National Restaurant Association's annual State of the Industry report offers cautious optimism, but said last year's traffic challenges are expected to remain in play. Only 42% of operators said they were profitable last year.

Technology

Restaurants want to give customers more tech

 By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 12, 2026

Six in 10 operators plan to invest in tech that will improve the customer experience, according to a National Restaurant Association survey. Customers may have other priorities.

Consumer Trends

Valentine's Day dining is no longer for couples only

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 05, 2026

Recent data from OpenTable finds that friends, groups and even solo diners plan to visit a restaurant on the traditionally romantic holiday.

Workforce

Ruby Tuesday faces backlash after firing manager on Christmas

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 27, 2026

In a viral TikTok post, the longtime employee said he was fired after closing his restaurant early on Christmas day. The casual-dining chain defended the decision.

Technology

As restaurants push to digitize, there's opportunity in the analog

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 26, 2026

Tech Check: Consumers fed up with tech are craving old-fashioned experiences. Restaurants stand to benefit, if they're willing to go against the grain.

Technology

Par Technology to buy customer data provider Bridg for $27M

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 26, 2026

Bridg will allow restaurants to identify non-loyalty customers, giving them a fuller view of their audience. It’s the latest in a series of acquisitions by Par.

Beverage

Shifts in drinking habits bring big changes at the bar

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 11, 2025

Moderation, functional beverages and alcohol alternatives are driving the trends, but cocktail culture is still going strong. It just looks a little different.

Consumer Trends

Taco Bell parent Yum Brands gazes into its crystal ball with first-ever food trends report

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 10, 2025

The parent of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut joins dozens of forecasters to predict what consumers will be eating and drinking in 2026.

Consumer Trends

Consumers are still dining out, with some caveats

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 19, 2025

New reports from Toast, OpenTable and Resy show how diner demands are shifting. Late dinner is out, bar seating is in, and the bathroom better be Instagrammable.

Consumer Trends

Americans' favorite fast-food chain is a convenience store

By Chuck Ulie on Nov. 18, 2025

Buc-ee's topped a ranking of quick-service brands compiled by researcher dunnhumby, and Kwik Trip came in at No. 2. The results show the continued blurring of lines between restaurants and c-stores.

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