consumers

Technology

OpenTable launches AI chatbot that can answer diner questions

Concierge is embedded in OpenTable restaurant profiles and is designed to help customers learn more about a place before booking a table.

Beverage

How restaurants are winning over Gen Z wine drinkers with tastings, tap systems and tech-free storytelling

Younger guests are not drinking as much wine as their parents, but some operators are uncorking clever strategies to capture their interest and dollars.

The presence of cannabis-infused beverages at the National Restaurant Association Show has grown exponentially in recent years. But all in the segment agree: Regulations are needed.

Traffic and product mix declined 6.5% in the first quarter and headwinds continued in April. The fast-casual salad chain blamed the decline on consumer caution, but also the lingering effect of Los Angeles wildfires.

The slowdown in consumer spending is to blame for negative same-store sales in the first quarter for the fast-casual chain. But outside data indicates Chipotle may have a value perception problem too.

It was a tough first quarter for the fast-casual chain, which was blamed on slower consumer spending. CEO Scott Boatwright said Chipotle is doing everything right and sales will trend positive in the second half of the year.

A recent University of Michigan survey revealed a dramatic drop in consumer confidence, driven by fears of rising inflation and unemployment. As diners pull back on spending, restaurants face ongoing challenges in a deteriorating economic landscape.

About 10% of Americans have a food allergy, but restaurants have not always done a good job of catering to them. A new partnership between allergy nonprofit FARE and tech supplier EveryBite hopes to change that.

Tech Check: Restaurants have tried for years to get consumers to order direct. Those efforts may finally be paying off.

Their six-month outlook plunged to a 12-year low, reflecting concerns about tariffs and inflation. It's a worrying sign for restaurants, though there are some glimmers of hope.

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