consumers

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

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 13, 2025

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

Beverage

For THC beverages, it’s the wild, wild west

By Heather Lalley on May 17, 2025

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.

Earnings Report Q1 2025

Sweetgreen's typical April bloom is dampened by consumer tariff fears

By Lisa Jennings on May 08, 2025

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.

Operations

Chipotle on sales downturn: It's not us. It's them

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 24, 2025

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.

Operations

Chipotle same-store sales turn negative for first time since 2020

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 23, 2025

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.

Financing

Consumer confidence takes a nosedive as inflation and job concerns worry diners

By Jonathan Maze on Apr. 14, 2025

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.

Consumer Trends

Why food allergies could be a big opportunity for restaurants

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 08, 2025

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.

Premium

Technology

First-party ordering gains some momentum

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 07, 2025

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

Marketing

McDonald's McValue menu appeals to the already loyal

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 25, 2025

Fans are loving it, but the budget-friendly offerings launched in January do not seem to be driving in new customers to the quick-service chain, according to a Numerator report.

Consumer Trends

Consumers are feeling increasingly gloomy about the future

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 25, 2025

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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