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consumers

Financing

Chipotle's expectations for the year turn negative after a disappointing third quarter

 By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 29, 2025

Consumers are worried about the economy and dining out less often. Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright fears the brand's value perception is tainted by being lumped with more-expensive fast-casual peers.

Consumer Trends

Chick-fil-A remains top restaurant brand for teenagers

 By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 10, 2025

Chick-fil-A dominates teen dining preferences for the seventh consecutive year, capturing 17% of votes in Piper Sandler's latest "Taking Stock with Teens" survey, outpacing McDonald's (11%) and Chipotle (10%). The Atlanta-based quick-service chain dethroned Starbucks from the top spot years ago and continues its reign among younger consumers. However, teen spending declined 6% year-over-year to $2,213, reflecting broader economic pressures on this key demographic.

Technology

Square launches a restaurant ordering network in Cash App

By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 08, 2025

The tech provider’s new Neighborhoods on Cash App allows users of the payments app to order pickup and delivery from local restaurants. They can also earn rewards that can be redeemed at any business in the network.

Consumer Trends

Restaurant chains preferred by younger, Hispanic and Democratic-leaning consumers could be more at risk

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 03, 2025

One Wall Street analyst has identified four "weak pocket" demographics in today's economy that could be making fast-casual chains, in particular, more vulnerable to headwinds.

Consumer Trends

Economic uncertainty brings a shift in consumers' dining habits

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 25, 2025

Circana’s 2025 “Eating Patterns in America” report shows how customers are adapting to change with their food and drink purchasing.

Technology

The restaurant tech generation gap is smaller than you'd think

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 16, 2025

Gen Zers say they're more likely to use tech, when given the option. But both old and young still value human interaction when dining out.

Technology

Want to improve your delivery business? Don't forget the sauce, and toss in a little extra

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 12, 2025

When working with third-party delivery apps, restaurants should focus on what they can control, namely order accuracy and a personal touch, according to a new secret shopper study.

Technology

First-party delivery may not have the advantages restaurants think it does

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 11, 2025

Direct ordering has lost its pricing edge versus third-party apps, and customers say they’re equally happy using either method, according to new research from Intouch Insight.

Consumer Trends

A surprising name tops a new ranking of casual-dining chains

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 28, 2025

Logan’s Roadhouse finished No. 1 in a ranking of customer loyalty, leaping eight spots from a year ago, according to Market Force Information.

Marketing

P.F. Chang's flips the script with first-ever movie tie-in

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 22, 2025

The limited-time Freakier Flavors menu, a partnership with Disney’s new “Freakier Friday” movie, is part of a more modern approach to marketing at the Asian casual-dining chain.

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