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consumers

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.

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.

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.

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.

Technology

Reservations company Tock learns some new tricks

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 21, 2025

As it turns 10, the company is taking some cues from Resy, its competitor-turned-collaborator under new owner American Express.

Consumer Trends

Why Sweetgreen wants to see workers come back to the office

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 13, 2025

Even five years after COVID, urban centers were dead on Fridays. But the full return-to-office movement could bring an unexpected boost, especially to fast casuals.

Consumer Trends

More restaurant tables going to singles and groups this Valentine's Day

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 30, 2025

The romantic, couple-focused holiday is experiencing a dramatic shift, finds OpenTable.

Food

7 mega-trends driving restaurant menus in 2025

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 24, 2025

These are the overriding forces we predict will move menus forward this year. Check back in December to see if they pan out.

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