consumers

With its accessible and affordable array of international products, Trader Joe’s opens consumers’ palates to unfamiliar cuisines. But it can work both ways, say operators—restaurants also provide taste experiences that benefit retail sales.

After scouring dozens of end-of-year industry reports, we gathered the predictions that rose to the top. Here’s what the forecasters say will most impact menus and operations in the year ahead.

Projections call for heavy purchases of both on-premise and to-go meals, while consumers are already spending more on gift cards.