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Editors' Picks: Top Developments of 2013

 Dec. 25, 2013

Looking back over the year, our editors chose these trends and developments as the most arresting of 2013.

Marketing

Restaurants use Twitter to drive post-holiday spending

 By Sara Rush Wirth on Jan. 03, 2014

When it snows, it, well, snows. Coming off a less-than-robust holiday season, restaurants in much of the country are battling heavy snowfall and bitter-cold temperatures, which keep could consumers at home. But that’s not a given.

Leadership

Bloomin' CEO Elizabeth Smith to offer a view from 30,000 ft.

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jan. 13, 2014

The CEO of the company that operates Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's, Bonefish Grill and Fleming's will offer her perspective on key economic, government and consumer issues during a special session aimed specifically at senior restaurant executives.

Consumer Trends

Consumer research 101

By Amanda Baltazar on Jan. 21, 2014

It’s all about talking to the consumer. Here’s how to conduct the conversation.

Consumer Trends

The truth about millennials

By Kelly Killian on Jan. 22, 2014

For this in-demand set, one size does not fit all.

Your consumer lingo decoder ring

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 23, 2014

Getting a better handle on the consumer could require a change in your vocabulary. Repeat after me …

Consumer Trends

Mascots affect food choices well into adulthood, new study says

By Kelly Killian on Jan. 24, 2014

Advertising characters such as Ronald McDonald that people have been familiar with since childhood continue to affect food decisions once they become adults.

Gun groups take aim at restaurants

By Kelly Killian on Feb. 02, 2014

It’s rare to hear of dog owners rising up in protest when an business posts a “No dogs” sign on the door. But when the sign says “No guns,” restaurateurs are finding themselves under fire.

How to avoid being ice-axed by the polar vortex

By Sara Rush Wirth on Feb. 06, 2014

There’s no denying that it has been a bone-chilling winter. With fuel costs rising as the temperature plummets, restaurants are seeing spikes in utility costs. See some tips on managing your heating and energy spending to reduce the weather damage to your bottom line.

Consumer Trends

Factoid of the week: Consumers to spend cautiously this Valentine’s Day

By Kelly Killian on Feb. 07, 2014

According to the National Retail Federation’s 2014 Valentine’s Day spending survey, consumers will shell out $3.5 billion going out to celebrate.

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