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Consumer Trends

Consumer trends, insights and preferences

Consumer Trends

As fall flavors take over, the question remains: Which do consumers actually want?

 By Leigh Anne Zinsmeister on Sep. 04, 2026

Guest Check: This year, guests can choose from pecan, tiramisu, the ever-present pumpkin spice, and more.

Consumer Trends

Food delivery is booming at the movie theater

 By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 03, 2026

Delivery sales are up nearly 50% at AMC Theatres this year as consumers opt to enjoy popcorn and other concessions at home.

Consumer Trends

Papa Johns fights an uphill battle as its brand perception lags behind pizza rivals

By Alicia Kelso on Sep. 03, 2026

The pizza chain's index score has improved markedly year-over-year, but significant gaps remain in value and customer satisfaction scores compared to top competitors.

Consumer Trends

Inside the FDA’s struggle to define ultra-processed foods

By Joanna Fantozzi on Sep. 02, 2026

Working Lunch: This week’s political podcast breaks down the newly proposed definition of UPFs; Plus, how Meta’s $18 billion settlement could impact restaurant marketing one day.

Consumer Trends

Chicken wing concepts caught a nice tailwind from the World Cup

By Alicia Kelso on Aug. 25, 2026

Independent restaurants in host cities also experienced increased orders and check sizes.

Consumer Trends

Gen Alpha starts working its way into operators’ decision making

By Leigh Anne Zinsmeister on Aug. 24, 2026

Guest Check: The younger generation is getting an increasing amount of marketing attention. But who is really making the choices here?

Consumer Trends

The MAHA movement continues shifting food standards with proposed GRAS rule

By Restaurant Business Staff on Aug. 19, 2026

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast looks at the FDA rule to regulate Generally Recognized as Safe foods; plus a union fight with Amazon in New York City.

Consumer Trends

The latest battle in the Chicken Wars: Just how popular are tenders?

By Leigh Anne Zinsmeister on Aug. 14, 2026

Guest Check: Chicken Tenders seem to be popping up in new and surprising places every day.

Consumer Trends

Did the consumer kill Salad and Go?

By Leigh Anne Zinsmeister on Aug. 06, 2026

Guest Check: The drive-thru salad chain closed all remaining locations this week and filed for bankruptcy. Is it because we didn’t love it enough?

Consumer Trends

Technomic: Restaurants continue to struggle with traffic amid consumer cautiousness

By Bret Thorn on Jul. 21, 2026

The research company’s consumer research chief, Robert Byrne, provides a mid-year check-in for attendees of CREATE: The Event for Emerging Restaurateurs.

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