Consumer Trends

Consumer trends, insights and preferences

Meat and potatoes dominated Spring's Top 10 LTOs

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 16, 2023

Recent data from Restaurant Business sister company, Technomic, reveals the menu items consumers would most likely purchase at chain restaurants.

Consumer Trends

How remote work has changed the restaurant business

By Joe Guszkowski on Jun. 08, 2023

Big city downtowns may never be the same. But smaller communities are booming, creating new opportunities for operators.

Consumer Trends

Now Chick-fil-A is being blasted by the right

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 05, 2023

Working Lunch: The high-flying chain is drawing fire for hiring a head of diversity, equity and inclusion. Is any brand safe from the nation's political polarization?

Consumer Trends

Americans are lunching out less, but spending far more when they do

By Joe Guszkowski on May 31, 2023

Remote work continues to keep a lid on midday restaurant traffic in big cities, according to new data from Toast.

Consumer Trends

What restaurateurs can learn from the culture wars—including how to stay clear

By Peter Romeo on May 01, 2023

Working Lunch: The Bud Light and Disney controversies show how businesses can be sucked in.

Consumer Trends

Full-service restaurants are some of the most popular brands on Yelp

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 13, 2023

First Watch and Texas Roadhouse led a strong showing for sit-down chains on a newly published ranking.

Consumer Trends

To nobody's surprise, Chick-fil-A remains teens' favorite restaurant

By Reyna Estrada on Apr. 04, 2023

The chicken chain topped Piper Sandler’s semi-annual survey of teen spending in the U.S., followed by Starbucks and Chipotle.

Consumer Trends

As tipping spreads, restaurants risk ticking off customers

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 21, 2023

The pandemic and its aftermath have upended tipping etiquette in America, leaving consumers frustrated and confused even as many pony up for the extra charges.

Consumer Trends