Consumer Trends

While a number of recent studies indicate that menu labeling has little effect on diners’ menu choices, a report from NPD Group may offer a glimpse into the reason why. According to NPD, only one in four consumers say they eat healthy when dining out, while the majority admits a desire to treat themselves when at a restaurant.

"Busy Balancers" hit up restaurants a lot. Juggling busy schedules, these typically female millennials of middle to upper income purchase 36 percent of their meals from foodservice spots every week.

Some operators are being proactive when it comes to consumers’ mindsets and food demands, while others are fighting to defend themselves, as seen by trends we’re starting to monitor as the year comes to a close.