The project is intended to identify high growth chains that hold the greatest opportunity for customer development and emerging menu trends with strong new product development potential. Technomic indicated that its latest research will satisfy the need chain restaurant suppliers, such a distributors, to know which new concepts and menu offerings will have the greatest appeal and drive business.
"Concepts 2010: Identification and Evaluation of Emerging Chain Restaurants," a program offered by Technomic Information Services, builds upon prior studies conducted by Technomic that pointed out past rising stars such as P.F. Chang's, Carrabba's Italian Grill and Corner Bakery.
It will draw from an extensive examination of 12 major metropolitan markets and scan for innovative concept elements across 35 individual performance factors related to menu, decor, service, price and extras. Twenty-five unique concept clusters are being reviewed, providing key insights across every major operational style and menu focus.
"Chain restaurants, on the whole, have enjoyed solid performance for several years, but that's beginning to change," says Darren Tristano, managing director of Technomic Information Services. "This latest research, based on field visits and consumer surveys, identifies what's appealing to today's consumers and which preferences are likely to drive restaurant growth. It will help operators and suppliers to the industry pinpoint future opportunities and shape stronger growth plans."
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