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consumers

Consumer Trends

These restaurant brands are the easiest to use, consumers say

 By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 17, 2023

A ranking of the world’s simplest brands showed that QSRs are excelling as technology plays a bigger role.

Consumer Trends

Why early evening has become the hottest time to dine out

 By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 11, 2023

Remote work, inflation and even Netflix could be driving consumers to eat dinner earlier, particularly at higher-end restaurants.

Consumer Trends

Want to see how the other half lives? Go to Olive Garden.

By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 09, 2023

Full-service restaurant chains are the most socioeconomically diverse places in the U.S., according to new research. It could help them weather a tough economy.

Operations

Olive Garden owner says customers are 'resilient' but 'more selective'

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 21, 2023

Some are opting for less-expensive wines and entrees, executives said during a wide-ranging earnings call that also touched on student loans, California’s wage bill and Ozempic.

Consumer Trends

Americans remain torn on tipping etiquette

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 22, 2023

There are still different views on how much to give baristas, delivery people and even servers, according to a Bank of America survey.

Consumer Trends

Saturday brunch is now restaurants' busiest daypart

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 08, 2023

More than 10% of all dining dollars are spent from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, which has replaced Friday lunch as the industry’s peak period, according to new data from Square.

Consumer Trends

Diners aren't pleased with service fees: 'You feel like you're paying a cable bill'

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 02, 2023

Many say they’d be less likely to return to restaurants with a fee, while others say they would tip less or not at all.

Food

What might be the next Cronut, McRib or Pumpkin Spice Latte? We have some thoughts.

By Peter Romeo on Jul. 20, 2023

Reality Check: The RB staff put down its forks long enough to speculate on what could be the next big thing menu-wise. Here are our bets, longshot and otherwise.

Consumer Trends

Inflation drives surge in happy hour traffic

By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 18, 2023

Early evening restaurant visits are up across the board as customers look to socialize while saving some money, according to new data from InMarket.

Consumer Trends

Takeout becomes America's preferred dining mode

By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 12, 2023

More than half of people say they’d rather get their food to go than eat it at a restaurant, according to a new survey from US Foods. And they’re doing it a lot more often.

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