Information and news for chain restaurant executives involved in consumer research, market trends, data collection and analysis. en-us http://www.chainleader.com/community/Research/47558.html?nid=3971 2009 Reed Business Information. Subject to its Terms of Use. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:36:12 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6706376.html?nid=3971 New AlixPartners survey reveals while Americans plan to keep eating out, average spending per meal could fall by 20 percent; key sentiment shifts are seen since first-quarter poll. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:15:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6706069.html?nid=3971 A recent nationwide survey by McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants [Nasdaq: MSSR] of small business owners, managers and decision makers found that the majority are planning holiday parties for employees this year. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:32:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6705548.html?nid=3971 Despite the global economic downturn, the leading 100 U.K. restaurant chains grew sales by 3.4 percent in 2008 to nearly £11 billion, and posted strong unit gains, expanding by 7.6 percent to approximately 15,000 locations. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:20:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6705383.html?nid=3971 In a still-bleak economy, industry observers predict restaurant chain discounts will continue to rise while alcohol sales tumble. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:06:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6705010.html?nid=3971 Based on expectations of continued contraction in the restaurant and bar industry in 2010, foodservice consultancy Technomic has issued its forecast for beverage alcohol sales in those channels. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:15:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6704967.html?nid=3971 Restaurant industry outlook remained uncertain as NRA's Restaurant Performance Index declined in September for second consecutive month; operators continued to report sales and traffic declines; less optimistic about sales growth. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:19:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6704200.html?nid=3971 Traditional media influenced more than 30 percent of recently surveyed pizza consumers, while online media like restaurant Web sites were the most influential for restaurant-goers. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:37:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6704066.html?nid=3971 Restaurant chains rely on limited-time offers for driving customer traffic, but they struggle with forecasting supply-chain needs and measuring results. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6704022.html?nid=3971 In perhaps the worst market conditions the restaurant industry has seen in nearly 20 years, full-service restaurants saw some sign of improvement in September, reports Technomic. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:08:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6704015.html?nid=3971 Summer is historically a peak season for the foodservice industry, but this past summer the industry realized its fourth consecutive quarter of traffic declines versus the same quarter a year ago, according to The NPD Group, a leading market research company. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:54:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6703793.html?nid=3971 Wherein NPD Group Vice President Harry Balzer predicts that frozen pizza will be part of the new "foodservice" landscape. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:42:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6703492.html?nid=3971 Consumers are interested in expanding their palates when dining out and want to patronize restaurants that offer innovative flavors, reports Technomic. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:51:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6703235.html?nid=3971 This year, the national percentage of meals eaten out or taken out declined from 50% to 48%, and the national average of restaurant meals per week dropped from 3.3 to 3.2, according to Zagat's 2010 America's Top Restaurants survey. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:28:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6702641.html?nid=3971 Healthy eating is on the minds of many moms, but it's their eating habits and nutritional knowledge that have the most bearing on what their children eat, according to The NPD Group, a leading market research company. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:31:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6702382.html?nid=3971 With an expanding ethnic population calling the US 'home', a new Mintel report shows sales of ethnic foods have climbed steadily since 2004, set to reach a record high of $2.2 billion in 2009. In addition, Mintel forecasts solid growth of nearly 20% from 2010-14. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:09:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6702218.html?nid=3971 Family-dining restaurants are well-positioned for renewed growth, says Technomic. Leading family dining chains, compared to leading casual dining chains, prove to be a more appealing option for moms and rate higher to providing family friendly experiences. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:02:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6701901.html?nid=3971 Americans are split on attitudes towards advertising that mentions the recession and economic troubles; two in five, however, do not have an opinion on these types of ads. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:54:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6700976.html?nid=3971 Domestic sales for limited-service hamburger restaurant chains grew by a healthy 4.1 percent in 2008 to $64 billion, outperforming the total limited-service restaurant segment's growth of 3.2 percent. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:12:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6700553.html?nid=3971 Safe food handling labels on takeout containers can help restaurants stand apart in the marketplace, says research from Kansas State University food safety expert. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:22:00 PST http://www.chainleader.com/article/CA6700549.html?nid=3971 The market for products positioned and marketed on the basis of ethical standards (eco-friendly/green, natural/organic, humane, and fair trade) is thriving despite the recession, reveals a new report by leading market research publisher Packaged Facts. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:15:00 PST