Consumer Trends

Consumer trends, insights and preferences

Americans are eating their fast food later in the day

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 23, 2024

McDonald’s and Chipotle have seen a shift in business from earlier in the day toward dinner, according to data from Placer.ai. And that shift seems permanent.

Consumer Trends

3 anvils hanging over restaurateurs' heads

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 20, 2023

Crystal balls tend to be hazy. Here are some what-ifs that may be difficult to tune in.

Consumer Trends

Breakfast visits up as more workers return to the office

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 15, 2023

Consumers purchased breakfast at restaurants more frequently over the past year and the biggest spenders were men.

Consumer Trends

Grubhub reveals the most popular takeout and delivery orders of 2023

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 12, 2023

The platform’s annual report tracks more than sales. It provides a snapshot of the eating and drinking trends driving diners’ decisions.

Consumer Trends

The holiday season is looking particularly merry for restaurants this year

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 06, 2023

Projections call for heavy purchases of both on-premise and to-go meals, while consumers are already spending more on gift cards.

Consumer Trends

Cost-conscious consumers trade down from restaurants to c-stores

By Chuck Ulie on Nov. 30, 2023

As menu prices rise at fast-food restaurants, customers are looking to convenience stores for meal deals.

Consumer Trends

Here’s why some Thanksgiving turkeys are getting tanked

By Peter Romeo on Nov. 21, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: Deep-frying a whole bird is no longer a novelty. But the alternative prep method was largely unknown until recent decades. Here's how the process evolved from crazy notion to viable option.

Consumer Trends