Consumer Trends
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Nov. 4, 2024 -
McDonald’s E. coli outbreak now tied to 90 illnesses
The CDC said Wednesday that it’s likely that slivered onions from Taylor Farms used on Quarter Pounders caused the outbreak.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 31, 2024 -
Trendline
Menu development
Restaurants big and small are experimenting with their menus to align with the preferences of on-the-go diners and mitigate the impact of rising food costs, supply chain disruption and shrinking consumer discretionary funds.
By Restaurant Dive staff -
Starbucks to eliminate non-dairy milk upcharge, hold prices steady
The coffee giant will move towards greater price transparency on customized drinks while cutting back on ineffective discounts, CEO Brian Niccol said.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 31, 2024 -
Subway adds $6.99 meal deal through year’s end
The monthslong discount signals a shift towards greater value emphasis for the chain, which has stayed largely aloof from 2024’s QSR price wars.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 29, 2024 -
McDonald’s E. coli outbreak has sickened 75 people
An additional 26 individuals said they fell ill after eating at the fast food chain, according to a Friday update from the CDC.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 25, 2024 -
Chick-fil-A is tops for reputation, new report shows
However, customers were increasingly upset over the chain’s rising prices — a sentiment shared across fast food customers, according to Chatmeter data.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 22, 2024 -
Jollibee launches first loyalty program
Members will gain access to exclusive deals and product news as well as give feedback on new menu items.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 22, 2024 -
Amex Q3 restaurant spending growth edges down
The card issuer has recently focused on courting cardholders hungry for restaurant services, but last week reported spending growth in that category had waned.
By Lynne Marek • Oct. 21, 2024 -
Looking to replace pumpkin spice? Stop looking.
One day there may be another innovative product that hits the cultural zeitgeist, but even then experts say the fall favorite is here to stay.
By Cara Salpini • Oct. 14, 2024 -
Did McDonald’s $5 Value Meal bring customers back? Here’s what the data shows.
Traffic rose in the days following the promotion launch, but customers still view pricing negatively at McDonald’s.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 8, 2024 -
Study: Chick-fil-A leads in drive-thru satisfaction, Taco Bell in speed
Intouch Insight’s drive-thru study found across-the-board improvements in chains’ speed. The firm added Raising Cane’s to its ranking for the first time.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 7, 2024 -
Sponsored by Square
The top restaurant trends in 2024
From automation to sustainability, these are the most compelling global trends shaping the food and beverage industry in 2024.
Oct. 7, 2024 -
Del Taco rolls out meal combos starting at $4.49
The Mexican QSR chain’s new combo meals could help improve consumer value perceptions as 2024’s discount wars continue.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 4, 2024 -
McDonald’s takes Chicken Big Mac national
The sandwich, which is available starting Oct. 10 while supplies last, could help the chain recover traffic and sales. It swaps the Big Mac’s beef patties for tempura-coated chicken.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 3, 2024 -
9 restaurant industry trade shows to attend in 2025
The coming year is brimming with restaurant conferences and trade shows covering key issues for the business sector, from franchising strategy to economic forecasts.
By Restaurant Dive Staff • Oct. 1, 2024 -
Restaurant comp sales recovering in September, report shows
The first three weeks of the month indicate a return to positive same-store sales following a 0.4% dip in August and a rough second quarter, per Black Box Intelligence.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 27, 2024 -
Q&A
Black Rock Coffee CEO: Experience is key to stand out in glut of ‘beverage places’
As more and more brands serve a wider array of coffee and caffeinated drinks, in-store service will become more important, Mark Davis said.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 27, 2024 -
C-stores trail restaurants in delivery satisfaction
While many convenience retailers continue to focus on improving menus, customers want better speed, clarity and customization, according to a new report from Intouch Insight.
By Jessica Loder • Sept. 27, 2024 -
McDonald’s extends $5 meal deal in value push
The Golden Arches is also adding other value promotions as it looks to bounce back from weak comparable sales in Q2 and better compete with rival offerings.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 12, 2024 -
Deep Dive
Brian Niccol was hired to transform Starbucks. Is that possible?
Niccol must contend with the coffee chain’s growing brand identity and consumer perception problems, and balance its “third place” value proposition with efficient digital fulfillment.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 9, 2024 -
QSRs made 2024 the summer of value
Nearly a dozen major QSRs launched limited-time and permanent value offerings to woo guests.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 3, 2024 -
A look back at August’s frantic restaurant CEO switch-ups
In four weeks, at least eight restaurant companies named new CEOs as sliding sales and declining traffic pushed brands to try turnarounds.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 30, 2024 -
Dunkin’ launches $6 fall value meal
The brand’s entry into the 2024 value wars includes a breakfast sandwich with a medium coffee and hashbrowns.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 28, 2024 -
How Red Robin’s loyalty revamp helped drive same-store sales growth
The company grew its loyalty membership to over 14.2 million during the second quarter, driven by its May rollout of a revamped points-based program.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 27, 2024 -
Sponsored by Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
Opportunities for growing seafood sales in foodservice
Consumers seek to increase seafood consumption, and they prefer wild-caught products from Alaska.
Aug. 26, 2024