Restaurant News Resource - Technomic Restaurant Industry News

Fast-casual chains strengthened their gains on the overall restaurant industry, with the top 150 fast-casual chains growing 8.4 percent to $21.5 billion in 2011, a faster rate than in 2010 (6.6 percent). In comparison, 2011 sales growth for the Top 500 U.S. chains was 3.5 percent.

Millennials are unique. They communicate differently, are self-expressive, confident, liberal, upbeat, and open to change. But marketing to them can be a challenge. This group (ages 19-34) has a distinct perspective on dining occasions, placing more value on attributes like social responsibility, sustainability, local, and organic, grass-fed, and hormone-free offerings. They foster emotional connections to brands and their loyalty stems beyond experience.

According to data released today by Technomic, Inc. in its annual reporting on the top U.S. restaurant chains the foodservice consultancy found that U.S. systemwide sales for the Top 500 chains grew to an estimated $242 billion in 2011, up more than $8 billion over 2010.

Even if your favorite college basketball team falls out of contention, the March tourneys still provide an excellent excuse to gather around a platter of your favorite chicken wings. But the excuses don't end with March. Wings have remained a year-round favorite, exhibiting substantial innovation and room for growth according to recent research from restaurant consultants Technomic.

Spurred by the lingering effects of the recession, consumers are cutting back on away-from-home lunch purchases. More than a third of respondents (37 percent) say they've cut back on foodservice spending at lunch over the past year, and 31 percent say they are eating lunch at home more often.

Recent consumer research by food industry consultants Technomic indicates that retailers' prepared food offerings have evolved to the point that they are viable alternatives to all types of restaurants.

The lackluster economy may have dampened growth for the restaurant industry at large, but fast casual restaurants continue to stand out as one notable exception.

Tweens and teens influence the decision making of their friends and families, playing a large role in their dining choices. Fifty-eight percent of teens and 54 percent of tweens report that their family decides together which full-service restaurant to visit.

As the New Year approaches, many Americans will make resolutions, often involving diets and healthy eating. Technomic has found that an increasing number of restaurants are able to meet these consumers' needs by creating dishes that are low in fat, calories and sugar and proudly describing these healthful properties. In fact, use of the word 'healthy' within menu descriptions has increased by 86 percent over the past year.

While breakfast sales have grown steadily for restaurants, retailers and suppliers over the past few years, consumer data shows that the market is not yet saturated and there are still plenty of opportunities within this category.