QSR, Restaurant and Food Service Trends

June 17, 2010

The changes facing fast food

Analysts expect the fast-food industry to grow modestly this year. But the downturn is making them rethink their strategies. After a strong focus on value - sometimes to the detriment of profits - many companies are now introducing higher-priced items ...

June 17, 2010

Patatboer Bram Ladage opent 27ste vestiging

De Rotterdamse frietboer Bram Ladage opent in Oosterhout zijn 27ste vestiging. Het Rotterdamse familiebedrijf staat bekend om zijn patat van zelfgesneden aardappels geserveerd in een puntzak. Er zijn inmiddels 21 franchisenemers die een Ladage-zaak r...

June 15, 2010

Wendy’s/Arby’s Latest Takeover Target — SEC

Wendy’s/Arby’s Group Inc., the third-largest U.S. fast-food company, has become a stock takeover target, according to a filing made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Chairman Nelson Peltz advised the SEC that he had received an in...

June 13, 2010

US Foodservice packaging demand to grow to 7.9 billion in 2014

The Freedonia group has published a market research report "Foodservice Packaging to 2014: Bulk &Portion Control" here are some of the hifghlights of the report. US demand to climb 2.5 annually through 2014 US demand for foodservice pack...

June 09, 2010

Analyst: Fast-food sales won't rise until unemployment falls

Several fast-food chains may have to wait until more young men find jobs before seeing same-store sales rise, according to a restaurant analyst.Jefferies &Co. restaurant securities analyst Jeff Farmer said in a note to investors this week that an a...

June 09, 2010

Canadian Foodservice Industry Shows Signs of Recovery in First Quarter, Reports NPD

After four quarters of weakness, Canadian restaurant traffic grew modestly in the first quarter of 2010, up 2.3 per cent versus the same period one year ago, according to The NPD Group, a leading market research company. At the same time, consumer spen...

June 08, 2010

McDonald's May Global Comparable Sales Up 4.8%

McDonald's Corporation today announced global comparable sales growth of 4.8% in May. Performance by segment was as follows: U.S. up 3.4% Europe up 5.7% Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa up 3.8% "May marks another month of sustained sales ...

June 08, 2010

Ventas McDonald's mayo suben, euro dañaría ganancia

McDonald's Corp sorprendió gratamente el martes al mercado con un aumento del 4,8 por ciento en las ventas mundiales de mayo, pero advirtió que el tipo de cambio golpeará sus ganancias de todo el año. En base al tipo de cambio actual, en particular el...

June 07, 2010

United Kingdom Girds for New U.S. Fast Food Invasion

Three American chains—Taco Bell, Chipotle, and Ruby Tuesday—are targeting growth in Britain's dynamic but competitive restaurant business.They are huge in the US, but few British diners have heard of Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) or Ruby Tuesday (RT). B...

June 03, 2010

U.S. Restaurant Traffic Declines Ease in First Quarter

Although restaurant traffic declined for the seventh consecutive quarter in the first quarter of 2010, the rate of visit losses began to ease compared to steeper declines in previous quarters, according to The NPD Group.

June 03, 2010

Potato Processors join in Idaho trade mission to China

Idaho ag groups hope to find new export opportunities in China during a trade mission led by Gov. C.L. "Butch"Otter, from June 4-12.Potato processors from Idaho and the Idaho Potato Commission will focus on promoting frozen and dehydrated pot...

May 31, 2010

Would you like Burgers with those fries?

After successfully founding Cultures Fresh Food Restaurants and New York Fries, Toronto entrepreneur Jay Gould ventured into premium burgers in 2005 with the opening South Street Burger Co. in Toronto. He opened his 12th store this year -- all them in ...

May 31, 2010

Exhibits and Attendance Up at 2010 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show

Both attendee and exhibitor numbers showed positive growth at the 91st annual NRA Show. The increases highlight the NRA Show's position in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

May 26, 2010

Hardee's sales grow, but Carl's Jr. still struggling

Hardee’s sales remained positive in late April and early May while those of sister brand Carl’s Jr. were still in negative territory as a result of the challenging economy in California, CKE Restaurants Inc. said Wednesday. For the four weeks ended M...

May 25, 2010

Spin fryer sheds oil, reduces calorie content

Entire fast-food empires have been built around the french fry. But companies still continue to pursue perfection -- as in, a better-for-you fry. The immodestly named Perfect Fry company, out of Calgary, claims to have nailed it. At the National Res...

May 24, 2010

Technomic: foodservice industry shows modest signs of improvement

Citing better-than-expected performance in several foodservice segments, Technomic adjusted its 2010 U.S. foodservice industry nominal growth forecast upward from a decline of 1.6 percent to positive growth of 0.6 percent."The most significant cha...

May 19, 2010

Mintel: 'Snack' 'Snackable' and 'Snacker' in menu descriptions up 170% since 2007

Recent research from Mintel Menu Insights found that snacking is the new way to order at restaurants. Menu items that contain the descriptors “snack,” “snackable,” or “snacker” have increased by a staggering 170% since 2007 and growth is expected to c...

May 19, 2010

QSR 'stunt foods' and how they fared

Fast-food outlets and casual dining chains routinely dream up flashy menu items to build buzz and lure ravenous Americans. Called “stunt foods,” the edible inventions carry some marketing risk. This spring, KFC’s “Double Down” and IHOP’s “Cheesecake ...