This Week In Foodservice

The editorial team aggregates key industry information and provides brief analysis to help foodservice professionals navigate the data.

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Census Bureau reports positive July sales. Little Caesar’s rolls out the “Pizza Portal.” Millennials prefer some types of restaurants. Has Starbucks reached the saturation point? These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

Real restaurant industry growth to date is barely positive according to one estimate. Restaurant design of the future may center on take out service. The Nielsen Company sees c-stores as having both challenges and opportunities. McDonald’s remains the world’s largest restaurant company. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.


Casual dining chain sales remained weak in June. Foodservice hiring was very strong in July. The NPD Group reports “micro chains” are a growing factor in some major cities. Grocery shoppers are looking for prepared food according to one expert. These stories and more This Week in Foodservice.

Independents are on the rise. Darden plans to build and remodel restaurants. DQ, White Castle and Noodles & Company all prepare to change their appearances. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

Restaurant industry performance in June was consistent with May, per the National Restaurant Association. McDonald’s quarterly financial performance exceeded Wall Street’s forecasts. Buffalo Wild Wings opened its B-Dub Express concept in Minnesota. Chipotle Mexican Grill will add a drive-thru window as a test to one of the chain’s Ohio locations. These stories and a lot more This Week in Foodservice.

The Census Bureau reports restaurant sales were up in April. Technomic’s 500 Report shows weakness in the full service segment. Sysco, US Foods and the Performance Food Group all showed moderate sales advances. Minimum wage increases prove harmful to restaurants. McDonald’s will aid franchisees to upgrade. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

Experts disagree on impact of higher minimum wages. Restaurant “real” sales were up fractionally in the first half of the year. Foodservice jobs are at risk of being automated. Blaze Pizza may be the fastest-growing chain ever. These stories and many more This Week in Foodservice.

 

The NRA reports March came on strong. Pizza Hut operators will be buying new equipment. Foodservice operators have added more than a quarter of a million employees in the past year. C-store foodservice earns a greater percentage of sales. The FDA postpones mandatory calorie postings until next year. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

Sales at restaurants and bars declined in June. The spread between food-away-from-home prices and food-at-home prices narrows. A consulting firm focuses on how restaurants can improve their customers’ experience. Chipotle introduces a new concept. These stories and a lot more This Week in Foodservice.

 

Gross Domestic Product was disappointing in the first quarter. Delivery is a bright spot for restaurants. McDonald’s first quarter beats estimates and its  Japanese division bounces back. Taco Bell plans aggressive growth in Canada. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice. 

The Restaurant Performance Index improved in May. Gross Domestic Product for the first quarter was revised upward. Foodservice operators continued to hire in June. Two of the three largest foodservice distributors saw sales growth last year. A pizza restaurant develops robots for the kitchen. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

 

Malcolm Knapp weighs in on restaurant performance now and for the rest of the year. IKEA considers building freestanding restaurants. McDonald’s appears to be getting tough with franchisees. Dean & Deluca are opening a new fast food concept with food as theatre. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

 

Consumers evaluate restaurant chains’ performance via two new surveys. Consumers who download third-party delivery apps don’t cut back on restaurant visits. Casey’s General Store offers delivery service. One consultant sees food halls growing. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

March was another tough sales month. A survey finds the best restaurant customers are cutting back. The NPD Group shows top chain restaurants are entwined in consumers’ lives. It may be a surprise to some, but restaurants create a lot of good paying jobs. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

Restaurant sales were soft in May. Price difference narrows between food at home and food away from home. Fast-casual sales growth slows. Digital sales at Panera Bread hit $1 billion. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

What’s behind the restaurant acquisitions? Foodservice hiring rolls on in March. Former restaurant CEO says consumer buying shifts are bringing upheaval. Ruby Tuesday looks to salad bars for salvation. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

Here’s a quick look at 2017 forecasts for foodservice. The NPD Group describes foodservice performance as “steady.” Wall Street likes fast feeders. The Labor Department reverses rules on who controls employees. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

If you’re confused about the economy, you’re not alone. Panera takeover rumors true. YUM’s CEO thinks automation will eventually come to foodservice kitchens. Domino’s Pizza will test delivery robots in Europe. Jack in the Box is offering delivery service in more than 200 cities. These stories and a whole lot more This Week In Foodservice.

The National Restaurant Association says industry performance softened in April. Foodservice operators kept hiring in May. Fast-casual sales are predicted to slow this year. Panera Bread found a way to achieve faster service. Shift in dining habits hurts lunch business. Some consumers are balking at the price of better burgers. These stories and a whole lot more This Week in Foodservice.

 

Foodservice industry suppliers have mixed financial results. Freshii wants to partner with Subway. Waiters and waitresses make more in Western states. Cheddar's, Shophouse and Checkers acquisition news. These stories and a whole lot more This Week In Foodservice.

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