The financial turmoil of 2008 hurt some restaurants as consumers sought to save money by eating at home more often. The impact was fortunately softer in Australia than America where the restaurant industry, from fast food to fine dining, is determined to get people in the door in 2009. Mintel Menu Insights, which tracks US restaurant menus, expects five trends to influence foodservice in 2009. Restaurants will re-invent comfort food, mix up their cocktails, focus on fresh ingredients, take Mediterranean... ...Read more »

Research identifying greater concerns for the restaurant industry, as a result of a downturn in consumer spending, compared to other food industry sectors, appears to be on the mark. The latest retail trade statistics from the ABS highlight the strain any further consumer cost cutting could put on restaurants. Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food services represented the worst performed industry sector in the September quarter, with a 0.6% drop in the trend. Food retailing, meanwhile, had the largest... ...Read more »

Eating out, takeaways and nights in the pub will be among the first activities to be chopped by UK consumers in the wake of the downturn but restaurants are better placed to survive the economic turbulence than fifteen years ago, research by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has revealed. In a study that surveyed 1000 people, 27 per cent confirmed the first items they would cut back on would be restaurant meals, takeaways or fast food, and visits to the local pub, compared to 18 per cent who would cut back... ...Read more »

Foodservice consultants Technomic have discovered that age-based distinctions among consumers’ use of restaurants run deeper than originally expected. The findings, published in the ‘Generational Consumer Trend Report’ reveal numerous and often-subtle factors that play an important role in shaping menu and restaurant trends, while also highlighting key opportunities to effectively market to these segments. The report examines attitudes and behaviour relevant to restaurant services... ...Read more »

More than one-third of American consumers (35 per cent) report they are eating or buying dinners out less frequently than one year ago as the need to offer an edge to the value offering becomes pivotal for restaurants. Foodservice consultants Technomic advise that money issues dominated the reasons for decreased patronage; 77 per cent of those cutting back are doing so to save money, while 59 per cent said they have less money to spend and 46 per cent cited the price of restaurant meals. “It’s... ...Read more »

The City of Perth will ban smoking in alfresco dining areas within its boundaries from July 1 next year.The Council has given in-principle support to making licensed dining areas on pavements and other council-owned land ‘smoke free’. Lord Mayor, Lisa Scaffidi, indicated the health and enjoyment of diners were the prime considerations in the Council’s decision. “The Council cannot ignore the documented health risks associated with the passive inhaling of tobacco smoke,”... ...Read more »