Waffle House

Consumer Trends

Millennials' favorite chains

Millennials, the much lauded-after generation that marketers are trying to figure out, have a different set of needs and wants than the overall consumer base.

On the Sweet Side

The dining public is saving lots of room for dessert. According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2006 Tableservice Restaurant Trends report, 30 percent of fine-dining operators, 27 percent of casual dining places and 32 percent of family restaurants say their customers are ordering more dessert now than they did two years ago. And data from NPD/CREST reveals that 12 percent of consumers order dessert at restaurants. So what should you be purchasing to satisfy these sweet cravings?

Family-dining chains from the 2016 Top 500 ranking grew sales by 3.2% to about $15 billion, buoyed by gains from leaders IHOP, Denny’s and Cracker Barrel.

Inventive kitchens are now going beyond burgers, sandwiching everything from pulled pork to ahi tuna between tiny buns to create specialty sliders.

The year was not without its Freddy Krueger moments for restaurants. Here's a look back at the times restaurateurs wondered if they were awake.

Who knew Waffle House was so important to FEMA? Who knew Domino’s could dream so big? Who knew Groupon could hurt your restaurant in more ways than one? Who knew? The Week in Ideas knows.

Short-order breakfast-focused fare served in a laid-back, Southern-inspired locale

This week, some ideas for getting on Consumer Reports' good side; the living dead; guns are a good publicity idea; and another reason to wash your hands.

Restaurateurs and customers shushed their inhibitions and indulged some decidedly wicked impulses this week, securing them a prime spot on Santa’s naughty list.

The limitless possibilities of making a meal between two slices of bread have catapulted the sandwich into new menu territory. Breakfast and lunch sandwiches still dominate, but these days, bars and late night menus are featuring mini ethnic sandwiches and full-service restaurants tout overstuffed dinner-size versions.

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