Consumer Trends

Consumer trends, insights and preferences

Consumer Trends

Consumers can’t find much to like about Wendy’s

 By Leigh Anne Zinsmeister on Sep. 28, 2026

Guest Check: The new executive team has their work cut out for them if they want to win back customers.

Consumer Trends

Domino’s is surviving on brand image, even with recent closures

 By Leigh Anne Zinsmeister on Sep. 18, 2026

Guest Check: Here’s how consumers perceive the big pizza chains, and how Papa Johns and Pizza Hut can stop the bleeding.

Consumer Trends

Why I’m not worried about Wingstop

By Leigh Anne Zinsmeister on Sep. 14, 2026

Guest Check: The chicken-wing king has been making a lot of moves as sales fall, but the consumer base remains loyal.

Consumer Trends

As fall flavors take over, the question remains: Which do consumers actually want?

By Leigh Anne Zinsmeister on Sep. 04, 2026

Guest Check: This year, guests can choose from pecan, tiramisu, the ever-present pumpkin spice, and more.

Consumer Trends

Papa Johns fights an uphill battle as its brand perception lags behind pizza rivals

By Alicia Kelso on Sep. 03, 2026

The pizza chain's index score has improved markedly year-over-year, but significant gaps remain in value and customer satisfaction scores compared to top competitors.

Consumer Trends

Food delivery is booming at the movie theater

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 03, 2026

Delivery sales are up nearly 50% at AMC Theatres this year as consumers opt to enjoy popcorn and other concessions at home.

Consumer Trends

Inside the FDA’s struggle to define ultra-processed foods

By Joanna Fantozzi on Sep. 02, 2026

Working Lunch: This week’s political podcast breaks down the newly proposed definition of UPFs; Plus, how Meta’s $18 billion settlement could impact restaurant marketing one day.

Consumer Trends

Chicken wing concepts caught a nice tailwind from the World Cup

By Alicia Kelso on Aug. 25, 2026

Independent restaurants in host cities also experienced increased orders and check sizes.

Consumer Trends

Gen Alpha starts working its way into operators’ decision making

By Leigh Anne Zinsmeister on Aug. 24, 2026

Guest Check: The younger generation is getting an increasing amount of marketing attention. But who is really making the choices here?

Consumer Trends

The MAHA movement continues shifting food standards with proposed GRAS rule

By Restaurant Business Staff on Aug. 19, 2026

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast looks at the FDA rule to regulate Generally Recognized as Safe foods; plus a union fight with Amazon in New York City.

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