Jerry StieglerThis Week in Foodservice provides a high-level summary of the economic data, financial news, menu updates and numerous other statistical packages and developments that impact foodservice operators, consultants, dealers, manufacturers, reps and service agents. In his weekly blog, Jerry Stiegler aggregates key industry data through his infamous Green Sheet and provides some brief analysis that will help foodservice professionals navigate the information. Jerry is a long-time member of the foodservice industry, whose experience includes working for Restaurants & Institutions magazine and FE&S.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.