Operators seeking sales, profit dive into late-night and snack times, while trying to hold the line morning, noon and night

Study finds most plan to spend the same or less this year at restaurants

Even before the new year put dieting resolutions into effect, a study by The NPD Group found that consumers were ordering fewer carbonated soft drinks, hot dogs, fried chicken and French fries and ordering more milk, grilled chicken and grilled chicken sandwiches, nonfried fish, breakfast cereals, fruit and yogurt.


Chains will have to balance government mandates with customer demands

Before the recession clouded the sunny days of easy credit, consumers sought first what they craved and considered price second. Now they examine every restaurant occasion through separate lenses of desire and affordability.

The number of dishes labeled as "healthy" jumped 65% from last year.