It’s a tough time to be running a pizza restaurant, but it shouldn’t be that way, according to market research firm The NPD Group.While traffic at quick-service pizza chains has been sluggish for some time, the category remains top of mind for...

If there’s one item every restaurant should put on the menu during these challenging economic times, it is the classic American hamburger, say those who have watched the power of the patty grow even as consumers rein in restaurant spending.Though...

Americans have been in love with French fries since fast feeders first made them popular in the 1950s. But while many nutrition-minded observers have called into question the healthfulness of French fries over the years, little has dulled...

Although the “greening” of the restaurant industry began decades ago as a grassroots effort by a handful of independent operators, today it is a mainstream movement, embraced by a growing number of operators of all sizes and in all segments. Many...

While relentless economic pressures are forcing more consumers to eat their evening meals at home, even after the economy picks back up the dinner hour may still be a lonely time at restaurants.Dinner traffic has been weak since 2003 and was down...

Like grains of simmering rice, the popularity of Asian food in the United States has expanded dramatically in recent years. Ironically, however, independent Asian restaurants have not been the beneficiaries, officials of The NPD Group say. Instead...

As the federal government prepares to roll out the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, giving most American consumers hundreds of dollars each, the question on many operators’ minds is how much of that money will be spent at restaurants.Between May and...

While environmental concerns, the slowing economy and bad press all have taken a toll on bottled-water servings at restaurants, the well of opportunity for the high-profit product is not dry, according to the NPD Group.Given its portability...

Changing consumer behavior will make this economic slowdown like none the restaurant industry has seen before, according to a new report from The NPD Group.Even as restaurants feel the pinch of slowed spending by skittish consumers, other trends...

It may be among the worst of times for the foodservice industry, but it’s definitely the best of times for certain food and beverage products, most notably chicken sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches and specialty coffee.While foodservice traffic...