Restaurant Primer
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ith sales of more than $683 billion, nearly The National Restaurant Associations research is
one million locations and a workforce of recognized as the industrys most authoritative
13.5 million, restaurants serve as source for restaurant industry projections and trends,
cornerstones in every community. While a range of based on analysis of the latest economic data and
challenges still exist for restaurant operators across extensive surveys of restaurateurs and consumers.
segments, dining out remains one of Americas We continually monitor the latest data and conduct
favorite pastimes, ensuring that the industry will new research to keep you up-to-date on the trends
continue to grow. that affect the operating environment. For more
We are pleased to provide our annual outlook of information and analysis, visit Restaurant.org/
restaurant industry opportunities and challenges for Research.
the year ahead. The 2014 edition of this report is We look forward to continuing to serve our
divided into sections by topic that you may review industry with research and insights that will help
separately or combine to provide a comprehensive improve business in 2014 and beyond.
overview of the full industry. This format provides a Sincerely,
more flexible way to note the latest trends while
preserving the wide scope of our respected flagship
research report.
The National Restaurant Association provides
Dawn Sweeney Hudson Riehle
comprehensive support on all fronts for the indus-
President and CEO Senior Vice President,
trys success from political advocacy to business
National Restaurant Association Research & Knowledge
services to original research and to help our
members build customer loyalty, rewarding careers
and financial success.
The 2014 edition of this report is divided into six parts by topic: Sales and
Economic Forecast, Workforce Outlook and Trends, Tableservice Trends, Limited-
Service Trends, Technology Trends, and Food and Menu Trends. These chapters
can be used separately, or combined into a 360-degree view of the U.S. restaurant
industry in 2014.
Annika Stensson
Senior Manager,
Research Communications
2014 Sales & Economic Forecast................................................................................................................ 3
Limited-Service Trends................................................................................................................................... 31
Technology Trends........................................................................................................................................... 37
$683.4
among consumers, restaurant-industry
sales are expected to hit a record high in 2014. period.
According to the National Restaurant Associations In the immediate aftermath of the previous
2014 Restaurant Industry Forecast report, restau- four recessions, the restaurant industry registered
BILLION rant-and-foodservice sales are projected to total at least three consecutive years of real sales gains
$683.4 billion in 2014, up 3.6 percent from 2013s above 2 percent. In the four years that followed the
Projected restaurant sales volume of $659.3 billion. Great Recession, real sales growth topped out at
industry 2014 sales volume In inflation-adjusted terms, sales are projected 1.7 percent. The expectation for 2014 is more of
to increase 1.2 percent in 2014, up from a 1.0 the same.
percent gain in 2013. Although 2014 will represent
10.8% 9.9%
9.2% 8.3%
8.4% 8.0% 7.9%
7.7%
7.2%
-3.0%
1971 1975 1979 1983 1987 1991 1995 1999 2003 2007 2011 2014
1980 $119.6
Restaurant Industry Employment
1970 $42.8
*projected *projected
COMMERCIAL RESTAURANT SERVICES $535,049,233 $557,571,805 4.2% $582,812,277 4.5% $601,908,681 3.3% $624,260,673 3.7%
Eating Places 393,086,667 408,839,139 4.0% 426,780,905 4.4% 440,157,959 3.1% 455,935,490 3.6%
Tableservice restaurants 189,459,020 196,165,870 3.5% 202,325,479 3.1% 206,978,965 2.3% 212,360,419 2.6%
Limited-service restaurants 163,041,239 170,215,054 4.4% 180,155,614 5.8% 187,073,590 3.8% 195,379,658 4.4%
Cafeterias, grill-buffets and buffets 8,009,430 8,233,695 2.8% 8,423,070 2.3% 8,608,378 2.2% 8,823,588 2.5%
Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars 25,495,295 26,703,772 4.7% 27,972,435 4.8% 29,237,025 4.5% 30,698,823 5.0%
Social caterers 7,081,683 7,520,748 6.2% 7,904,307 5.1% 8,260,001 4.5% 8,673,002 5.0%
Bars and taverns 17,755,493 18,323,669 3.2% 18,946,674 3.4% 19,401,396 2.4% 19,964,037 2.9%
TOTAL EATING-AND-DRINKING PLACES $410,842,160 $427,162,808 4.0% $445,727,579 4.3% $459,559,355 3.1% $475,899,527 3.6%
NONCOMMERCIAL RESTAURANT SERVICES $49,460,016 $51,632,579 4.4% $53,387,827 3.4% $54,924,361 2.9% $56,568,300 3.0%
MILITARY RESTAURANT SERVICES $2,240,169 $2,342,502 4.6% $2,420,407 3.3% $2,475,849 2.3% $2,531,683 2.3%
TOTAL INDUSTRY SALES $586,749,418 $611,546,886 4.2% $638,620,511 4.4% $659,308,891 3.2% $683,360,656 3.6%
R
estaurant sales on the state and slightly above a projected 4.1 percent
local levels are often closely tied gain in the Mountain region. Sales
to economic and demographic gains in these regions are driven largely
trends. Just as the strength of the by employment, income and popula- 2014 Restaurant
economic recovery varied significantly tion growth that is projected to be well
by state, so too has the general business above the national average in 2014.
Sales Volume ($000)
environment for restaurants. The South Atlantic (3.8 percent) 1 California $69,711,721
While trends generally were moving and Pacific (3.7 percent) regions are 2 Texas $42,557,184
in a positive direction by the end of also expected to register sales growth 3 Florida $34,695,955
2013, it is clear that not all recoveries above the projected 2014 national 4 New York $34,635,161
are created equal. Although every state growth rate of 3.6 percent. 5 Illinois $22,362,318
has added jobs since national employ- On the state level, Arizona is 6 Pennsylvania $18,279,004
ment bottomed out in February 2010, expected to set the pace with restaurant 7 Ohio $17,832,986
only 17 states and the District of sales growth of 4.9 percent in 2014, 8 Georgia $16,511,007
Columbia have more jobs than they did followed closely by North Dakota (4.8 9 North Carolina $15,942,303
before the recession started (both as of percent) and Texas (4.7 percent). 10 New Jersey $14,585,470
November 2013). Florida (4.5 percent) and Colorado (4.1 11 Virginia $14,334,835
Moreover, the range of state-level percent) represent the only other states 12 Michigan $13,471,777
unemployment rates remains large with projected sales growth above 4
from a low of 2.6 percent in North percent in 2014.
Dakota to a high of 9 percent in The top five states in terms of
Nevada and Rhode Island in November restaurant sales gains will also be the
2013. Jobless rates should continue to leaders in 2014 overall job growth, 2014 Projected Growth in
trend downward in 2014, as the NRA according to NRA projections. In Total Employment
expects every state to post employment addition, these states are expected to 1 North Dakota 3.4%
gains of at least 1 percent. post population growth above the
2 Arizona 2.8%
Job growth will continue to be a key national average in 2014.
3 Texas 2.7%
driver of restaurant sales growth in California will continue to lead the
4 Colorado 2.6%
2014 because it not only provides the nation with total restaurant sales
5 Florida 2.4%
disposable income necessary to volume of nearly $70 billion in 2014,
6 Utah 2.2%
support spending, but also generates with Texas following well behind at
7 Georgia 2.2%
the need for convenience that the $42.6 billion. The restaurant industries
8 South Carolina 2.1%
restaurant industry provides. in Florida and New York are expected
9 North Carolina 2.1%
In 2014, the West South Central to register sales of nearly $35 billion in
10 Idaho 2.0%
region is expected to lead the way with 2014.
11 Oregon 1.9%
restaurant sales growth of 4.3 percent,
12 Minnesota 1.9%
14.2% 14.5%
-0.5% -0.3%
-0.6% -0.7%
-2.8%
-4.3%
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013* 2014* 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013* 2014* 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013* 2014*
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Restaurant Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis, National Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis, National
Association *Projected Restaurant Association *Projected Restaurant Association *Projected
International tourism to the United States hit a record high in 2013, according to the Office
of Travel and Tourism Industries (OTTI) within the U.S. Department of Commerce. An
estimated 69 million international visitors came to the United States in 2013, up from 66.7
million in 2012. Approximately 37.5 million of these visitors came from Canada and Mexico,
while an estimated 31.5 million international travelers came from overseas.
Food Prices Expected
Growth in international tourism is expected to continue in the years ahead. OTTI
to be Mixed in 2014
expects 71.8 million international visitors to come to the U.S. in 2014, which would
Elevated food prices continued to pressure represent another record high. Looking further down the road, OTTI expects 4 percent
restaurant operators bottom lines in 2013. annual growth in international visitors during the next several years, which would result
Average wholesale food prices rose 2.3 percent in more than 83 million international visitors to the U.S. by 2018.
in 2013, which marked the fourth consecutive In addition to passenger fares, international travelers to the U.S. are expected to spend
annual gain for a total of nearly 20 percent. well over $100 billion on tourism-related goods and services in 2014, including spending
Looking ahead to 2014, restaurant operators in restaurants.
can expect to get pricing relief on some major With visitors representing a growing source of potential customers, many restaurant
commodities. The U.S. Department of operators are focusing more of their marketing efforts toward travelers and tourists. A
Agriculture (USDA) expects declines in majority of both tableservice and limited-service operators including 96 percent of fine-
primary market prices for pork and broilers in dining operators are planning to do some marketing toward travelers and tourists in 2014.
2014, after both commodities posted sharp Fine dining operators are the most likely to say they plan to ramp up efforts in this area
gains in 2013. in 2014. Thirty-nine percent of fine-dining operators say they plan to devote more
In contrast, USDA expects primary market resources to marketing toward travelers and tourists in 2014, while only 6 percent plan to
prices for beef to post moderate gains in 2014, cut back in this area.
which will build on the already elevated price
levels.
USDA projects mixed trends in dairy prices Another Record Influx of International Visitors
in 2014, while egg prices are expected to fall
sharply.
Expected in 2014
International arrivals to the United States in millions
71.8
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013* 2014*
2012 2013 2014
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries *Projected
Beef 7% 2% 2% to 9%
Pork -8% 6% -2% to -8%
Broilers 10% 15% -1% to -8%
Restaurant Operators Plans for Marketing Toward
Turkeys 4% -6% -2% to 5% Travelers and Tourists in 2014
Eggs 2% 5% -7% to -13% Family Casual Fine Quick- Fast
Milk -8% 8% -1% to 3% Dining Dining Dining service Casual
Cheddar -6% 3% 0% to -4% More resources in 2014 25% 32% 39% 10% 11%
Butter -18% -3% -3% to 4% Fewer resources in 2014 2% 4% 6% 7% 7%
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, December 2013
About the same amount of
projections resources in 2014 54% 44% 51% 55% 44%
Dont plan to devote resources to
marketing toward travelers and
tourists in 2014 18% 20% 4% 27% 38%
Source: National Restaurant Association, Restaurant Trends Survey, 2013
$3.97 Higher-Income
$3.92
Households are
2012
$3.81 Prime Restaurant
$3.63
2013 Customers
2014 Share of total restaurant
spending by household income
$3.51 levels
$3.46
EDUCATIONAL SALES
Food-and-drink sales by foodservice companies that manage restaurant services in colleges, universities, primary and secondary schools, as well as
food-and-drink sales by schools that operate their own restaurant services.
EMPLOYEE SALES
Food-and-drink sales by for-profit companies that manage restaurant services for employees at manufacturing and industrial plants and in commercial
office buildings, as well as food-and-drink sales by plants and companies that run their own noncommercial employee restaurant services.
HEALTH-CARE SALES
Food-and-drink sales by foodservice companies that manage restaurant services in hospitals and nursing homes, as well as food-and-drink sales by
hospitals and nursing homes that operate their own restaurant services.
Lodging-Place SALES
Food-and-drink sales at hotel restaurants and other accommodation restaurants.
RECREATIONAL SALES
Food-and-drink sales at recreation and sports centers, such as movie theaters, sports arenas and bowling lanes.
Transportation SALES
Food-and-drink sales on airlines, passenger/cargo liners and railroads.
Other SALES
1 Purchases refers to expenditures by foodservice establishments for their food-and-drink supplies. 2 Data are given
only for establishments with payroll. 3 Food purchases only.
Source: National Restaurant Association
2013 marked
the first
time in
nearly two
T
he restaurant workforce continued to grow at a robust rate in 2013, keeping the
industry among the economys leaders in job creation. Eating-and-drinking places, the
primary component of the restaurant industry accounting for three-fourths of the total
decades that restaurant-and-foodservice workforce, added jobs at a strong 3.7 percent rate in 2013. The
solid 2013 performance came on the heels of a 3.5 percent increase in 2012, and marked the
first time in nearly two decades that the industry posted back-to-back gains above 3 percent.
the restaurant In comparison, total U.S. employment grew at a 1.7 percent rate in 2013, or less than half of
the gain in eating-and-drinking place jobs. In addition, 2013 represented the 14th consecutive
industry
year in which eating-and-drinking place job growth outpaced the overall economy. During this
14-year period, the number of eating-and-drinking place jobs jumped 29 percent, while total
U.S. employment only rose 5 percent.
posted back- Within the restaurant industry, job growth was broad-based in 2013. The snack-and-
nonalcoholic-beverage bars segment added jobs at an impressive 5.8 percent rate in 2013, followed
by a strong 4.5 percent increase in jobs the quickservice segment. The tableservice segment also
to-back job posted growth above the overall economy, with employment rising 3.4 percent in 2013.
Looking forward, the NRA expects eating-and-drinking places to add jobs at a solid 2.8
gains above
percent rate in 2014, a full percentage point above the projected 1.8 percent gain in total U.S.
employment. The projected 2014 gain will represent the fourth consecutive year in which the
industry posted job growth in excess of 2.5 percent. In comparison, the overall economy hasnt
-0.7% -0.2%
-2.1%
-4.3%
decade. *Note that the turnover figures presented are for the broadly-defined Accommodations and Food Services sector,
because the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not report data for restaurants alone.
Between 2012 and 2022, BLS predicts that **Annual turnover rate is the number of total separations during the entire year as a percent of average annual employment
the number of 16-to-24 year olds in the labor
force will plunge 13.3 percent. In absolute
terms, the number of available 16-to-24-year- Taken together, the number of 16-to-24- 54.9 percent in 2012. By 2022, BLS predicts that
olds which currently account for four of 10 year-olds in the labor pool will fall by roughly 4 fewer than 50 percent of 16-to-24-year olds-will
industry employees will decline by 2.8 million between 2002 and 2022. This long-term be in the labor force.
million in the next 10 years. This projected trend is due in large part to a sharp decline in In addition, the population of the prime
drop will come on the heels of a 1.1 million labor force participation in this demographic. restaurant labor pool is expected to shrink in
decline in this key labor force demographic After peaking at 68.6 percent in 1989, the labor the years ahead. BLS projects the population of
between 2002 and 2012. force participation rate among this group fell to 16-to-24-year-olds to decline by 1.6 million
*Includes operational, business, financial, entertainment, sales, administrative and transportation occupations
Source: National Restaurant Association projections, based on historical data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
ProStarts Impact:
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1,900 secondary schools
48 states, U.S. military bases and Guam
Teaching culinary arts and restaurant
management skills
Gateway to rewarding restaurant and
foodservice careers
ProStart Feeding Dreams.
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Learn more at NRAEF.org
2014 National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. All rights reserved. ProStart is a registered trademark of the National Restaurant Association
Educational Foundation. The logo appearing next to ProStart is a trademark of the National Restaurant Association.
Tableservice Segment
To Post Modest Sales
Growth in 2014
The National
Restaurant
Association
expects the
tableservice
A
lthough the economy is several years into its recovery from the Great Recession,
segments consumers remain generally cautious. Their persistent uncertainty about the economy
has resulted in prolonged pullback on spending by many households, with consumer
spending growth at rates well below what would be expected during a normal economic
in 2014, a
restaurant segment is projected to continue to expand in 2014. The National Restaurant
Association expects the tableservice segments sales to total $212.4 billion in 2014, a 2.6 percent
increase over its 2013 sales of $207.0 billion.
2.6 percent In inflation-adjusted terms, total tableservice sales are projected to edge up 0.2 percent in
2014, the fourth consecutive year of real sales growth. However, it also represents the third
straight year of real sales growth below 1 percent, which illustrates the challenging business
increase over environment that persists for tableservice operators.
3.1%
billion.
2.6%
2.3%
1.1%
0.4%
0.2%
0.1%
Family Dining Casual Dining Fine Dining Family Dining Casual Dining Fine Dining
Poor Fair Good Excellent
Better Than 2013 About the Same as 2013 Down From 2013
Source: National Restaurant Association, Restaurant
Source: National Restaurant Association, Restaurant Trends Survey, 2013
Trends Survey, 2013
Good service 87% 86% 88% 89% 89% 82% 87% 86%
Good value 82% 81% 84% 84% 83% 81% 81% 82%
Some of their favorite items are on the menu 81% 77% 84% 78% 84% 81% 82% 81%
Convenience to their home or work place 65% 64% 66% 68% 68% 67% 56% 63%
Healthy menu items 64% 59% 68% 66% 59% 63% 65% 66%
Dcor or atmosphere 63% 61% 65% 59% 66% 64% 64% 64%
Family or child friendly 58% 54% 62% 64% 62% 53% 50% 56%
Ease of parking at the restaurant 57% 56% 58% 52% 52% 57% 60% 66%
Locally sourced food 48% 44% 51% 47% 44% 48% 48% 53%
Restaurant they havent been to before 43% 43% 43% 52% 44% 38% 39% 37%
Food they havent tried before 40% 44% 37% 55% 38% 35% 33% 28%
Takeout or delivery options 39% 38% 41% 45% 50% 38% 32% 27%
Organic or environmentally friendly food 39% 33% 44% 43% 37% 35% 37% 37%
Technology options, such as smartphone apps, tablets or wi-fi 18% 19% 17% 24% 18% 17% 13% 11%
Source: National Restaurant Association, National Household Survey, 2013
Younger Consumers are More Receptive to Social Media and Electronic Marketing
Percent of consumers who would likely be receptive to the following marketing methods by tableservice restaurants
Frequent
Frequent Frequent Off-Premises
All 18 35 45 55 65 or Fullservice Quickservice Dinner
Adults to 34 to 45 to 54 to 64 Older Customers Customers Customers
RESTAURANT TRENDMAPPER
The ultimate source for analysis of restaurant industry trends
For restaurant operations managers who need the latest trends in food and menu prices or
foodservice executives who want topline analysis of todays economic indicators.
Restaurant.org/TrendMapper
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Limited-Service Segment
Continues to Lead Industry
Sales Growth in 2014
The National
Restaurant
Association
expects the
limited-
service
I
n the midst of an economic recovery that has been defined by tightened purse strings, the
eating-place limited-service restaurant segment has performed relatively well. Limited-service restau-
rant sales and traffic levels continue to improve, despite an uneven economy and damp-
ened consumer confidence.
segment* to Meanwhile, NRA research shows that consumers pent-up demand for both on- and
off-premises dining remains elevated by historical standards, which suggests that customer
demand will continue to grow as the economy improves.
post total sales The National Restaurant Association expects the limited-service eating-place segment* to
post total sales of $234.9 billion in 2014, a 4.4 percent increase over its 2013 sales volume of
$224.9 billion. In inflation-adjusted terms, overall limited-service sales are expected to increase
of $234.9 2.1 percent in 2014, down slightly from a 2.4 percent real gain in 2013.
Within the broadly defined segment, limited-service restaurant sales are expected to total
billion in 2014,
$195.4 billion in 2014, up 4.4 percent from 2013. Snack-and-nonalcoholic-beverage bars are
projected to register sales of $30.7 billion, a 5.0 percent increase over 2013. Cafeterias,
grill-buffets and buffets are expected to post sales of $8.8 billion in 2014, a 2.5 percent gain
4.4%
volume of 2.7%
2.5%
$224.9 billion.
2.1%
0.1%
*The limited-service eating-place segment
consists of three categories: limited-service
restaurants (which includes both quickser- Limited-Service Restaurants Snack and Nonalcoholic Cafeterias, Grill-Buffets,
vice and fast casual), cafeterias, grill-buffets Beverage Bars and Buffets
and buffets, and snack-and-nonalcoholic-
beverage bars. In the text that follows, the Nominal Sales Growth Real (Inflation-adjusted) Sales Growth
term limited-service refers to the broadly
defined limited-service eating-place Source: National Restaurant Association
segment.
62% 40%
Limited-Service Operators Rating of 55%
38%
34%
Business Conditions for the Overall 40%
22%
U.S. Restaurant Industry 29% 16%
Quickservice 9% 5%
7% 62% 31%
Poor Fair Good Excellent 1/2 Number of fast casual operators who expect their
profitability to improve in 2014
Source: National Restaurant Association, Restaurant
Trends Survey, 2013
Good service 87% 87% 87% 89% 88% 86% 88% 81%
Good value 85% 83% 87% 86% 89% 86% 83% 79%
Some of their favorite items are on the menu 82% 80% 84% 82% 87% 82% 83% 78%
Convenience to their home or work place 72% 71% 74% 81% 75% 70% 68% 62%
Healthy menu items 65% 57% 72% 67% 61% 64% 66% 64%
Ease of parking at the restaurant 65% 62% 67% 57% 67% 67% 70% 68%
Family or child friendly 60% 57% 63% 64% 65% 58% 53% 56%
Dcor or atmosphere 54% 53% 54% 54% 52% 55% 55% 53%
Locally sourced food 50% 46% 54% 53% 46% 49% 47% 51%
Restaurant they havent been to before 45% 45% 44% 54% 46% 39% 40% 37%
Organic or environmentally friendly food 41% 35% 45% 45% 34% 39% 43% 39%
Food they havent tried before 40% 43% 36% 52% 40% 35% 32% 29%
Technology options, such as smartphone apps,
ordering kiosks or wi-fi 21% 22% 21% 33% 22% 20% 15% 7%
Source: National Restaurant Association, National Household Survey, 2013
Younger Consumers are More Receptive to Social Media and Electronic Marketing
Percent of consumers who would likely be receptive to the following marketing methods by limited-service restaurants
Frequent
Frequent Frequent Off-Premises
All 18 35 45 55 65 or Fullservice Quickservice Dinner
Adults to 34 to 45 to 54 to 64 Older Customers Customers Customers
help fill this need by cutting menu prices during times when the restaurant
isnt as busy. Limited-Service Operators
About one-fifth of quickservice operators and one-tenth of fast casual Expect Legislative & Regulatory
operators say they currently offer off-peak dining at reduced prices. However,
a higher proportion of operators in both segments believe this will become Issues to Pose Challenges in 2014
more popular in the future. Top challenges expected by limited-service
NRA research also shows that customers would be receptive this option, operators in 2014
with more than seven of 10 adults saying they would consider dining out Fast
more often if menu prices were lower during off-peak times. Among frequent Quickservice Casual
quickservice and off-premises dinner customers, eight of 10 said they would
Health Care Reform 42% 9%
likely take advantage of these lower prices.
The Economy 17% 14%
Government 8% 16%
Frugal Flexibility
45%
Building & Maintaining Sales Volume 5% 18%
Recruiting & Retaining Employees 6% 14%
29%
Limited-service operators who
currently offer off-peak dining at 22% Food Costs 5% 9%
reduced prices Labor Costs 6% 5%
8%
Limited-service operators who Minimum Wage Increase 5% 4%
believe it will become more popular
in this segment in the future Quickservice Fast Casual Competition 0% 5%
Profitability 5% 0%
Source: National Restaurant Association, Restaurant Trends Survey, 2013
Source: National Restaurant Association, Restaurant Trends Survey, 2013
Consumers
said they most
would like to
see restaurants
add the
T
echnology is quickly becoming a part of American life, and more consumers are
following showing increasing interest in using technology at restaurants. NRA research shows
that a significant number of consumers are using such options or would be interested in
doing so if available at their favorite restaurants.
technology Technology can add convenience to the customer experience and help restaurant operations
be more productive and efficient. However, there are challenges to adding new customer-facing
technology, which leaves a gap between what consumers want and what restaurants currently
options: offer. Understanding how consumers prefer to interact with restaurants in the technology space
is crucial to helping operators strategically plan to close that gap.
While focusing on technology to enhance customer service and restaurant efficiency, its
loyalty important to remember that the human factor is still a vital aspect of the hospitality industry.
In fact, NRA research on industry trends in the year 2020 emphasizes that it will remain
programs,
important for restaurant operators to be high-touch in a high-tech environment, as consumers
will still expect personalized service.
ordering,
reservations, Consumers Consider Tech Options when Choosing
a Restaurant
entertainment
According to NRA research, nearly one-fifth of into their decisions when choosing a
consumers (18 percent) say technology options limited-service restaurant; 33 percent of
are an important feature that factors into their 18- to 34-year-olds, compared to 7 percent of
Frequent
Frequent Frequent off-premises
Frequent Customers Are Prime All tableservice quickservice dinner
Technology Users adults customers customers customers
Frequent customers are a key audience for restau- Visit a restaurants website 59% 68% 70% 65%
rant operators, as their usage of restaurant services is View a restaurants menu 58% 70% 61% 64%
higher than the general consumer population. NRA Find information about a restaurant
research breaks down three distinct types of they havent been to before 55% 66% 66% 64%
frequent customers: Place an order for takeout or delivery 43% 50% 59% 59%
Frequent tableservice customers. On average, Search for nutrition information
these customers eat a meal at a sit-down restaurant about restaurant food 34% 41% 42% 39%
Make a reservation 33% 42% 44% 45%
with waiter or waitress service more than once a week.
Post or read restaurant reviews on
Frequent quickservice customers. On average,
consumer-driven sites like Yelp 27% 35% 35% 33%
these customers purchase a meal or snack from a
View a restaurants social media pages,
quickservice restaurant or carry-out place more than like Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest 22% 31% 32% 32%
once a week. Follow restaurants on Twitter 5% 3% 6% 4%
Frequent off-premise dinner customers. On Source: National Restaurant Association, National Household Survey, 2013
average, these customers purchase their dinner meal
from a restaurant, carry-out or delivery place and
eat it at home more than once a week. More Restaurant Visits, More Technology Use
These restaurant guests also are more likely to use Frequent customers who say they would be likely to use the following technology
technology, and they consider those options options in restaurants
important when choosing restaurants. Compared to Frequent
the 18 percent of all consumers, 20 percent of Frequent Frequent off-premises
frequent tableservice customers, 22 percent of All tableservice quickservice dinner
frequent quickservice customers, and 19 percent of adults customers customers customers
frequent off-premises dinner customers say technol- Electronic payment at the table 47% 53% 60% 58%
ogy options are an important factor when choosing a Electronic ordering at the table 40% 44% 54% 55%
tableservice restaurant. This is more pronounced in Menus on iPad/Tablets 37% 42% 48% 47%
the selection process for limited-service restaurants, Self-service, touch-screen kiosk 43% 51% 56% 59%
with 23 percent of frequent tableservice customers, 30 Source: National Restaurant Association, National Household Survey, 2013
percent of frequent quickservice customers, and 27
percent of frequent off-premises dinner customers
saying technology is an important feature (compared Restaurants Are Investing in Technology
to 21 percent of all consumers). Restaurant operators who say they will devote more resources to technology in 2014
Fine
Dining 81%
Facebook Is King of Restaurant Social Universe
Restaurant operators who currently use the following social media channels
Quickservice 79%
Family Casual Fine Quick- Fast
dining dining dining service casual
Fast Facebook 97% 96% 99% 90% 93%
Casual 78%
Twitter 45% 50% 53% 49% 78%
Blog on own website, or
Source: National Restaurant Association, Restaurant Trends platform like Tumblr 11% 19% 26% 18% 20%
Survey, 2013
Online review sites, like Yelp 56% 62% 71% 39% 65%
Video-sharing sites, like
61 61 63
59
57 57
51 51 53 54 51
Fine 47 49
46
Dining 95% 43 42
45
41
44 44
36 37 37 38 36 37 36
35
32
27 28
25 24
17
Quickservice 99%
Discipline-specific study groups bring together Fast Casual Industry Marketing Executives
professionals who share vital areas of expertise Council (MEG)
and years of experience. Each groups free, focused Pizzeria Industry Council Nutrition
listserv community links executives with their peers
Financial Officers & Tax Quality Assurance
and solutions via e-mail. Meetings provide forums
Executives
for networking, sharing and learning best practices, Risk & Safety Managers
and opportunities for professional development. Human Resources
Supply Chain Management
Information Technology
Visit Restaurant.org/Events-Networking iMIS Users Conference
Internal Audit
93 percent of
restaurant
operators say
they have
noticed their
T
odays consumers are more knowledgeable about food and drinks than ever before.
They are increasingly interested in what is on their plates, where it comes from and how
it was prepared. This trend isnt lost on restaurant operators: 93 percent say they have
customers noticed their customers are growing more sophisticated regarding food and restaurants.
On the consumer side, about three-quarters (76 percent) say that going out to a restaurant
with family and friends is a better use of their leisure time than cooking and cleaning up, and
are growing nearly seven of 10 (67 percent) say that their favorite restaurant foods provide flavor and taste
sensations that cant easily be duplicated at home.
To keep up with the evolution of consumer palates, restaurant operators continually add
more new food and beverage items to their menus. The vast majority of operators across segments
added new food and beverage items to their menus in 2013 and plan to do so again in 2014.
restaurants.
item 2013 37% 52% 49% 62% 45%
New alcoholic beverage item in
2013 (of those serving alcohol) 83% 87% 91% 25% 55%
New food item in 2014 95% 96% 99% 85% 89%
New non-alcoholic beverage
item in 2014 38% 51% 52% 63% 53%
New alcoholic beverage item in
2014 (of those serving alcohol) 85% 88% 94% 21% 60%
Source: National Restaurant Association, Restaurant Trends Survey, 2013
Nearly seven of 10
consumers say their favorite
restaurant foods provide flavor and
taste sensations that cant easily be
duplicated at home
11 Nose-to-tail/root-to-stalk cooking
(e.g. reduce food waste by using entire
animal/plant) Trends from the Counter
12 Whole grain items in kids meals Limited-service restaurant operators are reporting similar overall trends as the chefs
do in Whats Hot in 2014, but with a few differences. While local sourcing and kids
13 Health/nutrition
nutrition are in the top trends on both lists, spicy items, build your own items, and
14 New cuts of meat (e.g. Denver steak, pretzel bread are unique leading trends in this segment. Gluten-free items again
pork flat iron, tri-tip) ranked as the No. 1 trend on limited-service menus.
15 Ancient grains (e.g. kamut, spelt, When it comes to items that limited-service operators no longer consider hot
amaranth) trends, energy drinks, doughnuts, breakfast wraps, paninis, and wraps top the
16 Ethnic-inspired breakfast items yesterdays news list.
(e.g. Asian-flavored syrups, Chorizo
scrambled eggs, coconut milk pancakes)
Top 25 Limited-Service Menu Trends for 2014
17 Grazing (e.g. small-plate sharing/
snacking instead of traditional meals) 1 Gluten-free items 15 Sustainable seafood
18 Non-traditional fish (e.g. branzino, 2 Healthful kids meals 16 Artisan/house-made items
Arctic char, barramundi) 3 Spicy items 17 Grain-based salads (quinoa,
19 Fruit/vegetable childrens side items 4 Fruit/vegetable sides in kids meals couscous, etc.)
21 Hybrid desserts (e.g. cronut, townie, ice 7 Build your own items 20 Lower-fat items
cream cupcake) 21 Egg white omelets/sandwiches
8 Low-fat/non-fat milk or 100%
22 Non-wheat flour (e.g. peanut, millet, juice options in kids meals 22 Whole-grain items
barley, rice) 9 Pretzels/pretzel bread 23 Asian/Asian fusion cuisine
23 Simplicity/back to basics 10 Flatbreads 24 Flavored/enhanced water
24 Quinoa 11 Specialty coffee 25 Smoothies
25 Unusual/uncommon herbs (e.g. chervil, 12 Ethnic fusion cuisine
lovage, lemon balm, papalo) 13 Organic items
14 Lower-calorie items
Source: National Restaurant Association, Whats Hot in 2014
chef survey
Source: National Restaurant Association, Restaurant Trends Survey, 2013
Trends from the Bar operators on which menu items were considered perennial
favorites. Popular items in both segments include Italian cuisine
The Whats Hot in 2014 chef survey also examined the hottest and comfort food, although the rest of the top 20 lists differ to
alcohol trends for the coming year. The top trends in beverage reflect the menu composition in each segment.
alcohol tend to follow the overall themes of food trends. They focus
on local sourcing, including the most local of all onsite produc-
tion. However, the playfulness of mixology also is evident in the top Top 20 Perennial Favorites
10 trends, showing off edible cocktails and food-cocktail pairings.
Trends that are cooling off, according to the chefs, include Tableservice Menus Limited-Service Menus
shrubs, sour beer, vaporized cocktails, cocktails on tap, and
1 Italian cuisine 1 Soft drinks
non-traditional flavored liquor (such as bacon or marshmallow);
those items topped the yesterdays news list. 2 Fried chicken 2 Poultry items
3 Barbeque 3 Milk
4 Frying 4 French fires
TOP 10 Alcohol Trends FOR 2014 5 Eggs Benedict 5 Chicken sandwiches
6 Grilling 6 Pizza
64
say they are more Locally sourced meat or seafood 41% 48% 80% 15% 27%
likely to visit a restau- Food items from an on-site
rant that offers locally garden 9% 8% 30% N/A N/A
produced items. Source: National Restaurant Association, Restaurant Trends Survey, 2013
22%
Percent of restau- 20%
More healthy options available compared to two years ago 81% 79% 84% 82% 85% 84% 82% 74%
More likely to visit a restaurant that offers healthy options 72% 67% 76% 73% 71% 76% 67% 69%
Source: National Restaurant Association, National Household Survey, 2013
Midwest (34 percent). It is also more common among younger consumers, as is Would patronize a food truck if their favorite restaurant offered it
consumers interest in visiting food trucks if their favorite restaurant offered one. Have purchased food from a truck
While most food trucks arent extensions of brick-and-mortar restaurant Source: National Restaurant Association,
National Household Survey, 2013
operations, a small percentage of restaurant operators currently operate a
truck as part of their business. In addition, NRA research found that up to
one-fifth will consider starting one in the next year or two, with limited- 49% of quickservice operators
service operators more likely to say so than fullservice operators. Operators say they believe food trucks will
in different segments also have differing opinions about whether food trucks
become more popular within
will become more popular within their segments in the future.
their segment in the future.
Surveys
Restaurant Trends Survey: The National Restaurant Association conducted an online survey of 520 restaurant operators nation-
wide across industry segments in November-December 2013, asking a range of questions about their business and operating
environment.
National Household Survey: The National Restaurant Association commissioned ORC International to conduct a telephone survey
of 1,019 American adults December 5-8, 2013, asking a variety of questions about consumers interaction with restaurants.
Technology Innovations Consumer Survey: The National Restaurant Association commissioned ORC International to survey
1,000 adults October 3-6, 2013, specifically about their usage of technology options in restaurants.
The Smartest Business Decisions
are Based on the Best Information
The NRAs research and publications can help restaurant operators build customer loyalty, rewarding careers and
financial success. And dont forget, NRA membership includes member-exclusive pricing on all publications!
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