Restaurant Trade Area Research

I had seen the billboards but had somehow missed any TV ads for the new Wendy’s W Burger. So, when I eventually did see the TV and it showed the `special sauce’ - my mind instantly went off as a lover of the Big Mac nearly 50 years. When aware of that fact - which I did not pick up from the billboards - in only days I stopped to try it.

Now, interestingly, only days before I had paid 3.91 including Tax for a Wendy’s single at drive thru - it having been since the `improvement’ since I had tasted the new offering. And, the single was `upscaled’ in my opinion - but, in all honesty - 3.91 is a stretch for the product. So, with that in my mind - I went IN this time and ordered the W (making it a combo) for only a little over a buck more than the Single alone.

I was immediately impressed with the sandwich and LOVED the `positioning between the Big Mac and the Whopper’ (even moreso if any BK’s still have the `King’ - their version of the BM) — LOVED the positioning. Indeed, my mind thought, WHY  are they not positioning it that way too? Indeed, the sandwich HASN’T what McDonald’s I’m sure would love to be able to dump - the extra slice of bread between the two patties; thereby giving lots of meat ratio in every bite in comparison.

Yet, the sandwich was uniquely targeted at the whopper too - with the larger lettuce piece(s) and tomato. And, at that time I thought that McDonald’s better have some concern about this sandwich pulling from it’s very core oldtime base customer. All in all - I was impressed.

My second time was nearly as good as the first and was only two days later- but, I got this one to go, with no sides or drinks - paid less than before - had a better sandwich value in my mind than the Single OR Big Mac - but realized that for WENDY’s the tradedown would have to be a hit to the bottom line IMO; especially in comparison to the probable profit margin on the Single.

Then, weeks later, I went inside for another combo while a unit was having operation problems (At Trickum In Woodstock, two Saturday’s ago) - the manager on duty was yelling loudly at the crew about being prepared in advance. It startled the folks in line it was so loud. I hoped no one would walk off the job as the place seemed understaffed and the wait was already mounting. However, the real letdown was upon opening the W - gone were the lettuce and tomato - (I had asked for some extra sauce on it and it was swimming in it) - one little slice of onion, NOTHING else. It was a total turn off and problems were only mounting at the line and counter so I simply ate it.

Interestingly, I said to the counter girl - `how much would it cost if someone asked for the sauce on a Single’ - she said it would be FREE as all toppings are free. For some reason the answer surprised me - could some just as easily ask for Big Mac sauce on a dollar hamburger? Or, the Wendy’s 99cent offerings?

So, I haven’t been back - it’s been a few weeks and probably a bit longer than normal for my Wendy’s visits (prior to W usually a single combo): and as you can see from the link - others are not so impressed with Wendy’s either as in this recent article saying it would http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/01/12/why-wendys-will-never-be-great-again/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D127010 never be great again.

I wouldn’t go that far - but - the positioning of the W could have been structured  a lot better to attract actual new customers from their main competitors IMO. Heck, SELL the sauce in the store in jars - like Big Boy.

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These Two Guys Had The Same Impression As Me On First Tasting

One of the ideas that I’ve personally stressed over the years to clients is to look at their customer base in two manners, trade area and customer frequency segments (heavy users, etc.). And, one of those categories is the VERY occasional user - especially customers that either live in the trade area or frequently use other retail nearbyand therefore pass by said FF brand often. These aware non users (lets say haven’t been to the restaurant in over a year or so) often were users at a higher frequency `back in the day’ (or may have fallen off the usage chart since the new normal). Some FF brands may even consider this market segment to be in the trier-rejector category; often seeing no reason to even market to them.

(Which is silly. Getting those early in life visits to RE-visit is perhaps JUST as easy as getting REAL new users.)

I bring all this up to clarify what my usage of these restaurant brands were before a `re-introductionary’ visit recently (for blogging purposes and for a rotation of tastes, a phrase often heard in FF customer research, especially with male customers). Anyway, here’s a review of a recent visit to Schlotzsky’s,  and Krystal’s.

(These visits happened in summer 2011.)

The Krystal’s my daughter and I visited for a weekday lunch (during her summer teacher break) was located on Canton Rd. (Marietta) - something I drive by anyday I go inside the perimeter or even down to a near `farmers market’ type location further `down’ (south) on Canton. Despite going past the restaurant several hundred times at least since my last visit ,this was our/my first visit inside in several years;(and perhaps we had used the drive thru once in that time period). All this low frequency despite loving the mouthfeel of the Krystal Steamed Burger for decades now. LOW frequency does not mean rejection of brand something FF marketers should remember.

First, upon entry, the Reader Board seemed VERY confusing to look at, and was very strange in that NO combo’s were priced at the 3.00 dollar(s) level at all. Indeed, it was hard to even find the prices for ANY individual products, and they only appeared shuffled over to the side and corner last read (lower right for me).

In fact, after consideration, the combo meals almost seemed designed for parties of two (which isn’t necessarily a bad idea) almost — I’m speaking of combos with 4 and 5 hamburgers being featured.

I saw the Angus Offerings - but internally I think of only the key signature product, the Krystal.(Back of mind thinks, steamed angus?)

We entered about 11:35 AM or so, with the counter having no customers and the order taker cleaning or straightening the front lobbyish area. She gave a nice greeting saying it would be a moment and then apologized again for the 10 second delay, if that, when she was at the register. She was friendly when we told her we needed to look the menu over, and that it had been a bit of time since our last visit.

Eventually, I got 2 Cheese Krystals, fries, and a sweet tea. (Certainly, there should be a combo for this, right? But wasn’t.) - And, my daughter got a sampler of corn dog, Chile dog, mini chicken and Krystal (I think) - this came in a combo with fries and a drink. After paying @12 bucks total, we were given the `number flag’ that have become famous at the `fast casual’ segment - signifying that our food is cooked fresh (or fresher) and that `service’ is being given as we no longer have to `lobby wait’ as customers did in the `old’ pre-new normal days of commerce.

We entered the carpeted eating area - which consisted of 6 or so parties, including at least one person using the free trendy `fast casual mandatory’ Wi-fi service offered. We waited under 3 minutes for our meal delivery.

Which turned out to be wrong (daughters order, not the sampler mix ordered). She kept the right stuff and waited for I believe a chili dog to arrive a minute or two later.

We began eating.

We both thought the fries were VERY good - meaty, yet crispy and hot. Restaurant quality. All the `junk’ food for both of us was satisfying with a great remembering of `the tastes of Krystals’ for myself. My sweet tea was very good also.

The ambiance was okay and had fun images/pictures on the wall, mainly depicting a younger set of folks than was represented in the restaurant ultimately. (Surprisingly, the customer mix was nearly 50/50 sex, white/black race mix, parties of two/one about equal, strong majority over 35). I liked the music although the format now escapes me.

VERDICT - A bit high priced for the products offered IMO - causing a slight value perception problem, especially considering `old’ perceptions of pricing would be of the `cheaper days’ and cheap  Bag of Krystal’s promotions. However, the price was not totally out of line or a usage killer. 

Indeed, the pricing, for the  service of table food delivery, and wi-fi, - is NOT out of line. That said, my perception of a direct competitor of Krystal would be Checkers, not fast casual. (And, IMO, Checkers offers much more value perception.) Certainly, the ambiance isn’t of the level of an Atlanta Bread Company, or even a Boston Market or Zaxby’s, or most of the re-done McDonald’s interiors. And, the fast casuals simply have a higher quality perception with their food and health levels than any of the FF’s (except for Subway IMO, and now, perhaps, with Wendy’s regaining it a bit).

So, would the `new again’ visit be enough to have me stop for a lunch on the way to the farmers market now for an inside meal, or, for breakfast on the way to I-75? (Wrong side of street for easy evening access.)

Not really for me. A low end wi-fi with a non female ambiance FF restaurant, even with great mouthfeel, trying to be a fast casual restaurant - isn’t quite compelling enough. (It’s now been 4 months and I haven’t returned or used the drive-thru.) That said, perhaps a re-directed effort in a couple of marketing strategies might have an effect (such as a 2 Krystal combo?).

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The Schlotzsky’s we visited was in Woodstock on Highway 92 across from Home Depot. That was yesterday about 10 til noon - a weekday. It had been at least two years or more since we had been to this location. When this location opened, we used it as much as once a month for a couple of years. Back then, the store had some operation problems, order problems, even cost of order problems - with our orders - a number of times.

Upon entry, we immediately notice the interior changes, NO order window to monitor to pick up ones order (a definite improvement) and the complete removing of the drink/soup service station from the order/lobby area. Wow. Much better.

The wood furniture, tables and chairs, appears to be `darker’ and more upscale than before too. Moved also is the salad area with pre-made salads (no longer offering potato salads and other things).

The menu board is simpler than Krystal’s for sure and easy to understand. The prices are very consistant with a premium sandwich location. Combo’s are clearly marked.

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That’s how far this post got a few months ago. I have not returned to Schlotzskys either.

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The blogging is going to re-start soon. Thanks for your patience.

Let us begin:

First, how about a product that lets you open a bathroom restaurant door with your FEET? http://www.stepnpull.com/ or, the horrors of restaurant websites? http://www.slate.com/id/2301228/ - as you know, McDonald’s sales up again in July over 5% http://www.restaurantnews.com/mcdonalds-strong-performance-continues-july-comparable-sales-up-5-1/ and Denny’s sales up 2% for the comparible quarter http://www.restaurantnews.com/dennys-reports-results-for-second-quarter-2011/

More soon.

Hello - let’s pick up where summer left off a month ago. Also, I’ve written up my experiences at two restaurants recently - look for that soon.

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Of course, huge news was the http://www.myce.com/news/court-fines-restaurants-over-40k-for-playing-music-without-a-license-50280/ 40K dollar fine for playing unlicensed music by BMI - do they realize their business model sounds like a shakedown? And, with sales off 6% in the first quarter http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/story/2011/08/Burger-King-freshens-fast-food-image-kicks-King-to-the-curb/50046768/1 BK has kicked the KING to the curb. Says they will be targeting MOM? Good luck with that one. ———— Meanwhile…… Chili’s passes  ONE MILLION facebook fans - http://www.restaurantnews.com/chilis-celebrates-1000000-facebook-fans-with-party-and-free-chilis-for-a-year-for-one-lucky-fan/ and While Castle won a Consumer Reports survey for most craved Hamburger http://www.restaurantnews.com/white-castle-beats-out-the-big-three-hamburger-chains-in-a-national-survey/.

More tomorrow.

Hello Folks - still in the summer clearance mode - but, today, with a bit more commentary on occasion than the last three posts.

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First up is something that I’ve been cautioning about and now has some evidence to back it up - Too much customer contact can hurt business - http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-07-customer-contact-business.html - the study indicates the IDEAL number of calls, e-mails, or mailings a customer base will tolerate before reacting negatively. Food for thought. ———— Next, Is the `Better Burger’ bubble about to burst? That is the premise of this article, but, IMO, NO, as the fast casual will expand until the business model of `no tipping’ is adopted by some brand of `casual’ restaurant to combat the Fast Casuals. Anyway, good article and again, food for thought - http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2011/06/17/the-end-of-the-%E2%80%98better-burger%E2%80%99-bubble/ ———- More data about the restaurant habits of Americans in the new normal - a great study - Unemployment Makes IHOP-to-Red Lobster Target Higher Incomes - http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-09/high-unemployment-makes-ihop-to-red-lobster-target-higher-income-customers.html – indeed, here’s a tease:

Spending on Takeout

Households that earned more than $70,000 in 2009, about 32 percent of the U.S. population, accounted for 55 percent of spending on takeout and food away from home, according to the most recent data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Consumers making less than $40,000 — or “aspirational diners” — cut back on eating out about five years ago and have yet to rebound much, Knapp said. This “erosion of frequency” among lower-income households forced executives at quick-service and casual-dining restaurants to figure out how to broaden their appeal as the market began to weaken in 2008, he said. Now, many of their plans are becoming reality.

More soon.

Days of not having access and a backlog of links to begin with has resulted in now three days of links - without comments. Enjoy.

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Moe’s to get new, fresher menu - http://www.ajc.com/business/moes-to-get-new-802477.html —- Cracker Barrel and The Grascals Celebrate #1 Debut on Billboard Bluegrass Chart - http://www.restaurantnews.com/cracker-barrel-and-the-grascals-celebrate-1-debut-on-billboard-bluegrass-chart/ — Burger King Settles Value Menu Franchisee Lawsuit - http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=13400051 — McDonal’s sales http://www.restaurantnews.com/mcdonalds-announces-strong-sales-and-earnings-growth-for-first-quarter-2011/ - —- 2011 Best Service Winners - Top 50 Restaurant List - http://www.opentable.com/promo.aspx?ref=7465&pid=443

I still have lots of links in the bin - Oh, and I have a new blog about Restaurants too - first post is up - http://restaurantadvertisingcommericals.blogspot.com/ - it reviews a Hardee’s commercial out currently.

One more time - Links without commentary.

New Concept, Coal Burger, Set to Sizzle in the Woodlands - http://www.restaurantnews.com/new-concept-coal-burger-set-to-sizzle-in-the-woodlands/ ——— New 1/4 Pound Southern Style Chicken Sandwich Debuts at Church’s Chicken Restaurants - http://www.restaurantnews.com/new-1-4-pound-southern-style-chicken-sandwich-debuts-at-churchs-chicken-restaurants/  —- Jack in the Box Introduces New Bourbon BBQ Steak Grilled Sandwich - http://www.restaurantnews.com/jack-in-the-box-introduces-new-bourbon-bbq-steak-grilled-sandwich/ —- Benihana Sizzles with Five-Course Filet Mignon and Hibachi Chicken for Two - http://www.restaurantnews.com/benihana-sizzles-with-five-course-filet-mignon-and-hibachi-chicken-for-two/ —— and today’s fun link - http://www.hamburgerchains.com/

Part Three tomorrow

Hello everyone - thanks for your visit. Today I’m going to clear out tons of links that have simply backed up in the bin due to NOT having access to my blogs on 1and1.com for a couple weeks (server errors corrected now) - indeed, all the links I haven’t even saved yet will probably be in another post soon (more recent links).

Here we go:

Restaurant bans kids under 6. Discrimination or smart move? - http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/restaurant-bans-kids-under-6-discrimination-or-smart-move-2509487/ —- Online Daily Restaurant Deals Drive Positive Consumer Behavior - http://www.restaurantnews.com/online-daily-restaurant-deals-drive-positive-consumer-behavior/ —-Pizza Inn Launches Fast-Casual Concept Pie Five Pizza Co. - http://www.restaurantnews.com/pizza-inn-launches-fast-casual-concept-pie-five-pizza-co/ —- SF won’t let restaurant owner sell grasshopper tacos - http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/san_francisco&id=8176871 —– Quiznos to Expand Convenience Store Growth Strategy - http://www.restaurantnews.com/quiznos-to-expand-convenience-store-growth-strategy/ —– Fast-Food Upstarts Pursue Success with Quality, Not Quantity - http://www.allbusiness.com/food-beverage/restaurants-food-service-restaurants-fast/15632324-1.html —- Denny’s Celebrates America’s Culinary Heritage with New Menu - http://www.restaurantnews.com/dennys-celebrates-americas-culinary-heritage-with-new-menu/ ——

more soon.

RTAR is sad to report the demise of `the train station’ restaurant in downtown Woodstock Georgia - the Right Wing Tavern. Regular readers will remember that I featured the RWT when my family used a Groupon there in February of this year  The Groupon `Restaurant’ Experience - Why Pay More? - when I wrote one of the first `negative’ reviews of using the marketing idea of Groupon for restaurants (and coupons in general). Here’s a link of the closing in the local online coverage - http://woodstock.patch.com/articles/oh-no-right-wing-tavern-is-closed - which `blames’ the democrats and liberals now that Obama is in power (a bit tongue in cheek) - while at the facebook page the owner sites the 2008 Great Recession downturn for the restaurants eventual closing.

However, it may go beyond both those reasons - even if both had a part in the closing. Reason being, Downtown Woodstock is THRIVING at the moment, and, over the last 2 years in particular, - with multiple eating places opening in direct competition to RWT - including Canyon’s Burgers (fast casual with beer, wine) , Pure (more funky, tex-mex, drinks, outside atmosphere), and J.Christophers (breakfast, lunch) . Indeed, a dessert place and a `coffee bar’ have also opened and are attracting dollars.

Now, I would hardly blame the Groupon for the RWT closing - but, remember my words after my Groupon experience (and remember, my family was an irregular user within the trade area):

“The effect of Groupon’s ultimately on the sit-down, alcohol available, how about an appetizer or dessert places - such as Right Wing Cafe (yes with a political theme) could be even worse IMO. There, in a location we only use perhaps once a year, - I am SURE that I wouldn’t return without getting the same 15.00 savings (bill was 38 - minus 15 for 23 bucks) (not including tip).

It’s just my opinion, but, it seems unlikely that folks that have stopped goingto hostess seated, appetizer-dessert-alcohol pushed by waitpersons restaurants - but who are indeed enticed by 15.00 savings - will be returning at FULL price. Right?”

So, the fallout of 2008’s new normal is STILL working its way thru the competitive restaurant marketplace - and some foods, and political climates and pricing and marketing - can `do in’ even icons in perfect trade areas.

Our family loves Crawfish - and, whatever happened to Langostino’s? Hot N Juicy Crawfish Restaurant to Open in Orlando - http://www.restaurantnews.com/hot-n-juicy-crawfish-restaurant-to-open-in-orlando/ opening in the insanely hot trade area near the Disney Complex of Entertainment.=============

The expected social media pushback has started - Why I Will Never, Ever Hire A “Social Media Expert” - post gets right to the point about NOT over doing it and at getting a balance. http://www.businessinsider.com/why-i-will-never-ever-hire-a-social-media-expert-2011-5#ixzz1PpH0wUVb – taking an opposite view, the rebranding of Food Trucks - How Social Media Is Fueling the Food Truck Phenomenon - http://mashable.com/2011/06/16/food-trucks-social-media/

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In McDonald’s news - Tampa area McDonald’s are a template for the nation - think cozy and efficient with embedded media penetration - and improved operations once again at the drive thru - (even soundproofed kid areas) http://www2.tbo.com/news/tech/2011/may/18/tampa-mcdonalds-are-a-template-for-the-nation-ar-208053/ - and leave it to McDonald’s to provide this stat - McDonald’s Could Account for Half of May’s Job Growth - http://www.theatlanticwire.com/business/2011/06/how-much-was-mcdonalds-responsible-last-months-job-growth/38489/ - the new normal rolls onward. ———–

But, this analysis suggests that restaurants have been spared some of the impact of the new normal - especially some in particular and some types in particular - Not all is gloomy for restaurants, analysts say - http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9NIHAAO1.htm

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Here’s a link with a detailed look into the Groupon experience of one restaurant owner - and will provide an outline as to what to avoid if you have not made the one time plunge - http://techcrunch.com/2011/06/09/groupon-single-worst-decision/ – as regulars to this blog know - I have been posting about similar experiences from a consumer viewpoint that also would be equally bad for an individual restaurant - The Groupon `Restaurant’ Experience - Why Pay More? - http://restauranttradearearesearch.com/2011/02/23/the-groupon-restaurant-experience-why-pay-more/ and here - http://restauranttradearearesearch.com/2011/05/31/the-restaurant-value-coupon-dilemma/ . IMO, `Groupon’s’ in a Generic sense - would best be used in EXTREMELY targeted localized areas on the fringe of Trade Areas with lower penetration (almost like how the backs of Kroger receipts in the East Cobb area have been for a decade or more).

Wait, it gets even worse - here’s the same viewpoint with even stronger reasons to resist the Groupon type of experience - Why Daily Deals Are Becoming A Raw Deal - http://techcrunch.com/2011/06/03/why-daily-deals-raw-deal/ – IMO, the best `daily deal’ positioning in the restaurant marketplace is Subway’s 3.99 daily combo which changes everyday.

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In other news, Arby’s to be sold - http://www.restaurantnews.com/wendys-arbys-group-announces-definitive-agreement-to-sell-arbys-to-roark-capital-group/ and Burger King finally announces a new menu focus (think healthier, salads-smoothies) and store interior design of updated colors - http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/30/2242557/burger-king-goes-for-new-look.html and Dunkin Donuts has added a somewhat complicated User Rewards program - http://www.restaurantnews.com/dunkin-donuts-launches-new-dd-perks-rewards-program/ – that said, it appears to have big rewards for the heaviest of users (who may be considering the upgrades to coffee and other offerings at other FF restaurant brands).

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Look around the sidebar for more - thanks for your visit today.

Sodapalooza is what the billboard sign screams in East Cobb, Georgia - it’s the new 49cents drink promotion at Race Trac http://www.racetrac.com/AwesomeDeals.aspx - a southeastern convenience store chain. Indeed, the competitors price is all of 59cents this summer (Quik Trip) I believe. And, as we all know McDonald’s has had 1.00 any sweet tea (occasionally all drinks too) of any size.

Unbelievably, to me, the reluctance to challenge McDonald’s great positioning continues with few exceptions. In Atlanta - Sonic, Steak and Shake and Chick Fil A - all have a dayparted two for one in the afternoon (do you ride around with others in the afternoon?) non-meal hours. While a reaction, it is somewhat whimpy. And, no other FF’s even seem to `get it’.

Hence, the huge rise in `drinkless’ FF orders (those so-called value combos eventually saved the average consumer nothing or perhaps a quarter and users knew that it had become more of an ordering and operations way of pigeonholeing consumers) — which has even given way to `sandwich only’ orders in the New Normal.

Consumers remember the days when Iced Tea was just coming onto FF menus — and IT WAS ALWAYS CHEAPER — much cheaper. What ever happened to that? Are FF outlets really going to lose money IF they `re-position’ drink prices? What if `any size drink’ was 79cents with a full priced sandwich? Wouldn’t that be easy? Certainly better ideas exist to return the drink to the orders than what is currently being marketed by nearly all FF brands.

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In the new normal after the crash of 08 - restaurant people have been suddenly had a new outlet for `marketing’ - the so-called `value’ coupon offers of Groupon and many others. This article goes in detail to the positives and yes, the NEGATIVES (and backlash forming) - well worth your read. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/foodwine/2014755353_webcoupons13.html?prmid=head_main ——–

Customers are SPEAKING up about what might increase their FREQUENCY of usage of your restaurant in this article - some highlights - Calorie and Nutrition info, snack items, more breakfast and Chicken offerings, — and more at the link - http://www.restaurantnews.com/consumers-serve-up-advice-to-restaurants-looking-to-increase-the-frequency-of-their-visits/ —

Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr GO TURKEY - http://www.restaurantnews.com/carls-jr-hardees-first-national-fast-food-chains-offering-charbroiled-turkey-burgers/ - and position the health claims.

SUBWAY reduces sodium by 28% - smart move, under marketed - http://www.restaurantnews.com/subway-restaurants-reduce-sodium/

More along these same lines of trends - Restaurants say consumers are finally ordering healthier meals - http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2011-04-12-healthy-food-restaurants-applebees.htm

See the sidebar `labels’ for categories of interest to you. Thanks.

There is brand loyalty and there is brand loyaty - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/12/in-n-out-burger-north-texas-expansion_n_861172.html?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl1%7Csec3_lnk3%7C213092 with video. Up until now I had been blissfully unaware of In-N-Out’s Christian connections. ————————-

Holy Smokes. Panera Bread has added choice sirloin steak to the breakfast daypart, salad offerings, and sandwich segments of it’s menu - quality marketing moves - http://www.fastcasual.com/article/181104/Panera-Bread-beefs-up-menu-with-steak-sandwiches-salad ——————————————-

Meanwhile…. Wendy’s Fries Beat McDonald’s in National Taste Test - http://www.restaurantnews.com/wendys-fries-beat-mcdonalds-in-national-taste-test/ - if it was ME - I’d position this information to all the NON TRIERS — ad, two friends, one gives facts to the other and says `You mean you haven’t tried them yet?’  ————————————–

McDonald’s to increase prices one percent - http://www.slashfood.com/2011/04/22/mcdonalds-to-bump-prices-yet-ads-wax-fifties-nostalgic/ ———————

And, here’s an interesting research study about the breakfast daypart with consumers which provides actionable understandings - Research Reveals Restaurant Diners Want Healthier Breakfast - http://www.restaurantnews.com/research-reveals-restaurant-diners-want-healthier-breakfast/ - healthy fast food, a growing segment for sure. —- here is more proof of the pudding - Lower Calorie Items Gaining Momentum on Restaurant Menus - http://www.restaurantnews.com/lower-calorie-items-gaining-momentum-on-restaurant-menus/

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In what can only be considered somewhat eye-opening, much like the subject matter - McDonald’s clearly wins in this study of over 15,000 respondents (customers) for loyalty in the important coffee segment of customers - especially for the still growing breakfast daypart. More menu census data extensions - http://www.nacsonline.com/NACS/News/Daily/Pages/ND0418112.aspx and speaking of McDonald’s - check out this fun list floating around of the `secret menus’ you can order from FF restaurants if you know what to ask for - http://www.ranker.com/list/mcdonald_s-secret-menu-items/secret-menu-items - BIG MAC dipping sauce for french fries? Hmmm. The above article also links to the secret menus of other FF restaurants too. Much like this article of the Cult origins of various FF choices - http://www.minyanville.com/special-features/articles/McDonalds-McDonald-brothers-Ray-Kroc-history/11/23/2010/id/31222

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Meanwhile, in modern marketing … Arby’s Flash Mob Descends Upon Times Square - http://www.restaurantnews.com/arbys-flash-mob-descends-upon-times-square/ - with video. Instant karma via marketing? group spoofed Gene Kelly’s dance in Singing in the Rain and helped spread a good mood to passersby.

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More upscaling news at Fast Food brands - Fazoli’s - http://www.kentucky.com/2011/03/12/1667393/in-era-of-failing-restaurant-chains.html - following the lead of Boston Market and others with upscale plateware and lobby services. Nice full article on the turnaround in progress.

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Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr sales, year to year, same store - Hardee’s Up 4.4%, Carl’s Jr Down 4.8%.

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Thanks for your visit today - have a look around if this is your first time here.