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

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.

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

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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Ronald McDonald of course. The icon. The legend. Say it isn’t so, please, say it isn’t so — http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/company-news/ronald-mcdonald-put-to-pasture-as-fast-food-chain-gentrifies/19866419/ - more than likely, IMO, is that he is being given a marketing `rest’ to avoid burnout also. It also helps to not confuse the new McDonald’s perceptions (hey, it’s for adults too) just yet with the old-time favorite.

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Saw the new Dairy Queen ads which take on (poke fun at) the whole use of the word `Good’ in advertising campaigns by fast food brands (wonder who).

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Here’s a cheap fun idea - use your FF brand blog or social media to challenge a `celebrity’ in some manner - Denny’s Calls Out ‘Man v. Food’ Star Adam Richman - http://www.hospitality-industry.com/index.php/news/comments/dennys_calls_out_man_v._food_star_adam_richman/ could you eat 40 dollars of food from Denny’s? How about 20 dollars?

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Continuing to enhance at an important price point - Burger King Beefs Up Value Menu with BK Stackers - http://www.restaurantnews.com/burger-king-beefs-up-value-menu-with-bk-stackers/

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Meanwhile….

Cici’s continues push on price point - CiCi’s Pizza Announces $4.99 Endless Value Dinner Campaign - http://www.restaurantnews.com/cicis-pizza-announces-4-99-endless-value-dinner-campaign/  and Sonic - SONIC Adds Four New Premium Beef Hot Dogs to Menu - http://www.restaurantnews.com/sonic-adds-four-new-premium-beef-hot-dogs-to-menu/

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Thanks for your visit - RTAR’s Alexa rank - http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/restauranttradearearesearch.com# - will post again soon as I have lots of links ready to go.

Continuing the theme that fast food is `good’ - such as KFC’s slogan - “That’s So S-O G DoubleO D Gooood” - Arby’s has launched its latest effort with `It’s Good Mood Food’. ——— This positioning statement  brings to life the brand’s positioning – “Exciting tastes you can feel good about … every day.” http://www.restaurantnews.com/arbys-announces-new-its-good-mood-food-marketing-campaign/ - “This campaign is focused on our target audience, Balance Seekers, who want and need to eat fast food because of their busy lifestyles, but do not want to feel guilty about eating it. They’re telling us that Arby’s has something over other fast food restaurants… a balance of higher quality, more wholesome food that they can feel good about eating,” said Steve Davis, chief marketing officer, Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. “We like to think that stopping by Arby’s makes their day a little brighter. With this campaign, we’re recommitting our team to inspire good moods each and every day.”

Whereas the rollout was given this treatment at NRN - http://www.nrn.com/article/arby%E2%80%99s-puts-premium-beef-menu - Robert Kraut, Arby’s senior vice president for advertising and marketing communications, said the sandwich was targeting about 35 percent of Arby’s customers — those heavy fast food users “who don’t necessarily feel good about the choices that are available to them” and are looking for something that’s better for them than a hamburger, but not necessarily a light meal.

Here’s a link to a sample commercial - http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Gzz0wY2Vobk

The Arby’s moves are not limited to a new commercial flight with a new set of words to absorb, as Arby’s has finally moved into THE premium word associated with Beef - Angus - with a Angus Three Cheese & Bacon Sandwich. It may be the first of several Angus choices in the future. Prices are 4.99 for the sandwich. Robert Kraut, Arby’s senior vice president for advertising and marketing communications, said the sandwich was targeting about 35 percent of Arby’s customers — those heavy fast food users “who don’t necessarily feel good about the choices that are available to them”Arby’s is also now offering a 1.99 side salad with two types of lettuce, cheese and tomato that can be substituted for Fries in the combo pricing. And, a premium summer milkshake is ready in the wings. Finally add to that the new `Steakhouse’ onion rings and new bite size breakfast dessert - and lastly new pep rallies and crew trainings designed to make the customer’s day special - and you have nearly a whole new focus and intensity. (Will they be SHOUTING hello and goodbye like at the local Capt. D’s?)

So, what’s my take on it all?

Well, first, it’s important to note that Arby’s HAD to do something new -  as the impact of the `new normal’ was about as steep on the brand as for any of the major FF players. And, in general, Arby’s follows thru with playing catch-up to some of the major trends such as premium Angus offerings, a premium side salad that is substitutible for combos - and something new during breakfast - finally becoming a competitor for all three positionings with other FF brands. Additionally, the more upscale Onion Rings and `unique’ but I’m not sure premium Milkshake offerings are steps in the right direction and competitiveness in terms of Milkshakes. (Who ever thought Milkshakes would be NEW again?)

So, Arby’s has followed thru to continue to enhance the `quality food’ perception advantages it once was semi-privy to in the FF arena; but, had lost it’s advantage of having, due to chains like McDonald’s `upscaling’ of various items; and, similarly priced sandwich chains such as Panera Bread or Atlanta Bread Company upscaling at comparible non-tipping prices.

And, the 4.99 pricing of the Angus sandwich is something that should add to franchisees bottomline - something much needed with the addition of the 1.00 and low priced value choices - pushed hard last year to establish a market presence at the price point against long time players.

I also like the slogan more than some of Arby’s recent offerings such as `I’m Thinking Arby’s’ or `I’d Marry A Goat’ or that 5.01 combo pricing, or Tastes Growing Up.  At least this slogan is talking about the food, a long time Arby’s advantage and attribute needing a revival in the Arby’s customers mind. And, what is NOT to like about trying to drive this whole new positioning from the bottom up with the crew memebers and management. ——————- It’s very like a line being drawn in the sand for a new beginning attitude. (And a good time of year for it coming into spring too.)

BUT, ———- you knew there would be a but - right?

Are heavy FF users really looking for a 4.99 sandwich price point? Searching for new sandwiches for 5.00 in the new normal? (That isn’t a foot long.) And, wouldn’t the marketplace of consumers that isn’t finding at FF restaurants a healthier mix - also, not going to be interested in a Three Cheese Bacon sandwich? (Will this really be pulling the women back to Arby’s from Panera Bread?)

Also, just to be picky, IF someone was in a `good mood’ - they likely wouldn’t be choosing FF - as in the new normal, fast casual seems the more likely target for the consumer. And, IF someone was having a hankering for `mood food’ - ie:comfort food - once again, FF would not be a first choice for the consumer, (think Piccadilly’s, Waffle House,). And, IF they wanted their food to put them in a `good mood’ - again, FF is simply not the first choice (think upscale upscale).

However, the bottom line to all of this is finally a positive for Arby’s, who now is a player for the 1.00 price point, combo subsituting, Angus seeking, Premium sandwich and Milkshake markets, of which it had almost no presence within until recently. Arby’s products have long had a uniqueness to them, and by joining the mainstream of where FF is going, they have helped themselves change accordingly with these new above trending positionings.

Ultimately, however, it will be a process - as Arby’s is playing catch-up largely IMO. And, 5.00 Angus sandwiches simply will not be getting the attention of most women, now a signficant portion of the FF market;  (Menu census research stuff.) nor of those who recently became users because of the 1.00 menu - those who didn’t trade down (Yikes). Because IF one were to judge who might be made most happy by Arby’s new moves - the big eater man who loves his Angus and Premium Onion Rings and Soft Drink - and who spends @ 9.00 in the process - is probably wondering why beer isn’t on the menu.

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The Angus sandwich is reviewed here - http://www.slashfood.com/2011/03/01/arbys-angus-three-cheese-and-bacon-sandwich-reviewed/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl13%7Csec1_lnk3%7C204094 - it got a `B’. (Possible grade inflation based on review IMO.)

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Thanks for your visit today.

Do you need market research? http://www.squidoo.com/tradeareasurveys

Here’s the opening tease from the article link:  `Inflation and restaurants is not a new theme, but add gasoline prices and the mixture could be explosive.’  - http://www.cnbc.com/id/41430184

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More ways our society is changing via the Restaurant Industry - Nearly 50 Percent of Restaurants Owned by Women - http://www.restaurantnews.com/nearly-50-percent-of-restaurants-owned-by-women/

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The funding issue - United Capital Finances $2 million for Five Guys Burgers and Fries Operator - http://www.restaurantnews.com/united-capital-finances-2-million-for-five-guys-burgers-and-fries-operator/ - has lent to many franchise brands.

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More FREE stuff -Perkins Giving Away Free Pancakes on ‘Perkins Pancake Day’ - http://www.restaurantnews.com/perkins-giving-away-free-pancakes-on-perkins-pancake-day/

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Some new restaurant products being marketed - McDonald’s Angus Third Pounder Line Gets Bolder With Chipotle BBQ Bacon - http://www.restaurantnews.com/mcdonalds-angus-third-pounder-line-gets-bolder-with-chipotle-bbq-bacon/ - three hot words in one Angus, Chipotle, Bacon. ——— Here, Jack In The Box continues the Upscaling of Milkshakes with FF - Jack in the Box Shakes Up Menu with New Mint Oreo Cookie Shake - http://www.restaurantnews.com/jack-in-the-box-shakes-up-menu-with-new-mint-oreo-cookie-shake/ — and - here, Domino’s looks to strengthen a brand extension -Domino’s Introduces New Wings and Boneless Chicken - http://www.restaurantnews.com/dominos-introduces-new-wings-and-boneless-chicken/

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More, soon.

For example: Long John Silver’s Reels In New Logo, Message - http://www.restaurantnews.com/long-john-silvers-reels-in-new-logo-message/ – `We Speak Fish’ - Simple, direct, targeted. Compelling? And, LJS, on selling block? http://www.restaurantnews.com/yum-brands-looking-to-sell-long-john-silvers-and-aw-all-american-restaurants/

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Jack in the Box Guests Reel In $2.99 Fish Sandwich Combo Meal - http://www.restaurantnews.com/jack-in-the-box-guests-reel-in-2-99-fish-sandwich-combo-meal/ - Action price point for FF.

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Moe’s continues its interest in `weekparting’ with - Moe’s Southwest Grill Supports Meatless Mondays With Vegetarian and Flexitarian Meal Options - http://www.restaurantnews.com/moes-southwest-grill-supports-meatless-mondays-with-vegetarian-and-flexitarian-meal-options/ - Side targeting of `health’ segment.

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McDonald’s comparable global January sales up over 5% - http://www.restaurantnews.com/mcdonalds-january-global-comparable-sales-rise-5-3/ - BIG Boy comparible Down over 1% http://www.restaurantnews.com/frischs-reports-higher-sales-and-earnings-in-the-second-quarter-of-fiscal-2011/ - blames attrition to new stores! ——– O’Charley’s same store sales down - http://www.restaurantnews.com/ocharleys-inc-reports-fourth-quarter-and-fiscal-2010-results/

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Sbarro in trouble? http://www.restaurantnews.com/debt-burdened-sbarro-could-slice-some-shops/

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More soon.

It’s worth thinking back about 2010 — what fast food ads do you remember? (I wrote this in late Jan.)

For me, Pizza came to mind first; from the 10 Dollar  price point positioning of Pizza Hut (which offered value and an immediate clarification on pricing, always a nebulous weak point for the Pizza category) to the Domino’s ads about `sending in a picture of your pizza’ and real pizza in ads from now on with no special effects (a reaching out to be more real to people - in essence just what that Undercover Boss series does).

Yes, that funny ad with those Valley Girl type secretaries eating Hardee’s Fresh Chicken Fingers comes to mind still too; and, Wendy’s Sea Salt Fries, but that was recent. Okay, I still have a memory or two of McDonald’s different `Wraps’ type offerings, Arby’s 1.00 Menu - and Subway now offering Breakfast (all three of which induced not one actionby myself until recently trying Arby’s Buck Items). Nearly all the rest is a wash. Money swept under the bridge of TV Fast Food Advertising.

Zaxby’s is simply that easy to whistle same music theme over and over and the folksy endorsement by small celebrities - IHOP is endlessly pushing slightly expensive breakfasts IMO - all the Casual Restaurants such as Friday’s are endlessly pushing the under 10.00 price point (and ignoring that I will be paying a tip beyond any price point that EXcludes a drink to begin with) (not real) - and, where has the Burger KING went anyway? Price is also what I remember about Capt. D’s ads - and Steak and Shake - while price AND size is what I remember about Taco Bell. (As I go mentally thru my local Woodstock Ga. Fast Food Market.)

My guess is that some marketing departments are patting themselves on the back - they have gotten the point thru to a weary America that `eating out’ can fit into a reduced `frills’ budget diet the new normal has put America onto.

But, PRICE may be less compelling - especially emotionally to a consumer - than the reward of trying a new product offering that sounds especially good; one that you may be excited to tell a friend about. And, less compelling than trying to directly talk to consumers like the Pizza category did in 2010. IMO.

So, what would I do if it were MY ad dollar?

I’d want to stand out.

For example, to `reach the consumer’ would 4 thirty second ads bunched with a block of perhaps 4 minutes of similar ads each time - sound like a way to stand out — OR — WOULD A TWO MINUTE `SHOWCASE’ AD? —————– Heck, even 24 - Five second logos might have more impact than the standard forgettable 30 second ad a week into a new ad flight.

IMO, with `Showcase’ Ads - Brands can address all the marketing categories with 3 or 4 variations (a strategy not often used) - first and foremost, the `frequency-rejecter’ - that is the core population base that is aware of your brand, has used it in the past - but now, it has been so long, as to be a `trier-rejector’ (at least to YOU the owner of the brand) of the brand - having replaced it with other choices.

IMO, many of these people can be lured back - and many fall into the influenced by advertising campaigns motif - that ad agencies have long relied upon for improvement of sales during sales campaigns. IMO, they could be targeted MUCH more via a Showcase ad.

After all, REGULAR users are JUST that - and are UNLIKELY to be significantly changing their Frequency of Usage over any term; other than to bump up the next visit interval by a few days, perhaps. Much more effective ways exist to market to your existing customer base than TV mass advertising.

Of course, the ultimate boom would exist on MAKING A NEW USER ENTIRELY - the total rejecter; never user (for all practical purposes) - certainly a Showcase Ad for these extremely low awareness of what your brand IS market - can become better informed and tempted about what YOU have to offer via your brand.

These LOW-KEY, almost, aw-shucks ads - like an infomercial - are the emotional connection to change behaviour ——— not the mind numbing, what did I just see, 30 second blasts of normalcy.

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See just how different regular fast food users are compared to rejecters at my YouTube channel or by following these links:

Frequent user of Fast Food - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTRO81RR7DA 

Hates Fast Food - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8G9OAFlquI

Keeping the offerings fresh to attract new customers and retain existing customers is a must for most chain FF restaurants - here - Church’s Chicken introduces the Chicken Mini Sandwich at the 89cent and 2 for 1.49 price points - here’s the description:

all white meat breast filet on a toasted, slightly sweet bun topped with lettuce, creamy Original or Spicy mayonnaise and a crunchy dill pickle chip.

Sounds good - and certainly could help Church’s at this lower price point for consideration for that market segment of FF users that often don’t consider Chicken.

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Meanwhile, Fazoli’s Introduces Four New Mini Bakes - http://www.restaurantnews.com/fazolis-introduces-four-new-mini-bakes/ - at =3.99 - value pricing and value sizing once again.

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Oh, an update on the Woodstock Fast Food Market - on the main Hwy 92 Strip another Chicken Casualty - Mrs. Winners - right across the street from the first name brand to fall in the new normal KFC. —– Philly CheeseSteak has added Chicken Nuggets —– (strange) — Bubba Q was selling 15 dollar meals online for 7 bucks.

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More soon.

Hello RTAR fans - sorry for the lack of posting - but today, 2011 and this blog starts anew once again. First, I want to thank everyone for their support in 2010: indeed, as you can see from this link - this blog remains in the top Alexa Rankings -  
http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/restauranttradearearesearch.com# thanks to your interest and support. Please share RTAR with others.

Anyway, tons has happened in six weeks so let’s get started:

First, McDonald’s has been continuing it sales increases - partly thru dead on new product introductions that capitalize on the only segment that is growing - breakfast; and health - McDonald’s Offers New Fruit & Maple Oatmeal - http://www.restaurantnews.com/mcdonalds-offers-new-fruit-maple-oatmeal/ and this link talks about just how BIG the Happy Meal is to McDonald’s - Just How Happy Does the Happy Meal Make McDonald’s? - http://adage.com/article?article_id=147271 - how about sales bigger than IHOP? Wow.

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Indeed, this article wonders: Can Starbucks Adapt Like McDonald’s Has? - http://blogs.forbes.com/investor/2010/11/04/can-starbucks-adapt-like-mcdonalds-has/

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Indeed, the coffee giant may want to keep an eye over their shoulder as Dunkin’ Brands Opens Its 16,000th Location Worldwide - http://www.restaurantnews.com/dunkin-brands-opens-its-16000th-location-worldwide/

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General Restaurant News, Trends - Alcohol Sales at Restaurants and Bars Expected to Increase by Nearly 2 Percent in 2011 - http://www.restaurantnews.com/alcohol-sales-at-restaurants-and-bars-expected-to-increase-by-nearly-2-percent-in-2011/ – and here is a real interesting look at basics: Marketing Sense Isn’t the Same as Common Sense - and uses Little Caesar’s as it’s kicking horse - http://adage.com/columns/article?article_id=146846; meanwhile, Trendspotters Pick Top Five Food Trends at Winter Fancy Food Show - http://www.restaurantnews.com/trendspotters-pick-top-five-food-trends-at-winter-fancy-food-show/ Belgian Waffles and Tea for example.

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Meanwhile, the industry as a whole continues to sputter in a horizontal mode - Restaurant industry sees slow recovery - http://www.suntimes.com/business/3485891-420/restaurants-percent-industry-npd-chicago.html - highlights from this link includes HARD Data like this:

Sometimes one has to wonder at the length of time it takes some chains to respond to favorites of other chains - especially when in direct competition with - and IMO, that is what the D.T. Double is. That said, better late than never — will BK figure it out next? (Or was that the Big King?) And, that said, I’d love to be eating a Big Boy at Frisch’s - http://www.nrn.com/article/wendys-tests-dt-double-texas-rhode-island - special `sauces’ on Burgers - not new, but quite compelling.

And, Wendy’s is not thru the testing above either - here’s a new Burger too (upscaled) and those can’t miss TV ads for the new Sea Salt Natural Fries -  http://www.slashfood.com/2010/11/10/wendys-new-daves-hot-n-juicy-cheeseburger-and-sea-salt-fri/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl3%7Csec4_lnk2%7C183477

It’s news that is a month old from the elections - San Francisco bans Happy Meals - :Under the ordinance, scheduled to take effect in December 2011, restaurants may include a toy with a meal if the food and drink combined contain fewer than 600 calories, and if less than 35% of the calories come from fat. - http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-happy-meals-20101103,0,5438230.story

In Italian Restaurant news - OpenTable Diners Reveal Their Top Fifty Italian Restaurants Across the U.S. - http://www.restaurantnews.com/opentable-diners-reveal-their-top-fifty-italian-restaurants-across-the-us/ and one more OpenTable link - http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/02/BU8S1FN0O8.DTL – OpenTable coupons follow Groupon’s lead

Check the sidebar for more to consider.

Interesting study, not restricted to restaurant coupons by any means, shows that the `wealthy’ are most likely. If out more at the link: http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/11/15/who-is-most-likely-to-use-a-coupon/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk3%7C184330

Interested in buying any franchise? Want to Buy a Franchise? The Requirements Went Up - http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704361504575552803956439716.html

 New French Fries for Wendy’s? With Sea Salt? Wendy’s Introduces New Natural-Cut Sea Salt Fries - http://www.restaurantnews.com/wendys-introduces-new-natural-cut-sea-salt-fries/ and while this article states that Wendy’s has not re-designed their fries before — I definitely remember Wendy’s having thicker fries years ago.

Third Quarter sales up 4.3% at Texas Roadhouse - http://www.restaurantnews.com/texas-roadhouse-inc-announces-third-quarter-2010-results/ and at Pizza Inn - sales off over 4% comparable - http://www.restaurantnews.com/pizza-inn-inc-reports-results-for-first-quarter-fiscal-year-2011/

More tomorrow.

http://oncetherewerelions.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/green-arches.jpg

Just when you thought some things were sacred - http://www.restaurantnews.com/the-golden-arches-go-green/ just four so far in the country - expect this as a trend.

Bring back the favorites is a time-tested marketing idea - White Castle’s Popular Original Slider-Scented Candles - http://www.restaurantnews.com/white-castles-popular-original-slider-scented-candles-returns-for-the-holiday-season/

Here’s another targeted seasonal marketing effort by Popeye’s - Popeyes Cajun Style Turkeys are Back! - http://www.restaurantnews.com/popeyes-cajun-style-turkeys-are-back/

Here’s a catchy way to sell a limited time offering - Whataburger Introduces New Whataburger 5-3-1 - http://www.restaurantnews.com/whataburger-introduces-new-whataburger-5-3-1/ - with five pickles, 3 onion rings and one great sauce. Available for about 5 weeks and starting and ending at 3PM. Cute.

Meanwhile, a natural competitor in the growing morning daypart should be Dunkin Donuts, - and perhaps this will be just the addition they need - Pancake Breakfast on the Go: Dunkin’ Donuts Adds to Its Menu With New Pancake Bites - http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pancake-breakfast-on-the-go-dunkin-donuts-adds-to-its-menu-with-new-pancake-bites-106606363.html

Some 3rd Quarter sales numbers tomorrow.

Makes one wonder if the fast food Jimmy John workers can smell victory next time - http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/company-news/jimmy-johns-failed-union-vote-for-fast-food-workers/19686891/

Meanwhile, the fast food marketing ramps up in the new normal - with FREE Food once again the hook for A&W - http://news.mydaily.com/2010/10/26/free-meal-at-aw-coupon/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk1%7C180026 all for nothing more than a `like’ on their Facebook Page.

hhttp://restaurantnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Hardees-Caramel-Crumb-Biscuit.jpg 

Meanwhile, in new products - the above delicious looking offering comes from Hardee’s - reinforcing their breakfast daypart and snack/dessert positioning upscaling (Milkshakes) too - http://www.restaurantnews.com/hardees-introduces-new-caramel-crumb-biscuit/ one for 99 cents and 2 for 1.69 (prices can vary)

At the link - my 2010 favorite fast food commercial - http://www.restaurantnews.com/carls-jr-introduces-freshly-prepared-hand-breaded-chicken-tenders/ - check it out.

Now, while the Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr ad may be my favorite - Pizza Hut and Domino’s run away with ‘quick service restaurant’ commercials of the year  - http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2010/10/16/2010-10-16_pizzas_big_slice_of_best_ads_pie.html#ixzz13ZBFMwBt Starbucks had the number one ad and Taco Bell was also represented as was Chili’s and Dairy Queen.

Thanks for visiting today.