What's on the Menu? Value & More of It!

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What’s On The Menu? Value & More Of It!
By Karen A. Spencer, Food Information Consultant

Companies have always changed with the times, now is no different. Here are a few recent changes to restaurant menus.

KFC launches its first ever value meal.
http://www.kfc.com/about/newsroom/021009.asp

Outback Steakhouse roles out a menu that is easy on the wallet. http://www.outbacksteakhouse.com/pressroom/pr_090218.aspx

T.G.I. Friday’s offering Top 10 for $9.99. http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/fridays/37247/

Starbucks offers breakfast pairing for $3.95. http://news.starbucks.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=181

Rise and Dine Restaurants Inc. Value Meals go regional. http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/03-13-2009/0004988082&EDATE=

Eating Out on the Outs

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Eating Out on the Outs
By: Karen A. Spencer, Food Information Consultant

Consumers eat out for a variety of reasons: special occasions, family time, finishing off a night of entertainment etc. With the current recession consumers have less disposal income and are making different food choices.

Americans are spending far less than they did a year ago at restaurants. A recent article published by Gallup Polls News Service (February 13, 2009) reported American spending is down 40% for the same two week period a year ago at stores, gas stations, restaurants and online purchases. Low to middle level income households said they cut back a lot on their spending versus those from households that have a higher income ($75,000 +/yr).

In our next article, we will look at What’s On The Menu.