Restaurant Lunch Spending to Rebound in 2011: Strategies Targeting Cost and Health-Conscious Customers Sustain Industry in the Interim

ROCKVILLE, MD, September 10, 2010 (Press-News.org) U.S. consumer spending on lunch served in restaurants is forecast to rebound 2% in 2011 to reach $114 billion following two years of recession-related declines, according to "Lunch Trends in the U.S. Foodservice Market" by research publisher Packaged Facts. After rising to $119 billion in 2008, lunch daypart sales declined 4% in 2009, and sales are estimated to fall another 3% in 2010 to $112 billion.

"This has been a very tough climate for lunch foodservice and its counterparts, and that won't change overnight although change is coming," says Don Montuori, publisher of Packaged Facts. "Growth in the lunch daypart still faces a few near-term challenges including the impact of unemployment on work-driven restaurant routines, bargain-minded consumers who weigh the cost of a bagged lunch against the indulgence of eating out, and an industry environment in which players are chasing foot traffic at the expense of guest check through the extreme push of value meal deals."

Ironically, by pushing the envelope with $1 deals, fast food operators are enabling a pool of "extreme affordability" customers hooked on products that have indeed undermined guest check averages yet have also helped sustain the industry. Respondents to Packaged Facts' proprietary survey reveal that interest in lunchtime meals priced under $5 and under $10 is stable across household income brackets, suggesting price sensitivity among a large segment of diners regardless of their personal wages. Respondents aged 18-24 are 60% more likely than average to choose a restaurant because it offers meals for under $3.

The nigh ubiquitous limited time offer—with its allure to attract new visits and test longer-term menu strategies—and the addition of bundling components could allow restaurants to build up guest check sizes without sacrificing foot traffic, according to the report. Notable examples include Taco Bell's $2 Meal Deal, which by offering three items for $2 is intended as a twist on the more common 1:1 ratio of items per dollar as featured in Jack in the Box's "Pick 3 for $3" customizable LTO value meal. Additionally, strategies by the likes of Denny's and Bob Evan's to place everyday value for quality food at the forefront of their branding initiatives makes a great deal of sense in the family restaurant sector, where value for the money has always been a selling point.

Ingredients are almost as important as price for many consumers when dining out, and food operators confirm guests' growing interest in better-for-you choices. Customers seek foods offering positive health benefits (such as fiber and whole grains) and menu items featuring more vegetables or fruit but less meat. Packaged Facts' research suggests that students are more likely than average to be influenced by healthful lunch foodservice decisions, while both men and women are likely to choose a restaurant that offers smaller portion sizes to reduce cost and control calories.

"Lunch Trends in the U.S. Foodservice Market" provides insight and analysis on recession-driven changes in the restaurant industry, focusing on related consumer attitudes and behaviors shaping the industry today and positioning the industry tomorrow. The report assesses key industry and consumer trends as applied to restaurant segments and restaurant brands; analysis is generally framed in terms of current trend momentum and 12-month outlook. With proprietary consumer research laying the foundation, this report also weaves consultative insight with analysis of lunchtime limited-time offer and value trends; current lunchtime guest check averages; planned restaurant spending; and guest traffic patterns at selected brands. For further information, please visit: http://www.packagedfacts.com/Lunch-Trends-Foodservice-2756365/.

About Packaged Facts - Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, publishes market intelligence on a wide range of consumer market topics, including consumer goods and retailing, foods and beverages, demographics, pet products and services, and financial products. Packaged Facts also offers a full range of custom research services. To learn more, visit: http://www.packagedfacts.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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