Canadian Restaurant Industry Begins Its Steady Recovery in the Second Quarter of 2022

Dine-in restaurant visits grow by triple-digits

With the COVID public health restrictions lifted early in 2022, the Canadian restaurant industry began recovering from the steep declines it experienced during the pandemic lockdown periods. The industry finished the second quarter ending June with physical and online visits up 17% compared to a year ago, 2% below the traffic level in the second quarter of 2019 before the pandemic, reports The NPD Group. Restaurant customer spending, which, in addition to increased visits, reflects higher costs, grew by...

Canadian Restaurants Enjoyed A Robust Return of Customers in the First Quarter

Full service restaurants benefitted from the pent-up demand to dine out

The Canadian foodservice industry continued to show promising recovery in the first quarter of 2022 compared to last year’s same quarter, reports The NPD Group. Physical and online visits to restaurants and commercial foodservice outlets increased by 18% in the first quarter compared to the same quarter last year, when traffic declined by 9% due to indoor dining restrictions. Consumer spending in the quarter grew by 27% compared to a year ago when spending declined by...

US Restaurant Industry Ends Challenging First Quarter with Customer Traffic Down from A Year Ago

In the first quarter of 2021, the third round of stimulus payments, availability of COVID vaccines and relaxed pandemic restrictions helped increase online and physical visits to U.S. restaurants by 3% compared to the same period a year before, according to The NPD Group. The first quarter of 2022, in contrast, presented a host of headwinds, including higher food and energy costs, for restaurant consumers and restaurants. Challenged by these headwinds and compared to a 3% gain in last year’s first quarter, online and physical...

As Soon As Pandemic Restrictions Lifted, Canadians Flooded Back Into Restaurants 

One of the most predictable behaviours that emerged over the past two years of the pandemic is Canadians will flood into restaurants as soon as restrictions lift, which happened in February, reports The NPD Group. Online and physical visits to Canadian restaurants and foodservice outlets increased by 17% in February compared to February 2021, when traffic declined by 23%. Despite the double-digit increase in visits, commercial foodservice traffic remains -9% below the pre-pandemic level in February 2020, according to NPD’s continual tracking of the Canadian foodservice industry...

Friendly's Restaurants Introduces a Dozen Delicious New Menu Items

Calling all those with a big appetite and a sweet tooth, Friendly's Restaurants welcomes guests to indulge in 12 new menu items that bring a mouthwatering twist to salads, burgers, pasta and more. The revamped menu signals a new era for the iconic brand, appealing to a younger clientele while still catering to longtime guests.

"As the third oldest restaurant chain in the United States, Friendly's is far more than just a name, it is a collection of stories, memories, ideas, and the loving guests who have walked through its doors..." 

Denny's Seeks to Help Americans Impacted by Rising Inflation with $6.99 Endless Breakfast Promotion

As inflation reaches historic levels and Americans face rising prices at gas pumps and sticker shock at supermarket checkouts, America's Diner is offering Americans what they are so desperately seeking right now – value for their money – with the launch of a new Endless Breakfast promotion. Now through June 21, Denny's is helping individuals and families stretch their dollars by offering endless fluffy buttermilk pancakes, cheesy scrambled eggs and crispy hash browns starting at $6.99*.

"As Americans are being impacted by a unique mix of..."

U.S. Restaurant Industry Traffic Improves in February After January Declines 

The U.S. restaurant recovery got back on track in February after January declines, reports The NPD Group. Online and physical restaurant traffic was up 2%, and consumer spending was up 8% in February compared to a year ago. Total restaurant visits in the month were down 8% from the pre-pandemic level in February 2020, according to NPD’s continual tracking of the U.S. foodservice industry.

Quick service restaurant traffic improved by 1% in February compared to a 7% decline in February 2021. This February, online and physical visits to...

Denny's Offers Free Delivery for Upcoming Week of March Madness

Secure the win during March Madness with Denny's. From Thursday, March 17 – Sunday, March 20, guests can get free delivery when ordering through Denny's new iOS and Android apps or www.dennys.com. Without having to take their eyes off the ball during this year's Big Dance, guests can receive their favorite breakfast, lunch, dinner or late-night meals whenever they want all from the comfort of their couch.

For breakfast you might want to try Denny's iconic Grand Slam, or if sweet and savory is more of your jam, you can...

The Counter Spices Up the Burger Game with the New Serrano Burger

The Counter brings the heat with the new, spicy Serrano Burger and two beverages to cool things down. Guests can sip on a chilled glass of Ruffino Pinot Grigio or enjoy a refreshing bottle of Modelo Especial. All three offerings are available now through May 1.

Guests can now enjoy the fiery and cool combinations:

- Serrano Burger - All-natural angus beef with red onion, cheddar cheese, smoked gouda cheese, bacon, serrano pepper and onion mix. Served on a brioche bun garnished with a deep-fried serrano pepper...

China’s Foodservice Industry Recovers After Experiencing Sharp Declines in 2020

Western-style quick service restaurants outperformed Chinese-style counterparts in 2021

According to The NPD Group, China’s foodservice industry ended 2021 showing signs of recovery after a tumultuous two-year period full of uncertainty brought on by COVID-19 and stringent lockdown measures throughout the country.

Thanks to vaccination rollouts and easing restrictions across the country, China reported a recovery in the first half of the year across the 22 Chinese cities tracked by NPD for the foodservice industry.

There was growth for both foot traffic and spend over the...

Friendly's Restaurants Mark 2021 with New Rewards Program, Menu Items and Executive Appointments

Friendly's Restaurants, known for iconic menu items such as the Fribble Milkshake, the Jim Dandy Sundae, and delectable burgers and melts, closes out the year on a sweet note. Under new ownership, the restaurant franchise rolled out a new loyalty program, delighted guests with new menu offerings while bringing back some of the Fan Favorites from years past, bolstered the executive team and hired a new agency of record, all setting the stage for transformative growth in 2022.

"It's been one year since Amici Partners Group took..."

East Coast Wings + Grill Signs Franchise Partners to Expand in Northern Virginia

East Coast Wings + Grill, a full-service and family-dining restaurant renowned for its variety of buffalo wing sauces and heat indexes, announced Lisa and David Ware III will join the franchise system after signing a single-unit franchise agreement to open a restaurant in Northern Virginia.

Lisa Ware, who is a school counselor with an area school system, and David Ware III, who is an IT consultant, chose ECW+G because they felt there wasn't a good restaurant option in their community to order...

There's a Glitch in the Matrix and Denny's is Offering Free Delivery and Other Glitchy Offers

Denny's, one of the nation's largest full-service family restaurant chains, is entering The Matrix through a new partnership with Warner Brothers, the film studio producing the fourth installment of the blockbuster franchise starring Keanu Reeves. During this limited-time promotion that starts Cyber Monday (November 29), Dennys.com and the new Denny's iOS and Android apps will transport guests into a real-life version of The Matrix where they will experience personalized "glitches" that were created just for them in their...

Friendly's Restaurants Introduces New Kids Meals and Treats

Move over chicken fingers and fries, Friendly's Restaurants are giving their pint-sized patrons some tasty new entrees to feast on.

Starting November 8th, the beloved restaurant chain will add three new kid's meals to the menu. From the deliciously fun Taco Pocket to the tasty Green Machine salad, the new entrees will be chock full of fresh ingredients ready to please even the littlest palates. These new meals join some of Friendly's long-time favorite kid meals, including the Double Sliders, Mini Mozzarella Sticks and Mac and Frank...

Dine-In Traffic Remains A Headwind for U.S. Restaurant Industry Recovery

The U.S. restaurant industry continues to recover from last year’s steep declines, although not yet back to pre-pandemic levels. Total restaurant online and physical visits were up 5% in the year ending September compared to the same period last year, and down 6% from September 2019. While restaurant visits continue to improve overall, dine-in or on-premises traffic continues to struggle compared to pre-pandemic levels, reports The NPD Group.

Dine-in visits to restaurants were down 48% in the 12 months ending September 2021 compared to...

Denny's Seasonal Fall Menu Returns

Just in time for fall, Denny's is launching its new limited-time fall menu today, featuring a selection of new and returning favorites, all packed full of seasonal flavors. Whether guests are looking to enjoy traditional autumn spice flavors, chocolatey goodness or classic breakfast dishes, Denny's has options for everyone.

The Pumpkin Pecan Pancake Breakfast is making its autumnal comeback for a limited time as this fall's Spotlight Stack, featuring pumpkin pancakes made with real pumpkin and cooked with pecans, then drizzled with a pecan pie sauce. The meal is served with fresh eggs...