The Canadian Foodservice Industry’s Recovery Slows in Q3

Canada’s foodservice industry has shown promising recovery over the past year; however, growth slowed in the quarter ending September compared to a better-performing quarter last year, reports The NPD Group*. Visits to Canadian restaurants and foodservice outlets were up 6% in the quarter compared to a year ago, when traffic was up 12%. Consumer spending was up 10% in the quarter ending September 2022 compared to a 20% increase in the same quarter last year.

“The closer we get to full recovery of the foodservice visits lost during the pandemic..."

Denny's Drops a Hot New Set of Creator Meal Collabs

On the heels of the All Day Diner Deals value menu launch, today Denny's announces the release of three tasty new eats developed in partnership with popular TikTok creators who have a passion for food, flavor and fresh experiences. The distinct and dynamic new menu items - available at locations nationwide for a limited time - are part of the brand's newest Social Stars Influenced Menu, bursting with bold flavors and creative twists on sweet and savory pairings to excite the palate.

With a finger on the pulse of influencers who represent...

Canadian Restaurant Industry Continues Recovery in August with Traffic Up from a Year Ago  

Pent-up demand for dine-in visits slows, and carry-out increased after several months of declines

Consumers continued their return to restaurants in August, increasing visits by 5% compared to a year ago, reports The NPD Group. Restaurant dollars were up 9% in the month versus a year ago. Dine-in visits slowed in August to a 28% increase from the triple-digit growth realized in the first months after the pandemic lockdowns. On the other hand, carry-out orders, which have been down since...

Denny's Doubles Down on its Commitment to Value with New All Day Diner Deals Menu

With rising inflation and tightening budgets, Americans continue to seek relief and look to stretch their hard-earned dollars as far as possible, especially when it comes to mealtime. Today, Denny's announced a new value menu, featuring 10 delicious meal options perfect to enjoy any time of day or night starting at just $5.99.

With the launch of this new menu, Denny's raises the bar on what it means to serve quality meals at great prices.

"The time for value is now as more..."

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...