2012 Restaurant Industry Preview

It's coming, of that we can be sure.

Resist it; disagree with it; get on board with it; watch it pass you by; but just know that change is always coming. I always find myself meditating on change this time of year when industry reports and forecasts are plentiful. And they all seem to focus around change, in one form or another.

What are the industry trends for 2012? What are the sales forecasted to be? How are consumers feeling about the industry, the economy, or their pocketbooks? The questions take many forms, but we're all interested in what's going to change this year.

Technology seems to be poised to change the world every year. Trust me, as president of a paper company I'm keenly aware of iPads in restaurants, payment kiosks at tables and receipt emails. That change is coming and technology demands respect, along with capital investment.

But this year seems like the real change is taking shape in the form optimism. The National Restaurant Association forecasts real sales growth in 2012 and the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported recently that disposable personal income grew 0.4% in December 2011, positive growth for the fourth straight month.

At NCCO we have also put together an industry forecast which takes a look at numerous industry benchmarks and how the industry is changing. Amidst all the change we're facing in this new economy, it's interesting to note that the factors influencing where consumers spend their money at restaurants-along with how they choose new restaurants-isn't really changing.

Take a look at the report to see more about that along with other trend and sales analysis.

How are you planning on changing or adapting to change in 2012?

Thanks,

Ben