Survey Shows Drop in Burgers Popularity
An annual survey of restaurant industry chains suggest that the burger is losing ground to the fast-casual coffee shop concept, according to Meatingplace. The “Chain Industry Restaurant Review” from GE Capital Franchise Finance shows that consumer dining habits have shifted dramatically as competition, technological challenges and rising costs for labor and commodities have taken hold. The report notes that burger and sandwich chains generated 63.5 percent of sales 25 years ago, but currently represent 54.5 percent of sales among the top 25 largest chains. The rapidly growing fast-casual category is having an impact on consumer dining habits by focusing on quick service, higher-quality food and lower prices than formal sit-down restaurants.