Franchising's Weekly Recap

Americans are Snacking More More Americans are swapping out their meals with smaller snacks throughout the day. This is from the “What America Eats: Paradigms Shaping Food Choices” report by market researcher publisher Packaged Facts. The study found that 39 percent of Americans report they eat smaller meals throughout the day. The study identities five trends for marketing smaller menu items as being a snack or shareable innovation that includes mini items, bites, sliders, sampler platters and shareable items. (From PizzaMarketplace.com) Key Themes for 2015 Fitch Ratings released its 2015 Outlook for the U.S. restaurant industry. The findings of the 2015 outlook predict an improvement in sales trends, easing of commodities pressure and growing cash flow. The outlook sees an increase in disposable income as higher average hourly wages and a possible sustained decline in gas prices. They are still predicting multinational companies will be negatively affected by economic weakness in Europe and slow growth in China. (From FastCasual.com) The Most Popular LTO in Recent Dunkin’ History Since November, Dunkin’ Donuts has sold more than 4.6 million Croissant Donuts, the croissant rings glazed like a doughnut, nationwide. The popularity of this pastry has made the Croissant Donut the most popular limited-time offer in recent brand history. In response to the positive feedback of the Croissant Donut, the brand is extending the availability into 2015 at participating Dunkin’ restaurants. In the spirit of the season and to celebrate the success of the Croissant Donut, Dunkin’ is launching a special “HoliDDay Spirit” Twitter sweepstakes. (From QSR Magazine) Le Meridien Hits the Big Easy Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. unveiled Le Meridien New Orleans. The newely renovated hotel features 410 fully redesigned guestrooms, including 22 suites, three new food and beverage outlets and a new destination restaurant. The renovation will be taking place in two phases. (From Franchising.com)