Chicago, August 13, 2007, Business Wire – Takeout sales at casual-dining chains have grown at an annual rate of nearly 10 percent over the last three years—almost twice the pace of overall industry sales growth. Since the consumer trends driving this better-than-average growth aren’t likely to change, and because many casual-dining chains are eager to find ways to inject new life into their sales formula, operators should be enthusiastic about devoting even more attention to takeout sales, particularly takeout offers a way to grow chain performance without investing in more units.

Limited-service operators have always recognized the importance of takeout sales; since the advent of the drive-thru, the proportion of LSR sales represented by takeout has averaged 60 percent. More recently, curbside takeout has become a fast-growing trend at many casual-dining chains, also attracting the attention of various retail operations eager to get in on the action, including Whole Foods Market and new initiatives from Publix Super Markets, HoneyBaked Ham, and a growing easy-meal-assembly segment—all competing for the business of time-pressed families.

To help chain restaurant operators sort through the competitive issues and gain critical consumer insights, Technomic recently published its new Takeout Category Report, which includes in-depth industry analysis and quantitative research on over 1,500 consumers. Key findings include:

•The proportion of consumers who order takeout “on the go” from their car or elsewhere on their cell phone is growing rapidly. Nearly three out of 10 consumers (29 percent) who ordered takeout did so from their cell phone, nearly double the rate of on-the-go ordering just two years ago (16 percent).

•A greater percentage of consumers than ever before are using takeout as home meal replacements, opting to order food during transit and consuming it in the comfort of their homes.

•Food taste and integrity is of the utmost importance when utilizing takeout. While patrons appreciate convenient features like curbside pickup and dedicated parking, their top priorities center on being able to duplicate at-the-restaurant quality in the comfort of their home. Meeting this demand may require further adjustments to current preparation and packaging methods.

“We still see substantial growth opportunities in the takeout segment,” says Darren Tristano, Executive Vice President of Technomic Information Services. “Consumers now have more sophisticated tastes, but even less time to cook. Takeout operators that give them convenience without compromising quality will be able to capture substantial incremental sales.” Tristano added that suppliers to the restaurant industry also play a key role in developing menu items with eat-at-home appeal and packaging that retains food freshness in transit.

Technomic’s new Takeout Category Report provides extensive consumer insights regarding restaurant takeout usage, most recent takeout occasions, appealing takeout attributes, usage from non-restaurant locations, and packaging issues. Comparisons to similar research conducted two years ago are also provided, as well as several helpful appendices, including restaurant-user profiles for 35 full- and limited-service restaurant chains, as well as local independents.

To purchase or learn more about the Takeout Category Report, please visit www.foodpubs.com or contact one of the individuals listed below.

Contacts
Press Inquiries: Darren Tristano, 312-876-0004, extension 3850, or dtristano@technomic.com
Purchasing Details: Patrick Noone, 312-876-0004, extension 3852, or pnoone@technomic.com
Report Details: Sara Gillis, 312-876-0004, extension 3848, or sgillis@technomic.com

Technomic Information Services has been tracking the foodservice industry for over 40 years, providing industry intelligence, forecasts, data and training support to manufacturers, operators, distributors and others allied to the field. Our numerous publications and digital products—featuring quick-read newsletters, analytical annual reports, training handbooks, sales guides and restaurant chain profiles—help industry leaders keep a finger on the pulse of the entire foodservice terrain. Technomic Information Services delivers distinctive, premium content to its customers.

Technomic provides food and foodservice clients with the research, insights and
strategic consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions and results. Its services include category and channel analyses, customer satisfaction studies, opportunity assessments, benchmarking programs and brand equity enhancement.

Source: Technomic, Inc.
Press Contact: Chris Urban, 312-506-3929 or curban@technomic.com