A question often bantered around today is, what is happening to the successful fast food chains of the past, this is a present day quandary of many restaurateurs. Another developing ideology centers on views that the restaurant business is a continuously lucrative business if one has descent food and a good location because people require sustenance. However, a mere glimpse at the sales of a multitude of America’s largest restaurant chains spanning this past decade promptly dispels these thoughts. As the new millennial generation, the eighteen to thirty year range, grows, while, their discretionary income improves; preferences are shifting, as well as, favoring food quality above price. According to Butsunturn (2015), new data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index or ACSI substantiates this very fact with data reflecting that customer satisfaction with full-service restaurants remains constant at 82 points on the ACSI’s 100-point scale criterion. …show more content…
Among the declining giants is Wendy’s Family fast food hamburger establishment, which began in 2008 with 6,645stores, and at the three-year interval Wendy’s touted only 6,576 facilities. Research now indicates that Wendy 's decline in stature may result in it is’ downfall from the top five fast food chains by the year, 2020(Jones, 2015). This eatery catered to a target audience comprised of mainly the baby boomer family generation that grew up on McDonald’s, but wanted something a little fresher, however, today the audience is rapidly declining due to the age factors , as well as, the nutrition and health standards adapted by this generation, as well as the rising millennial
The New York Times bestseller Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal is one of the most riveting books to come out about fast food restaurants to date (Schlosser, 2004). Fast food consumption has become a way of life for many in the United States as well as many other countries in the world. The author Eric Schlosser an investigative reporter whose impeccable researching and bold interviewing captures the true essence of the immense impact that fast food restaurants are having in America (2004). Beginning with McDonald’s, the first fast food restaurant, which opened on April 15, 1955 in Des Plaines, Illinois to current trends of making fast food a global realization McDonald’s has paved the way for many fast food restaurants following the same basic ideal that is tasty foods served fast at a minimal cost (2011). Schlosser explains how fast food restaurants have gained substantial market share of the consumers; he also shows that by marketing to children and offering less unhealthful fare, that are purchased from mega-companies which are often camouflaged with added ingredients and cooked unhealthful ways, that these companies are indeed causing irreparable harm to our country (2004).
‘Fast Food Nation’ by Eric Schlosser traces the history of fast food industry from old hot dog stands to the billion dollar franchise companies established as America spread its influence of quick, easy and greasy cuisine around the globe. It is a brilliant piece of investigative journalism that looks deep into the industries that have profited from the American agriculture business, while engaging in labor practices that are often shameful.
Fast food restaurants in America can be located on almost every street corner in almost every city. The enticing aroma of a burger and fries can be found at several locations in nearly every city, town, or suburb. According to Alaina Mcconnel, the 5 most popular fast food restaurants of 2011 are McDonalds, Subway, Starbucks, Wendy’s and Burger King (Mcconnell, A., & Bhasin, K., 2012). Fast food joints have a ruthless history of being fattening, greasy, and unhealthy with films like Super-Size me and Food Inc. giving the...
He acknowledges that many people may argue that consumers need to have the willpower to avoid unhealthy food. He refutes this argument by asking, “where, exactly, are consumers -- particularly teenagers -- supposed to find alternatives? Drive down any thoroughfare in America, and I guarantee you'll see one of our country's more than 13,000 McDonald's restaurants” (Zinczenko 196). He explains that fast-food restaurants are more available than restaurants or markets that serve healthy foods. Consumers cannot be expected to avoid restaurants that are available and convenient when acceptable alternatives are scarce. This article is somewhat dated, and restaurants have become more willing to provide healthier alternatives. For example, Chick-fil-A is planning to implement a new menu item that is a healthier substitute for french fries. “The new so-called superfood side features hand-chopped kale and broccolini tossed in a maple vinaigrette dressing” (Peterson 1). They will provide accurate nutrition information for the new side dish, and the company suggests “pairing the side with an eight-count order of grilled nuggets for a healthy 280-calorie meal” (Peterson 1). This addition shows that as time progresses, fast-food restaurants are pressured to incorporate healthy meal choices on their menus. Although Zinczenko’s point that there is a lack of
From a study completed by Chicago-based Research International USA completed a study called “Fast Food Nation 2008. The panel consisted of 1,000 respondents of ages 16-65 who provided their inputs with an online survey which was conducted between March 13 through 2008. Which was based on results on fast food restaurants like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s are gaining popularity even through the economic hardship and recession. Marketing strategy has become more of influence on kids and young American’s. As population grows and the demand increases of fast food restaurants are expanding their stores to capturing more consumers. Fast food chains are also willing to change their menus to continue to gain and retain repeating customers. With each generation that passes, brings fast food chains into more homes and continues impacting lives.
Out of the millions of ways to spend twelve hundred dollars yearly, American’s are found to spend this amount of money in the fast food industry. The working class, lower class, and children are mainly attracted through fast food marketing methods. These methods enable continuous growth within the fast food industry, and allow for it to be a staple for these socioeconomic groups. The nutritional value is not a top priority for both parties because it is inexpensive, made quickly, and taste good. These socioeconomic groups are vital towards the success of the fast food industry. It is producing billions of dollars in revenue from disadvantaged consumers, endangering meanwhile their health. They widely use the cradle-to-grave marketing strategy
Obesity is weighing this country down. Fast food restaurants have become incredibly prominent and reliable throughout the United States. A commonly used excuse that America’s newfound obesity issue is due to the comparatively cheaper fast food to that of an organic meal is thought to be misconceived. Although it is true that fast food in fact is cheaper than purchasing an organic meal, there are healthier affordable alternatives than fast food. Nevertheless, the issue is, who is to blame? The fast food companies, or the consumer. While many people argue the restaurants are to blame, it is ultimately the consumers who are to attribute to obesity.
Fast food in the past 50-60 years has had a major impact on American Culture, and it still has that same impact in present America. It is safe to say that fast food has become an outlet as far as Americans diets are concerned. It, in some cases, has taken over some lives, as some Americans eat fast food on a daily basis. Since the fast food industry has been growing dramatically in the past couple of decades, America as a whole has suffered some setbacks as it pertains to Health and a stable lifestyle. One of those fatty foods that is popular in American Culture is Hamburgers. The first hamburger that was made came in the early 20th century. Hamburgers started to become popular in the 1950s-1960s, due to the fact that as American lifestyles were changing rapidly, and Americans did not have the time to make meals at their home. Hamburger has become one of the most popular foods today in America.
In today’s world even with the economy suffering and individual income declining, the food industry is still up and running. Chain restaurants, mom and pop establishments, and fast food restaurants that are learning to market their products cheaper and more reasonable to the consumer are still going strong in the United States. They are offering healthier meals due to the consumer wanting to become healthier. They have their ups and downs like any business but are learning to give the consumer what they need and desire. That is the way restaurants keep their customer happy, by buying products from company like Sysco, Gordon’s Food Service, (GFS), and other restaurant suppliers. However; Sysco is the number one supplier to restaurants and hospitals, making them the most profitable company in the world (Sysco.com, 2011).
For millions, fast food restaurants are the source of positive associations with birthday parties, play dates and accessible comfort food. For others, they represent a lifeline meal on a busy day, or the secret to quieting a cranky toddler on a long trip because hurrying residents of cities have no time to cook a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fast food presents even in the lives of people who are trying
Customers buy when they feel it is necessary giving them the upper hand on the industry. Bargaining power of suppliers: In the quick- service restaurant, the suppliers vary. They really do not rely distributors as large restaurants do. Threat of new substitutes: The restaurant industry is segmented into many parts: full service restaurants ($120 billion); quick- service restaurants ($110 billion); away-from-home managed institutions, examples: food services for schools and hospitals ($21 billion); and other food industries ($106 billion). (Marshall Jones, 1999). Rivalry among competi...
When researching McDonald’s through online sources, it is clear that nutrition is a major concern of the public visiting the fast-food chain. Secondary research conducted shows that there are several case studies and other secondary source searches around the same topic. McDonald’s has often been the center of nutritional attention within the fast-food industry. Secondary research shows that the restaurant has recently made changes to the American Happy Meal to reduce the amount of French fries offered and replace the portion with fruit (Strom, 2011). In a study conducted by McDonald’s a secondary source reports the meal cuts calories by 20% for the children’s meal (Strom, 2011). This is a critical move by the organization on children’s obesity is currently a hot topic within food chains and attention is driven by the Obama administration. Secondary research also shows that although the public has major health concerns with the food chain, profits are increasing during a high point of an economic recession (Dahan & Gittens, 2008). Acco...
“The major chains have apparently decided that it’s much easier and much more profitable to increase the size and the fat content of their portions than to battle eating habits largely formed by years of their own mass marketing” (Schlosser 539). There are marketing strategies that large companies use, but no one is forcing families to eat there, but there is always comfort in knowing what to expect. Real change comes from good parenting and from people truly being motivated. People prefer to stick with what they know, and everyone knows McDonald’s. Therefore, it is a first choice for many Americans. On the other hand, there are people who enjoy eating at quirky local restaurants and choose to experiment outside of their comfort zone when selecting a place to eat. Daniel H. Pink, author of “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” states, “that what we are looking for is a place of productive discomfort: ‘If you’re too comfortable, you’re not productive. And if you’re too uncomfortable, you’re not productive. Like Goldilocks, we can’t be too hot or too
CHANGING PREFRECE depended vastly on the fast food manus. For example we can mention about SALAD. Now salad was never considered as a part of fast food menu. But with the change of taste and preference, fast food chains like Windy, Taco Bell, and McDonald have introduced SALAD into their menus. This preference is not stopping only with salads. In 2002, McDonald’s introduced great tasting new products including premium salads, n salads plus menu; Chicken McNuggets made with white meat; Fish McDippers; Chicken Selects; and new breakfast offerings like the McGriddle sandwiches. Here as a fast food chain, McDonald did not have to introduce new dishes in their menus but with the impression and image in the market analysis, of increasing demand and chan...
Subway effectively competes with burger chains and others that are in the fast-casual segment of the market. Including healthier meals into its menu and giving much attention to obesity and diabetes have supported consumers' choice for Subway (Tarantino, 2005). However, Subway has not been satisfied thus far; instead, more intensified efforts have been made to improve business during the dinner hour. Additional menu options have also been added to answer competitors' trends and to place more focus on the children's segment.