Orders of tap water at U.S. restaurants are up 2.8 billion servings since 2006, making it one of the fastest-growing beverage choices, said Bonnie Riggs, a restaurant-industry analyst with the NPD Group, a food-service research firm, as reported in The Columbus Dispatch in Columbus, Ohio. For the full story, click here.
Editor’s Insight: This report shouldn’t surprise anyone; restaurant prices have jumped more in the last year than time in the last several years as commodity costs have increased. Consumers naturally respond to price increases by buying less.
Vending and refreshment service operators can capitalize on consumer frugality by marketing the superior values they offer compared to restaurants and other retail outlets. Many vending operators have found success placing a notice at the vending bank comparing a vended offering to a comparable restaurant or convenience store offering. 11-15-11 By Elliot Maras .
