Retailers’ Prepared Foods Taking A Bite Out Of Restaurant Business

A Technomic survey of Southern California consumers found that 40 percent felt retailers’ prepared food offerings matched the quality of restaurant foods at a better price. Two-thirds of those surveyed said there has been a major improvement in retailers’ prepared foods over the past five years. Though all restaurants are losing business to retail prepared foods, the biggest impact is on lower-priced restaurants, including family style, upscale fast-food and traditional fast-food establishments. Prepared foods offered by retailers are “considered viable alternatives restaurants of all types,” according to a Technomic analyst.