America’s Largest Takeout Not a Restaurant

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The International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association reports that America’s largest takeout casual outlet is not a restaurant – it’s a national supermarket chain. In a report titled, - What’s in Store 2009 – the association says food retailers offering prepared meals are experiencing a customer count growth at twice the rate of restaurants. The organization says the food retailer’s - average meal price is half the cost of a restaurant meal. The report also indicates that consumers are - taking advantage of convenience, pricing, freshness, and healthful options

The report also says - people who shop specialty grocers and club stores frequently feel that hot food bars in supermarkets are superior when it comes to customization options. They are also significantly more likely than traditional supermarket shoppers to think that hot food bars offer better tasting food than restaurants do.

The food retailers still experience a weakness in reaching younger shoppers. The report says younger shoppers - are less likely than older shoppers to make a spontaneous decision to buy a meal at the deli.