Generational preferences continue to divide the menu with restaurants striving to meet the demands of all. Younger generations lean toward more casual and shareable menu items for any occasion with older generations relying on the traditional entrée. International restaurants have an opportunity to attract diners across demographics with consumers significantly less likely to attempt preparing these cuisines in their home kitchen.

The purpose of this Report is to analyze consumers’ attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions surrounding innovation on the menu regarding flavor trends, preparation methods, menu organization, and other dining out factors. It also examines how perception of menu innovation varies across demographics, generations, regions, by race, and self-identified foodies and non-foodies. This Report builds upon analysis presented in Innovation on the Menu – US, September 2016.

For the purposes of this Report, Mintel has used the following definitions:

• QSRs (Quick service restaurants) – Used interchangeably with “fast food,” QSRs specialize in inexpensive, convenient meals. There is no waiter service, no alcoholic beverages, and a low price point. Examples include: McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, and Pizza Hut.

• Fast casual restaurants – These establishments are characterized by a higher price point than QSRs though not as high as full service restaurants. Fast casuals do not offer waiter service and may or may not serve alcohol. Examples include: Chipotle, Panera Bread, Shake Shack, and Blaze Pizza.

• LSRs (Limited service restaurants) – These establishments provide food services where customers usually select and order items and pay before dining. Food/drink may be consumed on the premises, offered as carryout, or delivered to the customer’s location. These may also sell alcoholic beverages. LSRs include both QSRs and fast casual restaurants.

• FSRs (Full service restaurants) – These establishments have waiter/waitress service in which customers order and are served while seated. These may also sell alcoholic beverages and offer carryout services and include the restaurant segments: midscale, casual dining, and fine dining.

• MMI (Mintel Menu Insights) – MMI is a quarterly census of restaurant brands covering all commercial segments and US census regions/divisions, with trends going back to Q2 2004. MMI tracks more than 30 unique menu item attributes including flavor, preparation (physical and/or cooking), menu type/section, cuisine type, and menu claims grouped into six major categories from macro restaurant, menu, plate, item dish, and beverage to micro ingredient detail.

• Menu Item Claims: Words within the menu item name or description that describe attributes of the entire menu item.

• Ingredient Claims: Words within the menu item description that enhance an ingredient’s appeal.