Shopper Edge has revealed its 2026 Restaurant Outlook, highlighting that U.S. restaurant spending remained steady via 2025. The report suggests that buyers are more and more prioritizing worth and reliability of their eating selections, with manufacturers like Chili’s, Texas Roadhouse, and Elevating Cane’s gaining market share by providing constant experiences at truthful costs.
The report identifies a number of key tendencies within the restaurant trade. One vital discovering is the shift in client spending habits, with a deal with worth driving adjustments in market dynamics. Shoppers throughout revenue ranges have gotten extra deliberate of their eating selections, and grocery spending is rising throughout all revenue teams. This has resulted in a polarized market, with customers both choosing value financial savings or in search of enhanced eating experiences.
Informal eating institutions, equivalent to Chili’s, Texas Roadhouse, and Olive Backyard, skilled regular development within the third quarter of 2025. Center-income customers favored these reasonably priced sit-down meal choices. Crimson Lobster additionally noticed a rebound throughout this era, attributed to new worth combos and a simplified menu. The report means that 2026 may see informal eating leaders construct on this momentum by providing high quality meals and dependable service at cheap costs.
The hen restaurant section has proven vital development since 2019-2020, increasing by 50%. Elevating Cane’s has practically doubled its market share to 11%, surpassing opponents like Popeyes and KFC, whereas Chick-fil-A continues to guide with roughly 50% of the class’s complete spending. The report anticipates continued power on this section, supported by constant worth, operational effectivity, and broad enchantment throughout revenue ranges.
In distinction, some fast-casual manufacturers, equivalent to Chipotle and Panera, skilled slower development within the third quarter of 2025 as a result of increased costs affecting client demand. Nevertheless, Panda Specific gained traction via menu innovation and digital engagement. This blended efficiency highlights a development the place customers reward manufacturers that stability novelty with clear worth, a sample anticipated to affect spending within the coming 12 months.
Regional manufacturers additionally contributed to development, with Freebirds World Burrito and Biscuitville main year-over-year enhance within the Southern U.S. in the course of the third quarter of 2025. Within the Northeast, Springbone Kitchen and Clean Road Espresso thrived by providing wholesome, handy choices. These regional gamers show how native id and neighborhood connection have gotten influential components in eating selections, alongside value and comfort.
Shopper Edge’s evaluation covers over 600 restaurant manufacturers throughout varied classes, together with informal eating, household eating, quick informal, tremendous eating, fast service, and upscale informal. The report supplies insights into pockets share by revenue, market share throughout totally different transaction sizes, buyer retention and loyalty tendencies, and demographic publicity by revenue and age. These insights supply a complete view of how financial and generational components are shaping client eating conduct.
The complete 2026 Restaurant Outlook report is out there for obtain on Consumer Edge’s website.
