U.S. FOOD TRENDS: Vegetarians inspire fat-drenched bacon burger

- “Researchers at CKE Restaurants created a concept for meat lovers while on a quest to perfect a grilled cheese sandwich for vegetarian guests at Carl’s Jr. The quickservice company’s Grilled Cheese Bacon Burger adds beef and bacon to the grilled cheese with sourdough bread that is on the menu .”- -     – From QSRweb.com/NRA Smartbrief

- “A survey of more than 50,000 shoppers found that 37% said they will continue to buy private label products after the economy improves. Though 59% of respondents said private label products are as good as national counterparts, 36% said they are loyal to national brands.” – Supermarket News/ FMI

- “Convenience Consumers feel their lives are hectic and rushed and that a dinner taking more than 30 minutes to make is inconvenient. While they believe convenient foods are more expensive, less healthy, and don’t taste as good, they also indicate convenience is worth paying for.” – NDP/fesmag.com

- “For the first time in 17 years, coupon use in the U.S. grew in 2009, jumping 27% over the previous year.” – MediaPost Communications

- “I happened upon Union Amore Brick Oven Pizza Hookah & B.B.Q. Lounge in Flushing. They also have sushi and ice cream—just in case you’re pregnant and crave a tuna roll, pizza, ice cream, kebabs, and water pipes.” – seriouseats.com

JohnLehndorff.com
Eat In Eat Out: Food trend forecast 2010: http://americanforecaster.com

The Pie Calendar 2010:  http://magcloud.com/browse/Issue/53186

Random food news update

According to the AP, 7-Eleven launched Yosemite Road, a private-label value wine brand that will retail for about $3.99 and be released in the U.S. and Japan. Its nuances reportedly go well with Twinkies, Marlboros and corn dogs. … QSR Magazine reports that Macdaddy’s, an all macaroni & cheese eatery, is open in Georgetown, Connecticut. The 20 varieties of macaroni and cheese include bistro-fied options like the “mac french onion” with Gruyere, caramelized onions, and applewood bacon. I would combine a MacDaddy’s franchise with another comfort concept, Chedd’s Grilled Cheese. Like cowbells in rock music, you can never have too much cheese on a menu. … On the menu at Animal restaurant in Montauk, N.Y.: Foie Gras Loco Moco which includes a hamburger, a slice of fried Spam, a wedge of seared foie gras and quail egg, according to the New York Times.