CHICAGO, May 21 — Food — it's everywhere. So it's no wonder the plethora of celebrity chefs, cooking shows and reality restaurant competitions is having an impact on the restaurant industry, the industry's chief researcher says.
"The American palate has become much more sophisticated," said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president for research and knowledge management for the National Restaurant Association, which is holding its annual trade show in Chicago.
"Restaurants play a critical role in that more sophisticated palate. Consumers go to restaurants … and like to experiment with items and preparations they may not be familiar with."
The restaurant business is a $580 billion industry, with 13 million employees at 1 million locations. Table service makes up the top segment at $184 billion and quick-service is a close second at $165 billion. Even fast-food has felt the impact of heightened consumer awareness.
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