The Visit Recession

Restaurants aren't losing customers so much as losing visits. Quick service traffic fell 2.6% last quarter, lower-income households are cutting fast casual, coffee and breakfast runs, and Wingstop just guided to a 6.5% to 7% same-store sales decline for the year. Yet Chipotle, Chili's and Cheesecake Factory grew traffic by giving guests a sharper reason to come. The split isn't about price alone; it's about who your guest is and how clearly you sell value. Members get the full segment breakdown and this week's Savor Brand Price Watch.