We should all know the importance of eating breakfast for health and performance reasons. It may now be the most important meal of the day for restaurants as well.
Mr. Boomer and I have long preferred to spend a large percentage of our dining out dollars for breakfast. It’s less expensive and we can have entrees neither one of us can cook very well. (I haven’t mastered omelettes yet.)
We usually use coupons but even without one, we still keep the bill around $20. With the current economy we’re not the only ones eating out early.
Breakfast Growth
In the restaurant business the morning meal is driving in traffic. According to Bonnie Riggs, a restaurant analyst, it’s the meal that shows growth first post-recession and is positioned to show the strongest growth for the next decade.
Eateries that previously didn’t serve the first meal of the day are jumping in with two feet. Subway tested breakfast in all San Diego stores last year and it was a big success that they subsequently rolled out nationally. Wendy’s and Taco Bell are testing breakfast products in certain markets.
Even fine dining establishments are giving in to the demand for breakfast by offering weekend breakfast or brunches.
Benefit to Consumer
Consumers always win when there is more competition. McDonald’s focused on competing for coffee drinkers (and against Starbucks) when they rolled out their McCafe lattes. Not only do they offer coupons but the base price is lower. Benefit: Lower Prices.
In addition to saving money you have more options on where to spend it. Do you want to dine at fast food, casual or fine dining establishment? They say that variety is the spice of life. Benefit: Choice.
Now you can start your day off with more options than before including many healthier items. Many restaurant businesses, including fast food, offer lower fat and calorie menu items whether it be yogurt with fruit or egg white/turkey bacon sandwiches. Benefit: Good Health.
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Do you start your day with a good meal from home or dine out?
photo credit: love?janine
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{ 8 comments }
I have noticed this trend as well. The fact that you can still have the same experience for a fraction of the cost is very intriguing.
I’m also noticing that all fast food restaurants in my area (New Jersey) are offering smoothies and slurpies now!
Khaleef, good observation about the smoothies. They’re everywhere here as well; even McDonalds. My 81 y/o father-in-law loves them!
Since I work at home, I usually don’t go out for breakfast. It’s usually oatmeal (bought on sale with coupons, so deeply discounted that it works out to less than two cents per bowl. I add blackberries that I picked and froze for free, and some nonfat milk that will be free until I finish this last can of powder. (My dad sent me a case of the stuff when I was really broke; finally almost through it!)
So my breakfast is cheap but fairly healthy. When I *do* go out, I’m all about the coupons — and the unhealthy stuff. 🙂 We’re talkin’ bacon/egg/cheese biscuits, or combo meals that give bacon AND eggs AND hash browns AND pancakes. (Hint: Join the “Pancake Revolution” at IHOP and you’ll get a free repast like the one I just described.)
Breakfast out is cheaper than lunch out, which is cheaper than dinner out.
Donna, my husband and I do belong to the IHOP e-club and love their coupons. I eat breakfast out only on weekends when we both can go.
My siblings and I lived in Washington growing up (my dad is from Wenatchee). My brother is such a blackberry freak, people always pick him up blackberry hostess pies whenever they head to the Northwest.
I am the worst with breakfast…I just don’t like eating when I wake up. To combat the unhealthy habit I brought a box of ceral to work so I don’t spend money on bad deli food in my office
Evan, I have family members with the same dislike for eating right away. You found a budget-friendly solution. I know several people at my office that have a stash of oatmeal packets as well.
My that picture looks fabulous, I have craving breakfast now and it is 3:00 in the afternoon!
I almost always eat breakfast at home. I too am a fan of smoothies, and I make them all the time with my Magic Bullet. On vacation though, I do love to indulge in a breakfast buffet. The Hilton Hotels seem to have the best.
Kris, would you recommend the magic bullet? I’ve wondered if it’s an effective blender.
I love breakfast buffets as well (as long as they cook eggs to order). I’m not a fan of the wet scrambled eggs.
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