A new report, entitled The Consumer Pricing Strategy Report from foodservice consultants Technomic, states that 61 percent of consumers polled said they would spend more for a higher-quality sandwich if it contained premium meat, while 41 percent said they would if it contained premium cheese and 34 percent if it had premium bread.

 

The report also noted that 25 percent of consumers believe that restaurants are increasing prices because they want to make more money, while 75 percent believe the causes are increases in the cost of gasoline and ingredients. Ninety-one percent of consumers are dining out less frequently, 32 percent are purchasing less expensive food when they do dine out, and 19 percent are ordering smaller amounts and portions.