Customers not as hungry for combo meals, report says
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It seems as though Americans are losing their appetite for fast food combo meals.
Since 2007, the traditional burger, fries, and soda have been down, according to a new report by market research firm The NPD Group, by one billion servings.
“The number-one reason they said they stopped is that the dollar menu is a better deal,” Bonnie Riggs, NPD restaurant industry analyst, told Time.
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NPD Group says that a growing interest in smaller meals and cheaper dollar menu items are to blame, and that now customers are 'bundling' their own 'DIY combos.' The initial price of a combo compared to that of something smaller also leaves hungry patrons wanting something less expensive.
There is still something about a package deal that entices eaters. However, the meals may need to be crafted anew.
"Even with the combo meal decline, there is still a large group of consumers who would order the meals, which means there is an opportunity to renew their interest by giving them what they want," Riggs said in a press release.
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Consumers want more options for their meal as well. This may lead to more combo customization at the counter.
“They’re not really interested in ordering more items,” Riggs said. “ [It] is the idea of choice.”
Click for more at TIME.