March 12/Chicago/PRNewswire -- Interest in where food comes from, as well as changes in restaurant spending will both be driving the foodservice rollercoaster in 2012, according to Mintel's latest report.
"Overall, restaurant economic prospects for 2012 look positive," says Eric Giandelone, foodservice director at Mintel. "In spite of the down economy, Mintel estimates the U.S. restaurant industry will be worth $416.4 billion in 2012, showing that operators really have listened to consumer wants and needs and made appropriate changes."