Butterball Foodservice has provided insights covering foodservice and related marketplace conditions and sentiment.

• Vaccine administration continues to increase (292B NY Times), restrictions continue to ease and it's expected most of the US will be open with little to no restrictions by the 4^th of July.
• There are 299,564 restaurants open for dine-in service as of 6/1/21.
  • Top 5 by menu type in order include: American, Mexican, Sandwich/Deli, Burger, Pizza.
• Sentiment continues to move positive, and concern is slowly fizzing away.
  • 49% of the population feel very concerned about Coronavirus, down from 65% in February.
  • Urban populations in the Northeast and West show the highest levels of remaining concern.
  • Vaccination gains popularity in people who have held off and trust without side effects remains the top hurdle.
• 31% of the population will avoid eating out, down from a 68% high in early April.
• Economic crisis is now feared more than a public-health crisis.
• Top segment types in perceived risk: nightclubs, buffets, bars, salad/soup bar, cafeteria style.
• Labor shortages are plaguing restaurants, most of retail, hotels, and childcare centers.
  • The shortage situation is more complex than just unemployment benefits enticing people to stay at home. Click here for a map of states cutting enhanced unemployment benefits.
  • Other drivers include low wages to perceived risk, discovery of new industry opportunities, family care, parents unwilling to let children work until pandemic is completely over.
• A large divide has surfaced; younger generations prefer AI and technology when ordering, where older prefer human interaction.
  • Regardless, technology will be forthcoming and first introduced by large chain operations.
• Inflation (CPI) is a key indicator of future growth and recovery. It has recently increased, but when in doubt… zoom out.

Content courtesy of Butterball Foodservice