Takeout is another segment that is growing in importance (80% are largely family and casual dining).
Valet parking is offered by 40% of the fine dining respondents (25% more likely to eat at a restaurant if free valet parking is offered).
Most restaurants use the Internet for marketing, and two-thirds have their own Web site.
The major challenges faced by operators are competition, operations costs, and the economy.
The labor shortage is less of a problem than in it was the 1990s, it remains an important issue for operators. Other operational problems are food safety and remodeling.
Menu items gaining in popularity include entrée salads, vegetarian entrées, side salads, and side vegetables.