What’s on our plates for 2009? National Restaurant Association Research claims that we’ll be chowing down on more local produce, fresh kids meals and mini desserts. It all sounds well and good; however, I think that 2009 may see a hefty rise in cheap eats. From McDonald’s to KFC, people are looking to strip their budgets without foregoing convenience.

So what do marketers of quick serve restaurants (TGIFriday’s, Ruby Tuesday, Cracker Barrel) do with these highlights of new trends? Many of the quick serve restaurants rely on food shipped in from out of state. Will we see a rise in local food being served at these homogenized institutions?

Mini-desserts? Really? I’d love some examples.

Food Trends 2009