Foodservice Sales Reflect the Prosperous, Time-Pressed 1990's

Foodservice sales grew by 49%, from $228 billion in 1990 to $339 billion in 1999. The big growth was in sales by commercial foodservice establishments that prepare, serve, and sell meals and snacks to the general public. Their sales more than doubled, from $178 billion in 1990 to $275 billion in 1999. Commercial foodservice establishments accounted for 81% of total foodservice sales in 1999. Sales nearly doubled for recreation and entertainment facilities during the 1990s. Attendance at sporting events continued to grow, and multiplex cinemas generated high traffic in shopping malls. During the 1990s, people wanted quick, convenient meals. Fast food outlets more than doubled their sales over 1990-1999, and captured an increasing share of sales by separate eating places during the past decade - from 50% in 1990 to 53% in 1999.