News Category: Diners

GrubHub and Eat This, Not That! Partner to Share Takeout Ordering Advice for the New Year

GrubHub Reveals the Most Popular Health-Conscious Special Instructions, Plus the Top Cities Making Those Requests

CHICAGO, Jan. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The beginning of 2015 offers the opportunity to start the year fresh, and for many, this “fresh start” means improving health, diet and exercise habits. With this in mind, GrubHub, the nation’s leading online and mobile food-ordering service, has partnered with Eat This, Not That!, the foremost consumer resource for no-diet weight loss and healthy food choices, to identify the most impactful food swaps and special instructions for some of America’s most popular takeout menus.

To see how Americans alter their takeout orders to help fulfill New Year’s resolutions, GrubHub analyzed a year’s worth of order data and uncovered the special requests and instructions that are more popular during the first two weeks of January, when New Year’s resolutions are in full swing.

Health-Conscious Special Instructions More Commonly Ordered to Start the New Year*

  1. No Bread/Bun: 15 percent more commonly ordered
  2. Dressing on the Side: 14 percent more commonly ordered
  3. Easy Rice: 14 percent more commonly ordered
  4. Easy on the Cheese or No Cheese: Seven percent more commonly ordered
  5. Substitute Brown Rice: Four percent more commonly ordered

In addition to identifying the special requests that see the biggest jump in popularity, GrubHub analysts identified the cities, coast-to-coast, that are most likely to make health-conscious customizations at the start of the New Year.

Top 10 Cities Making Healthy Eating Resolutions to Start the New Year*

  1. Tempe, Ariz. – Healthful special requests jumped 46 percent
  2. Champaign, Ill. – Healthful special requests jumped 36 percent
  3. Denver – Healthful special requests jumped 25 percent
  4. Houston – Healthful special requests jumped 24 percent
  5. Columbus, Ohio – Healthful special requests jumped 24 percent
  6. Ridgewood, N.Y. – Healthful special requests jumped 20 percent
  7. Rochester, N.Y. – Healthful special requests jumped 16 percent
  8. D.C. – Healthful special requests jumped 15 percent
  9. New York City – Healthful special requests jumped 13 percent
  10. Oakland, Calif. – Healthful special requests jumped 12 percent

According to the University of Scranton’s Journal of Clinical Psychology, “losing weight” is at the top of New Year’s resolutions lists, but only eight percent of Americans are successful in achieving that resolution. In an effort to help diners make more impactful “healthy” choices in 2015, GrubHub enlisted the help of the diet and nutrition experts at Eat This, Not That! to come up with the best health-conscious special requests for takeout.

Top Swaps for Making Favorite Takeout Foods Healthier

1. Pizza – Slice of Cheese Pizza

  • EAT THIS: Order thin crust instead of regular crust.
  • SAVE: 60 calories and 13 grams of carbohydrates for every slice!
  • Overlooked Healthy Option When Ordering Pizza: Ham is one of the best pizza toppings on the menu. It’s lean and loaded with protein.

2. Chinese – Lo Mein

  • EAT THIS: Order Vegetable Lo Mein instead of Chicken Lo Mein.
  • SAVE: 325 calories, 7.6 grams of fat (1.5 grams saturated), and 257 milligrams sodium. (And utilize GrubHub’s special instruction box to request extra veggies!).
  • Overlooked Healthy Option When Ordering Chinese: Kung Pao Chicken. Made with roasted peanuts, dried chilies, and a slew of other vegetables, Kung Pao Chicken can be one of the best entrées on the Chinese menu because the chicken isn’t fried.

3. Japanese – Sushi Rolls

  • EAT THIS: Order a plain tuna roll with a side of chili sauce or sriracha instead of a spicy tuna roll.
  • SAVE: At least 150 calories, 13 grams of fat and 245 milligrams of sodium per roll. The “spicy” in Spicy Tuna Rolls comes from a dab of mayo mixed with Asian chili sauce.
  • Overlooked Healthy Option When Ordering Sushi: Mackerel. Often overlooked for more popular fish like salmon and tuna, mackerel has twice the amount of heart-healthy, inflammation-reducing, cancer-fighting omega-3 fatty acids, making it one of the healthiest fish in the sea.

4.  Mexican – Tacos

  • EAT THIS: Order tacos with soft corn tortillas instead of hard shell tacos.
  • SAVE: 8 grams of fat and 3 grams of saturated fat in just one, three-taco serving.
  • Overlooked Healthy Option When Ordering Mexican: Pozole is a delicious broth-based soup built around hominy – a fiber-loaded member of the maize family. It’s packed with chili peppers, which impart antioxidant capsaicins, and pork, which adds high-quality protein.

5. Indian – Chicken Tikka Masala

  • EAT THIS: Order your Chicken Tikka Masala with all white meat instead of dark meat.
  • SAVE: 50 calories or more per serving. Every calorie makes an impact in a recipe that’s comprised of fat-rich ingredients like ghee, whole milk yogurt and heavy cream.
  • Overlooked Healthy Option When Ordering Indian: Tandoori. Made in a clay oven that cooks small, tender slabs of protein, tandoori menu items like kebabs and chicken are some of the leanest items on Indian menus.

“Eat This, Not That! has impacted millions of people’s lives by showing them the weight-loss power of simple swaps,” says David Zinczenko, bestselling author of the Eat This, Not That! series and Chairman and CEO of Galvanized. “And with GrubHub’s Special Instructions box, making these healthy swaps and substitutions has never been easier.”

To find takeout restaurants available in your area, please visit GrubHub.com, and for more information on GrubHub Inc., please visit http://media.grubhub.com.

About GrubHub
GrubHub Inc. (NYSE: GRUB) is the nation’s leading online and mobile food ordering company dedicated to connecting hungry diners with local takeout restaurants. The company’s online and mobile ordering platforms allow diners to order directly from approximately 30,000 takeout restaurants in more than 800 U.S. cities and London. Every order is supported by the company’s 24/7 customer service teams.

About Eat This, Not That
With each book a best-seller, the Eat This, Not That! series has changed the way America eats. By alerting Americans to the shocking and often hidden nutritional facts about our food over the course of 17 books, more than 100 television segments, and the new Eat This, Not That! magazine, author David Zinczenko and coauthor Matt Goulding have inspired local and national consumer-protection laws and forced the restaurant industry to change their ways. In the words of Ellen DeGeneres, “Eat This, Not That! will freak the weight right off of you!”

*Based on orders made in the first two weeks of January 2014 (1/1/2014 – 1/14/2014) versus the last two weeks in December 2013 (12/18/2013 -12/31/2013).

GrubHub Year In Review Reveals 2014 Takeout Trends

New Findings from GrubHub show the Cupcake craze is officially over, with Skillet Cookies and Brussels Sprouts reigning supreme in 2014

CHICAGO, Dec. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — From doughsants to ramen burgers and waffle tacos, 2014 was a big year for food fads. And with a new year around the corner, GrubHub analysts set out to identify which food trends left the biggest mark on takeout in 2014.  According to year-over-year order data*, sharable dishes – including Skillet Cookies, Poutine, Jumbo Pretzels and Brussels Sprouts – saw some of the biggest order spikes in 2014, while Cupcakes, Turkey Burgers and Curry dishes declined in popularity.

To uncover top trends in 2014 takeout dining, analysts examined two years’ worth of GrubHub order data from its network of 30,000 restaurants in more than 800 U.S. cities. Findings identify both the dishes with the largest increase in GrubHub orders over the last year, as well as the takeout foods declining in popularity.

2014 GrubHub Takeout Trends

2014 GrubHub Takeout On the Decline

1.       Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie: +323%

1.       Chocolate Cupcake: -67%

2.       Whiting Fish: +199%

2.       Cheesy Garlic Bread: -67%

3.       Poutine: +189%

3.       Potato Leek Soup: -62%

4.       Jumbo Soft Pretzels: +186%

4.       Fried Chicken Leg: -61%

5.       Brussels Sprouts: +185%

5.       Cucumber Yogurt: -60%

6.       Classic Sirloin: +180%

6.       Turkey Burger: -60%

7.       Bacon Ranch Quesadillas: +168%

7.       Curried Chicken: -59%

8.       Shoyu Ramen: +167%

8.       Kadayif: -57%%

9.       Cornbread: +160%

9.       Ham and Cheese Sandwich: -57%

10.     Karaage Chicken: +154%

10.     Veggie Curry: -56%

2014 Prediction Scorecard

At the end of 2013, the National Restaurant Association surveyed professional chefs to find out which cuisines and culinary themes would make waves in 2014. The analysts at GrubHub compared order data with some of these predictions to determine which trends took hold in the takeout industry this past year.

Correct Trend Predictions

Trend Predictions that Missed

·         Hybrid Desserts: +148%

·         “Locally Sourced” Takeout: -10%

·         Pickled Items: +106%

·         Healthy Seeds: -7%

·         New Cuts of Meat (Tri-Tip): +26%

·         Artisan Cheeses: -4%

·         Bite Size (“mini”) Desserts: +21%

·         Korean Food: -3%

·         Greek Yogurt: +21%

·         Ethnic Dips: -2%

“As we reflect on the year, it’s important to take a look at what 2014 meant for our millions of diners,” said Jonathan Zabusky, president of GrubHub Inc. “Tracking food trends based on our order data helps highlight the impact independent, mom and pop restaurants have on the tastes and preferences of American diners.”

To find takeout restaurants available in your area, please visit GrubHub.com, and for more information on GrubHub Inc., please visit http://media.grubhub.com.

About GrubHub

GrubHub Inc. (NYSE: GRUB) is the nation’s leading online and mobile food ordering company dedicated to connecting hungry diners with local takeout restaurants. The company’s online and mobile ordering platforms allow diners to order directly from approximately 30,000 takeout restaurants in more than 800 U.S. cities and London. Every order is supported by the company’s 24/7 customer service teams.

Based on order data from 1/1/13-12/31/13 compared to 1/1/14-11/11/14.

He Orders, She Orders: GrubHub Data Challenges Gender Stereotypes

CHICAGO, Sept. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Differences in male and female brains have been identified from the earliest stages of human development. And new data from GrubHub Inc., the nation’s leading online and mobile food-ordering service, shows that gender differences in takeout orders arise at a behavioral level, including day, time, location and specific food categories.

An analysis of a year’s worth of pick-up and delivery orders from GrubHub’s network of more than 30,000 restaurants in 700 U.S. cities found that while men and women share the most frequently ordered menu items (such as pizza, fries, salad and soup), they differ in their ordering habits, including when and where they order.

  • Late-Night Orders: Men are nearly 55 percent more likely to order during late-night hours (10 p.m. – 2 a.m.) than women.
  • Office Orders: Women are nearly 30 percent more likely to order food to work than men.
  • Breakfast Orders: Women are 15 percent more likely to order during breakfast hours (8 – 11 a.m.) than men.
  • Pickup Orders: Men are 6 percent more likely to place pickup orders than women.
  • Weekend Orders: Women are nearly 7 percent more likely than men to order on a Friday, but men are nearly 6 percent more likely to place an order on a Sunday than women.

As for specific cuisines, men tend to favor American dishes (a cuisine that’s more than 15 percent more commonly ordered by men), while women are more likely to order Asian dishes (including Japanese fare, which is more than 21 percent more commonly ordered by women).

What’s more, an NPD Group Foodservice market research report finds that while a growing number of restaurants offer healthier menu items and are becoming increasingly transparent about calories and other nutritional information, consumers continue to crave traditional favorites.1 The GrubHub analysis reveals evidence of this is on the plates of men.

Menu Items More Likely Ordered by Men

  1. 2-Liter Soda – nearly 54 percent more commonly ordered by men
  2. Boneless Wings – nearly 54 percent more commonly ordered by men
  3. Chicken Parmesan – more than 53 percent more commonly ordered by men
  4. General Tso’s Chicken – more than 51 percent more commonly ordered by men
  5. Bacon Cheeseburger – more than 45 percent more commonly ordered by men

Menu Items More Likely Ordered by Women:

  1. Seaweed Salad – nearly 63 percent more commonly ordered by women
  2. Edamame – nearly 60 percent more commonly ordered by women
  3. Avocado Rolls – nearly 57 percent more commonly ordered by women
  4. House Salad – nearly 53 percent more commonly ordered by women
  5. Shrimp Tempura Roll – nearly 51 percent more commonly ordered by women

In addition to the foods more commonly ordered, GrubHub data shows that the sexes’ choices of in-vogue foods also differ. While food fads may not persist, clear preferences exist between men and women, which supports the notion that women are more likely than men to say that healthy food sections on restaurant menus matter.2

Food Fads More Popular with Men:

  1. Bacon – nearly 35 percent more commonly ordered by men
  2. Poutine – nearly 30 percent more commonly ordered by men
  3. Sriracha – nearly 17 percent more commonly ordered by men
  4. Biscuit – more than 13 percent more commonly ordered by men
  5. Fried Chicken – more than 7 percent more commonly ordered by men

Food Fads More Popular with Women:

  1. Chia Seeds – nearly 74 percent more commonly ordered by women
  2. Pressed Juice – nearly 74 percent more commonly ordered by women
  3. Cupcakes – more than 73 percent more commonly ordered by women
  4. Frozen Yogurt – more than 65 percent more commonly ordered by women
  5. Beets – nearly 63 percent more commonly ordered by women

“Our gender analysis helps us better understand the inclinations and motivations of men and women, as well as how those inclinations factor into takeout ordering decisions,” said GrubHub President Jonathan Zabusky . “GrubHub data, including customer order profiles and preferences, can help our restaurant partners make best use of their menus and direct diners to the foods they are most likely to enjoy.”

For additional data on ordering habits by gender, including typical male vs. female profiles, food preferences and top orders, among others, please visit: http://media.grubhub.com/media/White-Papers/.

To find takeout restaurants available in your area, please visit GrubHub.com, and for more information on GrubHub Inc., please visit http://media.grubhub.com.

About GrubHub Inc.
GrubHub Inc. is the nation’s leading online and mobile food-ordering company dedicated to connecting hungry diners with local takeout restaurants. The GrubHub Inc. portfolio of brands includes GrubHub, Seamless, MenuPages and Allmenus. The Company’s online and mobile ordering platforms allow diners to order directly from more than 30,000 takeout restaurants in more than 700 U.S. cities and London, and every order is supported by the Company’s 24/7 customer service. GrubHub Inc. has offices in Chicago, New York City and London.

1 NPD Group. (2013). Consumers Make Healthy Choices at Restaurants by Cutting Out or Down, Reports NPD. [Press release]. Retrieved from https://www.npd.com/wps/portal/npd/us/news/press-releases/consumers-make-healthy-choices-at-restaurants-by-cutting-out-or-down-reports-npd/)

2 Mintel Group Ltd. (2014). Dining Out: The Restaurant Decision-Making Process – US, July 2014

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140926/148701-INFO

YP and GrubHub Join Forces to Bring Online and Mobile Ordering to Hungry YP Users

LOS ANGELES and CHICAGO, Sept. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — YP, the go-to local search destination for more than 80 million* people across the U.S., today announced a new deal with GrubHub Inc.(NYSE: GRUB) – the nation’s leading online and mobile food ordering company, to offer online and mobile ordering as part of YP’s consumer experience.

Participating GrubHub restaurant listings will be integrated across YP’s flagship consumer brands, including YP.com and the top-rated YPSM app, allowing YP users to view menus and place orders directly on information pages for restaurants. For eligible GrubHub restaurants, this agreement provides increased exposure and awareness on one of the largest local search sites in the U.S.

“We’re excited to work with GrubHub to simplify the food ordering process for YP users,” said Darren Clark , CTO at YP. “People will no longer have to leave YP to place their food orders. Making it easier for people to get things done quickly and efficiently is our vision for local commerce – and this deal gets us one step closer to delivering on that strategy while also furthering our mission to help local communities succeed and grow.”

Users can now search for the perfect takeout restaurant and start placing orders at YP.com or via the YPSM app for Android (accessed directly from Google searches on mobile devices) and iOS. YP ranks among the top 30 properties across desktop, mobile, and mobile apps in the U.S.**.

About YP
YP is a leading local marketing solutions provider in the US dedicated to helping local businesses and communities grow. YP’s flagship consumer brands include the popular YPSM app and YP.com, which are used by more than 80 million visitors each month in the U.S. (Internal Data, July 2014). YP solutions include websites, listings management, reputation monitoring, video ads, search engine optimization, search engine marketing, advertising on YP and the YP℠ Local Ad Network, online display and mobile advertising, and advertising in The Real Yellow Pages® directory. YP solutions and services are backed by thousands of media consultants and customer service professionals in local markets across the U.S. with relationships spanning more than half a million advertisers. For more information on YP, visit us at http://corporate.yp.com. Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/YP and on Twitter: @YP.

About GrubHub Inc.
GrubHub Inc. is the nation’s leading online and mobile food-ordering company dedicated to connecting hungry diners with local takeout restaurants. The GrubHub Inc. portfolio of brands includes GrubHub, Seamless, MenuPages and Allmenus. The Company’s online and mobile ordering platforms allow diners to order directly from more than 30,000 takeout restaurants in more than 700 U.S. cities and London, and every order is supported by the Company’s 24/7 customer service. GrubHub Inc. has offices in Chicago, New York City and London.

*YP Internal Data, Q2 2014, representing monthly visitors.
**comScore Media Metrix Multi-Platform (U.S.), Top 2000 Web Domains Report, July 2014

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140923/148037

GrubHub and Spoon University Analysis Highlights Differences in College Eating Habits

Student Food Preferences Deviate from the Norm, From Ordering Times to Caffeine Consumption

CHICAGO, Aug. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — With class back in session for students across the country, GrubHub Inc., the nation’s leading online and mobile food-ordering service, teamed up with Spoon University, an online food publication and community for college students, to unwrap collegiate takeout habits. Together, they confirmed that drastic differences in eating habits exist between college students and the general population, especially when it comes to caffeine and ordering hours.

For a comprehensive understanding of student diners, GrubHub analysts examined orders placed by students from hundreds of college campuses during the 2013-2014 school year. While some of the data confirms that traditional takeout foods like pizza, wings and salads are popular across the board, other findings highlight the differences between student diners and average GrubHub diners. The analysis shows that college diners:

  • Caffeinate creatively: Energy drinks are 83 percent more commonly ordered by college diners, while coffee is 15 percent less commonly ordered.
  • Start the day later: Early-morning orders (between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.) are 66 percent less common for college diners.
  • Keep it cool: Spicy orders are 26 percent less common among college students than non-college diners.
  • Embrace being omnivores: Vegetarian and vegan orders are 25 percent less common among college diners.
  • Ask for the works: Even as restaurants look to add healthier options to their menus, healthy substitutions and special requests are still 23 percent less common for college diners.
  • Skip the sweets: Dessert orders are 18 percent less common among college diners.
  • Burn the midnight oil: Late-night orders (placed between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.) are 100 percent more common among college diners.

“The habits displayed by college diners, and the takeout restaurants that cater to this population, help illustrate the inherent differences between college culture and the rest of the nation,” said GrubHub Inc. president, Jonathan Zabusky. “It’s great to see that students take advantage of GrubHub’s convenience and flexibility to help fuel college life.”

Takeout Preferences of College Students
In addition to identifying key trends in college takeout, GrubHub’s analysis shows that certain foods are ordered by college students more than the typical GrubHub diner, with traditional takeout favorites like Italian and Chinese ranking highest.

  • Calzone – 150 percent more commonly ordered
  • Chicken with Broccoli – 114 percent more commonly ordered
  • General Tso’s Chicken – 92 percent more commonly ordered
  • Sesame Chicken – 88 percent more commonly ordered
  • Dumplings – 62 percent more commonly ordered
  • Wings – 56 percent more commonly ordered
  • Chicken Parmesan – 36 percent more commonly ordered
  • Sweet and Sour Chicken – 34 percent more commonly ordered
  • Wonton Soup – 19 percent more commonly ordered
  • Fries – 19 percent more commonly ordered

“With school and social calendars booked around-the-clock, college students often find themselves without the time or ingredients (not to mention a kitchen) to prepare food for themselves – so ordering takeout is a huge part of their lifestyles,” said Spoon University co-founder, Mackenzie Barth. “It’s no surprise that students order comfort foods at home and in the dorms, but as they learn more about the options available for takeout, we expect to see them making healthier and more adventurous choices when ordering from GrubHub.”

Leading the Pack in Campus Order Habits
In addition to profiling the college diner, GrubHub and Spoon University have delved into the unique takeout habits of campuses across the country. To see how your favorite college stacks up, check out GrubHub and Spoon University’s college rankings, here.

To find takeout restaurants available in your area, please visit GrubHub.com, and for more information on GrubHub Inc., please visit media.grubhub.com.

About GrubHub Inc.
GrubHub Inc. (NYSE:  GRUB) is the nation’s leading online and mobile food ordering company dedicated to connecting hungry diners with local takeout restaurants. The company’s online and mobile ordering platforms allow diners to order directly from approximately 30,000 takeout restaurants in more than 700 U.S. cities and London. Every order is supported by the company’s 24/7 customer service teams.

About Spoon University
Spoon University is a food media company with a focus on college students, building communities on college campuses nationwide. Spoon has chapters at 40 universities with over 1,000 students contributing to local editorial and marketing teams. Spoon’s mission is to help students eat intelligently while empowering them to build, lead, maintain and market their own online publications.

SOURCE GrubHub Inc.

Allie Mack, 773-250-0618, amack@grubhub.com

Redefining Room Service: GrubHub Analysis Finds Takeout Orders to Hotels Jumped 125% in Popularity in Last Three Years

As some hotels forgo in-room dining offerings, travelers look to other food options

CHICAGO, July 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — For many Americans, hotel room service is considered a travel luxury; however, data from PFK Hospitality Research1 suggests that room service revenues fell 9.5 percent from 2007 to 2012, with some hotels shuttering unprofitable operations altogether. As hoteliers start to rethink their room service offerings, data from GrubHub Inc., the nation’s leading online and mobile food-ordering service, shows that takeout orders to hotels are growing increasingly popular.

GrubHub analysts examined a year’s worth of orders delivered to more than 8,000 hotels across the country to uncover takeout’s role in the current travel experience. GrubHub’s data suggest that hotel takeout orders have jumped in popularity 125 percent in the last three years2.

Hotel Takeout Ordering Habits
With a network of approximately 29,000 restaurants in more than 700 U.S. cities, GrubHub analysts were able to gain an accurate snapshot of the takeout habits of traveling Americans, including:

  • On average, hotel diners spend about 11 percent more per order than non-hotel diners.
  • Men are about 54 percent more likely than women to order meals to hotels.
  • Hotel takeout orders peak early in the work week, with fewer orders from Friday through Sunday.
  • Dinner and late night are the most popular meal times for travelers. Nearly three-fourths (72 percent) of hotel orders are placed during dinner and late-night hours.

Travelers to Mid-sized Cities Enjoy Takeout to Hotels
In addition to tracking hotel order trends, GrubHub’s analysis found that mid-sized cities such as Minneapolis, Kansas City, Mo., and Orlando have the highest share of orders delivered to hotels. The 10 leading hotel takeout order destinations, with the highest percentage of total orders coming from hotels, are:

  1. Minneapolis
  2. Kansas City
  3. Orlando, Fla.
  4. Virginia Beach, Va.
  5. Raleigh, N.C.
  6. Cleveland
  7. Portland, Ore.
  8. Jacksonville, Fla.
  9. San Jose, Calif.
  10. Miami

“Whether travelers are looking for more diverse, more affordable, or more accessible food options, it’s clear that takeout is becoming the natural alternative to traditional room service,” said GrubHub President Jonathan Zabusky .

To find takeout restaurants available in your area, please visit GrubHub.com, and for more information on GrubHub Inc., please visit http://media.grubhub.com.

About GrubHub Inc.
GrubHub Inc. (NYSE: GRUB) is the nation’s leading online and mobile food ordering company dedicated to connecting hungry diners with local takeout restaurants. The company’s online and mobile ordering platforms allow diners to order directly from more than 29,000 takeout restaurants in more than 700 U.S. cities and London. Every order is supported by the company’s 24/7 customer service teams.

1 PKF Hospitality Research LLC , Trends® in the Hotel Industry http://www.pkfc.com/store/products.aspx?CategoryID=175
2 Jump in popularity calculated as the change in share of total orders from 1/1/2011 – 7/2/2014.

SOURCE GrubHub Inc.

Allie Mack, 1-773-250-0618, amack@grubhub.com

School’s Out: GrubHub Data Reveals the Most Popular Kids’ Menu Items

Children’s Takeout Orders Up 40% Each Year Since 2012; Most Common in Texas

CHICAGO, June 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — School’s out for the summer and the analysts at GrubHub, the nation’s leading online and mobile food-ordering company, were curious to learn what parents across the country are ordering to keep kids happy and full throughout the day. An analysis of orders placed across GrubHub’s restaurant network finds that kids’ menu orders have shown consistent growth of 40 percent each year since 2012, with 17 percent of takeout restaurants now offering a kids’ menu section.

The Most-Ordered Kids’ Dishes – and Those Trending Fast

With kids’ menu orders consistently growing in both number and frequency, data shows that traditional childhood favorites, including chicken tenders, burgers, pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches, remain the most commonly ordered kids’ menu choices. However, the analysis also found that the items with the highest order growth in 2014 include French toast, at No. 1, and pancakes at No. 4, indicating more interest in breakfast foods among kids and parents.

     Most Popular Kids’ Menu Items*

    2014 Trending Kids’ Menu Items**

1.      Chicken Tenders – 19%

2.      Burgers – 9%

3.      Pizza – 7%

4.      Grilled Cheese – 7%

5.      Chicken Nuggets – 5%

6.      French Fries – 5%

7.      Spaghetti – 5%

8.      Macaroni & Cheese – 4%

9.      Quesadilla – 4%

10.    Hot Dog – 3%

1.      French Toast – 87%

2.      Milk – 55%

3.      Corn Dog – 46%

4.      Pancakes – 31%

5.      Chicken Parmesan – 22%

6.      Spaghetti – 20%

7.      Chicken Wings – 13%

8.      Pizza – 10%

9.      Macaroni & Cheese – 10%

10.    Hot Dog – 10%

*Based on orders placed 5-13-2013 thru 5-12-2014.

**Percentage increase calculated by comparing year-over-year order volume percentage.

Conversely, data shows that several food items are “out” with kids this year. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich orders have plunged 60 percent in popularity compared to last year. Ham and cheese sandwich orders have slid 27 percent, and turkey and cheese sandwich orders have dropped more than 16 percent compared to last year. Also declining were mozzarella sticks, shrimp and fish dishes.

“A combination of factors may explain the rise in kids’ meal takeout, including convenience, variety and time pressures,” said GrubHub Inc. President, Jonathan Zabusky. “Year-over-year data shows that restaurants are clearly catering more to busy parents by providing food options that appeal to children, regardless of the cuisine. As a parent myself, it’s nice to know that many of my favorite restaurants feature options that allow me to order a meal for the entire family.”

Where Do Parents Rely on Kids’ Takeout?   

As for the cities where kids’ meals are being ordered most, three Texas cities rank among the top five, including Dallas, Houston and Austin.

  1. Knoxville, Tenn.
  2. Dallas
  3. Houston
  4. Las Vegas
  5. Austin, Texas
  6. Raleigh, N.C.
  7. Nashville, Tenn.
  8. Orlando, Fla.
  9. Denver
  10. Greensboro, N.C.

Please check out GrubHub’s Fact Sheet for additional kids’ takeout insights. To find takeout restaurants available in your area, please visit GrubHub.com, and for more information on GrubHub Inc., please visit http://media.grubhub.com.

About GrubHub Inc.

GrubHub Inc. (NYSE: GRUB) is the nation’s leading online and mobile food ordering company dedicated to connecting hungry diners with local takeout restaurants. The company’s online and mobile ordering platforms allow diners to order directly from more than 29,000 takeout restaurants in more than 700 U.S. cities and London. Every order is supported by the company’s 24/7 customer service teams.

GrubHub Data Reveals Hottest Health Food Fads in Takeout

Chia Seeds, Quinoa Biggest Food Fads; Boulder, Chicago and Los Angeles Earliest Adopters

CHICAGO, May 12, 2014  — A new health food trend pops up just about every month, and the analysts at GrubHub, the nation’s leading online and mobile food-ordering company, set out to track these crazes in the takeout space. GrubHub’s order analysis shows that chia seeds, quinoa and almond milk rank among 2014’s trendiest “health” foods, with these trendier orders most heavily concentrated in Boulder, Colo., Chicago and Los Angeles.

To uncover some of the fastest-growing health food fads at takeout restaurants across the country, GrubHub analysts examined a year’s worth of order data, focusing on foods and ingredients touted for their health benefits. Findings reveal that the following items registered the largest order spikes in the last year:

2014 Trending Health Foodsi

  • Chia seeds – 140%
  • Quinoa – 110%
  • Almond milk – 110%
  • Kale – 99%
  • “Raw” foods – 59%
  • Gluten-free – 52%
  • Pressed juice – 38%

GrubHub’s analysis also considered where these types of food trends are most geographically concentrated, with the following cities ranking highest for their percentage of trending health fad orders:

Health Fad Early Adopters

  1. Boulder, Colo.
  2. Chicago
  3. Los Angeles
  4. Seattle
  5. New York
  6. San Jose
  7. San Diego
  8. St. Louis
  9. Miami
  10. Austin

“GrubHub order data is an incredible indicator of new food trends,” said GrubHub Inc. president, Jonathan Zabusky , noting that GrubHub primarily works with independent restaurateurs who can test out trends and quickly add new menu items. “Menu flexibility like this is a luxury, and it puts our restaurants at the forefront of industry trend-setting,” he added.

Additional Health-Related Food Ordering Trends
Besides identifying food fads and where they’re most concentrated, GrubHub’s health trend analysis also uncovered additional insights about health food-ordering habits:

  • Gluten-free items, kale and pressed juices are the most popular health food orders, respectively.
  • Women are 44 percent more likely than men to order trendy health foods from takeout restaurants: Hemp seed (110% more common with women), chia seeds (66%), almond milk (63%), kale (61%) and quinoa (57%).
  • Trendy health food orders are 110 percent more commonly placed during breakfast than throughout the rest of the day.
  • College students are nearly 50 percent less likely to participate in these health food trends than the average diner.

Please check out GrubHub’s GIF, which shows the spread of kale orders – one of the year’s most popular food fads – from independent restaurants in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. To find takeout restaurants available in your area, please visit GrubHub.com, and for more information on GrubHub Inc., please visit http://media.grubhub.com.

About GrubHub Inc.
GrubHub Inc. (NYSE:  GRUB) is the nation’s leading online and mobile food ordering company dedicated to connecting hungry diners with local takeout restaurants. The company’s online and mobile ordering platforms allow diners to order directly from more than 29,000 takeout restaurants in more than 700 U.S. cities and London. Every order is supported by the company’s 24/7 customer service teams.

i Percentage increase calculated by comparing year over year order volume percentage

SOURCE GrubHub Inc.

Allie Mack, 1-773-250-0618, amack@grubhub.com

“Food in the Workplace” Survey Finds Food-Based Perks on the Rise

Second Annual Survey Reveals Positive Effects on Employee Recruiting, Retention and Productivity

CHICAGO, April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Seamless Corporate Accounts, GrubHub Inc.’s leading online food-ordering and billing service for offices, today released the results of its “Food in the Workplace” survey, a study that examines the impact food and other perks have on company morale, satisfaction and loyalty. The second annual survey uncovered that with nearly half (48%) of respondents exceeding a 40-hour workweek some or all of the time, companies have responded in kind by offering more food-based perks, up 11% from 2013.

“As the traditional eight-hour work day continues to extend, many companies are seizing the opportunity to demonstrate their appreciation by offering food-based perks,” said Karen Miller vice president of people at GrubHub Inc. and human resources and corporate culture expert for Seamless Corporate Accounts. “Employee dissatisfaction can come with a hefty price tag1 for companies – providing perks, including food-based ones, can substantially improve productivity and employee satisfaction.”

While food-based perks as a whole are on the rise, the survey revealed one area with significant room for improvement: few companies provide or reimburse meals for employees who work late nights or weekends. Of the professionals surveyed, only 9% indicated that their companies offer this perk. Overall, the survey found that enhancing food-based perks is a potentially simple but effective way2 for companies to bolster morale, which can benefit retention and recruitment efforts.

Employees surveyed indicated that food-based perks would make them feel appreciated and help build a better workplace culture:

  • Employees feel the love. 57% of respondents said food-based perks, such as providing or reimbursing meals for employees who work late nights or weekends, would make them feel more valued by their employers.
  • A well-fed employee is a happy employee. 50% of respondents indicated that food-based perks would make them more satisfied with their employers.
  • Breaking bread together improves office relationships. 50% of employees said they think sharing meals with colleagues helps foster a better working relationship, up from 43% in 2013.

Additional survey data indicated that as the battle for talent heats up, food-based perks are becoming increasingly more important in the workforce:

  • Food-based perks help increase employee loyalty. 41% of respondents said that if their current employer were to provide meals, they would be less inclined to accept a job offer at a company that does not.
  • Employee enthusiasm gets a boost. 28% of respondents whose companies do not provide food-related perks would be excited to have them, ranking second only to gym or yoga memberships (38%).
  • If you feed them, they will come. 38% of respondents said that food-related perks would make them more inclined to rate their companies highly in a “Best Places to Work” survey, coming in third after flexible vacation policies (52%) and gym or yoga memberships (42%).

“As competition for top talent intensifies, companies are creating inventive programs to differentiate themselves from competitors and to keep top talent engaged and satisfied,” said Miller. “At Seamless, we’ve seen firsthand at how food-based perks has become part of our recruiting brand, creating a halo effect that has helped bolster retention and attract a pipeline of strong candidates.”

Seamless Corporate Accounts’ “Food in the Workplace” survey polled 1,225 full-time professionals, aged 23-60, who work for companies with 20 or more employees. More than half of respondents work for companies with 500 or more employees. From government and healthcare to professional services, manufacturing, real-estate and tech companies, respondents represented more than a dozen different industries. Questions focused primarily on the effects food-based perks have on employee productivity, retention and recruiting, as well as other aspects of work life such as client and colleague relationships. The survey, which included roughly 30 questions, was fielded in early March 2014.

For more information about the Seamless Corporate Accounts’ “Food in the Workplace” survey, the findings and the implications for companies, please visit https://pages.c.seamless.com/FoodintheWorkplace2014Survey.html.

About Seamless Corporate Accounts
Seamless Corporate Accounts, GrubHub Inc.’s leading online food-ordering and billing service for offices, simplifies the process of ordering and paying for food in the office. Used by thousands of corporate clients across the U.S. and London, Seamless Corporate Accounts save companies time, money and hassle by consolidating all ordering into one online account and sending one invoice for all orders. For more information, visit www.seamless.com/business.

About GrubHub Inc.
GrubHub Inc. (NYSE: GRUB) is the nation’s leading online and mobile food ordering company dedicated to connecting hungry diners with local takeout restaurants. The company’s online and mobile ordering platforms allow diners to order directly from approximately 28,800 takeout restaurants in more than 600 U.S. cities and London. Every order is supported by the company’s 24/7 customer service teams. GrubHub Inc. has more than 600 employees, with offices in Chicago, New York and London.

1 According to Gallup’s 2013 State of the Global Workplace report, employee disengagement is reported to cost the U.S. up to $550 billion per year. http://www.gallup.com/strategicconsulting/164735/state-global-workplace.aspx

2 According to Glassdoor’s 2013 Employee Appreciation Survey, more than 80% of employees say they’re motivated to work harder when their boss shows appreciation for their work and that 46% of employees would feel more appreciated if their boss gave them an unexpected treat like snacks, lunches or dinners. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/19/appreciation-employees-work-harder-motivation_n_4302593.html

SOURCE GrubHub Inc.

Abby Hunt, 773-250-0501, press@grubhub.com

Rise & Shine: GrubHub Ranks Top Cities for Takeout Breakfast, Coffee Orders

CHICAGO, April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Breakfast wars are raging across the country, and the analysts at GrubHub, the nation’s leading online and mobile food-ordering company, set out to determine what “the most important meal of the day” means for the takeout industry. An analysis of a year’s worth of orders placed between 6-11 a.m. reveals that breakfast and coffee orders have surged nearly 50 percent since 2011, led by Phoenix and New York City, respectively.

To identify the cities most likely to start the day with early-morning eats and jolts of java, analysts examined breakfast orders placed across GrubHub’s network of approximately 28,800 restaurants in more than 600 U.S. cities. Findings reveal that diners in the following cities order the most breakfast and coffee for takeout.

  Cities that Order the Most Breakfast:  

  Cities that Order the Most Coffee:  

  1. Phoenix

  1. New York City

  2. New York City

  2. Allentown, Pa.

  3. San Jose, Calif.

  3. Philadelphia

  4. Las Vegas

  4. Los Angeles

  5. San Diego

  5. Blacksburg, Va.

In mapping breakfast consumption across the country, GrubHub analysts also uncovered the most popular fuel for American mornings. Despite an increasing number of morning menu options and innovations, the study shows that traditional breakfast choices, including eggs and coffee, still comprise the most common morning meals.

  Most Popular Breakfast Foods*:  

  Most Popular Coffee Beverages*:  

  1. Eggs – 32 percent

  1. Coffee – 47 percent

  2. Omelets – 14 percent

  2. Latte – 20 percent

  3. Bacon – 13 percent

  3. Iced Coffee – 18 percent

  4. Bagel – 11 percent

  4. Cappuccino – 5 percent

  5. Toast – 9 percent

  5. Mocha – 3 percent

Aside from identifying where and what early diners are ordering, GrubHub’s analysis exposed additional trends in takeout breakfast:

  • Takeout breakfast orders peak on Saturday, followed by Sunday, Thursday and Tuesday, respectively.
  • The average order time for takeout breakfast is 9:45 a.m.
  • Women are 20 percent more likely to order breakfast than men.
  • Women are 26 percent more likely to order coffee beverages than men.

For more information about GrubHub, or to find takeout restaurants available in your area, please visit GrubHub.com.

About GrubHub Inc.
GrubHub Inc. (NYSE: GRUB) is the nation’s leading online and mobile food ordering company dedicated to connecting hungry diners with local takeout restaurants. The company’s online and mobile ordering platforms allow diners to order directly from approximately 28,800 takeout restaurants in more than 600 U.S. cities and London. Every order is supported by the company’s 24/7 customer service teams. GrubHub Inc. has more than 600 employees, with offices in Chicago, New York and London.

*Popularity of items based on the percentage of orders in each breakfast category placed 3/18/13-3/17/14 between 6-11 a.m.