Muehlhaeuser: Eating Out Is Cheaper Than Eating at Home

The transcript discusses the stability and growth of the restaurant industry over the past 50 years, highlighting its global presence and natural hedge between fast food chains and the general market. Despite economic fluctuations, the industry remains confident in its growth due to factors like the increasing trend of eating out, especially among millennials, and the global population growth. The discussion also covers the need for productivity improvements and capital expenditure in the industry, driven by rising minimum wages and the necessity for automation and advanced technology.

What has been the general trend in the restaurant industry over the past 50 years?

• Constant decline

• Constant growth

• Stagnation

• Fluctuating with no clear trend

Why is the restaurant industry considered to have a natural hedge?

• It is unaffected by economic changes

• It only operates in the US

• It relies solely on fast food chains

• It balances between fast food chains and the general market

What is one reason the restaurant industry remains confident despite economic concerns?

• Eating out is more expensive than dining at home

• The world population is decreasing

• Millennials prefer eating out

• Soft commodity prices are rising

What is driving the need for increased capital expenditures in the restaurant industry?

• A decline in fast food popularity

• A surplus of outdated equipment

• The need for automation and better technology

• Decreasing minimum wages

How is the restaurant industry responding to rising minimum wages?

• By reducing staff

• By closing locations

• By increasing menu prices

• By investing in automation and technology