China's food safety authorities said they were probing a Beijing outlet of McDonald's Corp. after a report on state television pointed to quality problems there.
Interest in where food comes from, as well as changes in restaurant spending will both be driving the foodservice rollercoaster in 2012, according to Mintel's latest report.
The Daily Meal has released its second annual survey of the "101 Best Restaurants in America for 2012," and New York dominates the list with 32 eateries.
A survey shows Texans lead the nation in dining out, with a statewide average of 3.8 meals per week, approximately 20% higher than the national average of 3.1.
Despite some hopeful signs of slight economic recovery, most Americans say they will eat out less and cut back on entertainment in 2012. A recent Harris Poll, as reported in the December 13, 2012, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, shows 61% of U.S. adults say they will likely spend less in restaurants, while 58% say they will curtail their entertainment budgets during the next six months.