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Profit From Our Patron Research.

We surveyed restaurant-goers to spotlight the passion they have for proteins—and help our industry partners optimize opportunities to better serve their patrons.

In May 2024, we conducted an online survey of 2,005 U.S. restaurant patrons who eat at restaurants and other AFH establishments at least 2 to 3 times a month. Our sample was representative of the U.S. adult population on key demographics such as age, gender and region.

Topics covered included Bacon, Breakfast, BBQ and Pork. Some notable takeaways: 71% of restaurant-goers agree everything tastes better with bacon. And more than 2 in 5 say the quickest way to their heart is with BBQ. About 1 in 3 say they order pork chops when dining out because they’re a classic comfort food. Dig into all the juicy tidbits we uncovered below.

71% of restaurant-goers agree everything tastes better with bacon. See our other remarkable takeaways:
See the surprising number of people who say the quickest way to their heart is with BBQ.
Find out why about 1 in 3 patrons say they order pork chops when dining out.
Discover the whopping percentage of people who prefer to order breakfast foods any time of day.
Discover the surprising percentage of boomers who declare that ham makes the sandwich.

Want to capitalize on some key food-driven social media holidays? These should not be overlooked:

FEBRUARY

National Pork Rind Day, National Pizza Day

MARCH

Canadian Bacon Day, National Baked Ham with Pineapple Day

April

National Glazed Spiral Ham Day

MAY

National BBQ Day, National Brisket Day

JUNE

National Detroit-Style Pizza Day, Sausage Roll Day

JULY

National Spare Rib Day, National Hot Dog Day

AUGUST

National Pork Chop Day, International Bacon Day

SEPTEMBER

National Breakfast Month, Pepperoni Pizza Day

OCTOBER

National Pork Month, National Sausage Day

NOVEMBER

National Sandwich Day

DECEMBER

National Bacon Day

How do you capitalize on the patron’s love of pork? Click on the links below to go on an adventure from bbq to breakfast to learning about what the next wave of culinary experts are doing with pork on the menu.

Culinary Canvas

There’s a true art to creating a culinary dish. Protein populates a blank canvas, giving chefs the power to express their craft, especially when it comes to pizzas and flatbreads.
LEARN MORE

Effortlessly Amazing

With operators still facing labor challenges, quick and effortless dishes are more critical than ever. We tapped noteworthy chefs to lend their expertise on appetizers, entrees and sides that are as easy as 1, 2, 3.
LEARN MORE

Next Gen

What does the future of foodservice look like? We tapped the next generation of foodservice operators and chefs—so we can all get inspired by what’s next.
LEARN MORE

Breakfast is Back

As breakfast bounces back from a pandemic-era lull, consumer preferences are evolving. Look for more American regional flairs, global influences and blurring of dayparts.
LEARN MORE

Sweet to Savory

Bacon, ham, sausage and other delicious pork categories can be used for virtually every part of the meal. Rethink your application and revitalize your menu.
LEARN MORE

She Brings the Heat

As influencers in the kitchen for generations, female chefs have always brought traditions and new ideas to the table. Now, more than ever, they’re going big.
LEARN MORE
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