The Daily Thread

When you order your grande, orange, mocha frappachino at Starbucks this week don’t be surprised when you don’t get their usual white and green cup. This week the struggling chain switches their familiar, iconic logo to a more black and white retro version. The change is not permanent and will only be around for a limited time.

As an effort to revive Starbuck’s struggling business they have launched a new website, MyStarbucksIdea.com, asking people for their suggestions and ideas. Hundreds of customers have submitted their suggestions by the thousands.

At 113 locations in Utah, Wyoming and Nevada McDonalds will be testing out mobile coupons. Customers will be able to redeem their coupon for an iced coffee when they use a Cellfire mobile coupon between April 7th-27th. They can either go to cellfire.com or text “mcd” to 22888 to receive a code.

With consumers feeling insecure about their financial well-being many are finding themselves cooking at home. Restaurants are also feeling the effects of a bad economy and having to hike prices due to rising cost of basic groceries. But how will restaurants remain open without scaring their guest with a high bill? Will we soon be paying $20.00 for a Big Mac?

The casual dining sector is in for some rough times. Friedman, Billings, Ramsey analyst said “a difficult environment for casual dining is likely here to stay.” The casual dining companies that are most affected by consumer spending cuts will be those with a large number of locations in California, Arizona and Florida.