Senior Editor Industry forecasters see time and space for change. The implication, of course, is that conditions are just right for something big to happen. Or something fortuitous. The economy has enjoyed nearly a decade of strong growth with inflation largely kept in check.
Consumers remain confident and ready to spend.
With all the extra cash spawned by this bounty, our society is less inclined to cook meals at home. In fact, Americans are hooked on eating out, or buying out and eating in. It helps, of course, that the largest segment of the American population, the baby boomers, also has the highest incomes and is enjoying its peak spending years. But theirs is not the only generation that likes to have a meal out. The question is how long all this can last.