Supermarkets and restaurants are ramping up their tug of war for Americans’ stretched food budgets.
Grocery chains are revamping prepared meals in delis and buffets, expanding menus and offering more discounts, seeing a chance to woo diners away from restaurants. Retail executives say that U.S. consumers have gotten more discerning about eating out, an opportunity for grocers to offer potentially cheaper, faster alternatives.
“There’s been resistance from the consumer for the prices that they were paying at restaurants,” said Mark Van Buskirk, who oversees merchandising at Save Mart Cos. The California-based retailer has introduced a new line of gourmet sandwiches and added more packaged meals in recent months.
“We think we have an advantage,” he said.