Placer.ai's May 2026 Dining Index reveals stronger full-service restaurant traffic, slowing fast-casual growth, and declining drive-thru visits as elevated gas prices continue to influence consumer dining behavior.

Wendy’s has tapped former Potbelly CEO Bob Wright to reverse declining traffic and sales trends. Location analytics reveal where the burger chain is losing ground—and the demographic and daypart opportunities that could fuel a turnaround.

Mall traffic increased across all major formats in May 2026 despite weak consumer sentiment and broader retail softness. Learn why malls continue to outperform discretionary retail and what the trend signals for the months ahead.

After years of resilience, consumers appear to be pulling back as retail traffic softens alongside record-low consumer sentiment.

The 2026 NRA Show revealed an industry at an inflection point, where value, innovation, and loyalty are separating winners from the pack.