... a general increase in the numbers of people eating outside the home. The characteristics of the industry are to provide food that is fast and reasonably inexpensive to the customer. The food is packaged so that the customer may eat the food in their car or take home to eat. They may also eat at the restaurant but the food is still expected in a very short period of time. The foods are generally food that can be eaten with the hands. The industry is also characterized by a growing number of national chains challenging local restaurants. The national chains have a predetermined menu which does not vary from store to store throughout the chain to provide consistency and continuity so people know what to expect no matter where the restaurant is geographically. The service is fast which means people on their lunch breaks can go get a meal ...

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