By John Gordon

Economic Sentiment: Technomic/AMEX Marketbrief Reports a March 2009 survey of 500 consumers that 16% felt economy would improve, 12% stay the same, 72% worse. 74% indicate two years or more for recovery. Restaurant visit intent frequency higher for QSR vs., casual dining. 58% of consumers noted that they probably/definitely will go to the restaurants they currently visit, but less often.

Consumer Sentiment: Gallup's self-reported first half March 2009 spending in stores, restaurants, gas stations and online declined 11%, to $57/day, versus $64 level in January/February. In the September 2008-March 2009 period, the decline in spending for upper income consumers was -38%, versus -40% for middle and lower income consumers....

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