Convenience, accessibility, and the demand for fast food

This study explores the growth in demand for fast food. A distinguishing ch aracteristic of fast food is its convenience; in today's pervasive marketpl ace, consumers need not travel far to find a fast food outlet. This greater availability translates into a decrease in the full price of obtaining a m eal, which. contributes to greater consumption. Market-level data are used to estimate demand equations in two time periods, incorporating changes in availability as well as prices, income, and various demographic characteris tics. Our findings show that greater availability has led to increased cons umption. Failure to account for these types of marketplace changes could le ad to incorrect inferences regarding the factors responsible for the indust ry growth.