News-Record.com

The trend among fast-food and regular restaurants in recent years has been to downsize their menu offerings both in price and size. Not to worry: you can still go to Hardee’s and get a Homer Simpson-drooling, 1,420-calorie Monster Thickburger.

Huge marketing blitz right now from KFC regarding it's 99-cent Snackers, which have actually been around for several years. Back when it started selling them in 2005, KFC called the item the most successful sandwich launch in the brand's history. But it's interesting to point out that this was launched during better economic times, so maybe consumers like to, gee golly Beaver, I don't know, save money all the time, not just when it's trendy.

But does that mean people are spending less in restaurants when all is said and done? Not necessarily.

"People in focus groups tell us they want control, they want to eat lighter," Steve Provost, Quiznos chief marketing officer, told the AP regarding their discounted $2 mini "Sammies" sandwiches they began offering in November. "The fact that they are buying more than one and are buying a chip or a drink with us shows us they are choosing to fill up their plate again."

I'll be the first to admit my wallet, stomach and waistline are locked in a never ending battle every time I step foot in a restaurant. Will one Jr. Whopper be enough? Better get two just in case.