Lois Altman directs the food management program in Ball State's Department of Family and Consumer Sciences and manages the student-operated Allegre restaurant.

Upscale restaurants may see fewer business travelers following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Altman said, but fast-food establishments will prosper.

"I don't see people staying at home and starting to cook seven days a week," she said. "The food service industry has traditionally been insulated from the ups and downs of the economy. People will still want to go out to eat."

The faltering economy was already affecting the hospitality industry long before Sept. 11, Altman said.

"Some hotels have imposed a hiring freeze because of reduced business travel," she said. "And now leisure travelers are hesitating because of security and economic concerns."

To cut costs, Altman said, some hotels are combining management responsibilities and putting scheduled renovations on hold.

"But I don't think hotels are going to suffer quietly," Altman said. "There will be fierce competition for the remaining business travelers."

One way to compete may be enhancing the traditional "happy hour." Last spring during her sabbatical, Altman worked at an Indianapolis hotel that offered an extensive food bar.

"We might see more properties offering things like this," she said.

By Tony Barker, Communications Manager

(Note to Editors: For more information about this story, contact Lois Altman at (765) 285-5956 or laltman@bsu.edu)