Ad Age reports that the restaurant business is in its "worst slump since '91.” Casual dining chains and independent restaurants are taking the biggest hit and analysts are wondering if this is a long- or short-term trend for the $331 billion industry.

One possible reason behind the decline is that U.S. consumers need new choices in how they get their meals. Census data shows 60 percent of U.S. households have no children. Yet restaurants still cater primarily to two-parent households with children. Even grocery sales are declining steadily as the family changes.

It’s not enough to strategically position the diapers next to the beer anymore. Consumers want an array of choices at different price points to meet various stages of their lives. Consumers want meals that make their lives better. Expectations are as high as the level of opportunity.

Fast Company’s May issue gives us hope as Homaro Cantu’s passionate mission to redefine food will surely trickle down to mainstream eateries and give consumers another reason to eat out.

Other interesting responses to our nation’s food fight?

Wal-Mart is serving up sushi. Amazon.com now offers 1,200 brands of grocery items.

We’re also seeing prepared and semi-prepared meals become more popular. Semi-prepared is the best of both worlds for time-starved consumers who are willing to pay for the convenience of having high quality, healthy food that doesn’t take them away from work or play.

Personally, my coworkers think the opportunity to redefine the meal extends beyond restaurants and grocers to include entertainment, hospitality and retail. Wherever people congregate, an opportunity exists to reinvent how they engage in the meal.

Who do you think is bringing fresh ideas to the table vs. simply reheating an existing format?