Objective: Exploring opinions and intentions regarding the soon-to-be implemented menu labeling legislation of restaurant owners and management nationwide.

Methods: An email message with a link to an online survey was sent to those who were part of the Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality opt-in email lists. Data were collected in January-February 2012.

Participants: 178 participants completed the survey.

Variables Measured: The survey included: restaurant operation characteristics, restaurant owners’ perception about the health impact of the law, restaurant owners’ plan to change the menu and anticipated costs, and restaurants owners’ attitudes about the new law.

Analysis: Fisher’s exact tests were performed, with a critical value of a = 0.05 to determine significance.

Results: In general, respondents with knowledge of and experience with menu labeling laws were more likely to respond that they would make menu changes as a result of the law. The majority of respondents, however, either disagreed or were neutral in response to questions about whether the law has the potential to improve health.

Conclusions and Implications: Understanding what motivates restaurant owners to comply with the menu labeling law may contribute to efforts to ensure the success of its implementation.

obesity, overweight, attitudes, menu labeling legislation, restaurants.