Brian Hill

The rebounding U.S. economy has encouraged Americans to step up their spending on entertainment, which means good times for companies such as Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, Six Flags Entertainment, and Cinemark Holdings.

Dick's Sporting Goods, Cabela's, and Big 5 Sporting Goods are using different strategies regarding merchandise mix and marketing channels but arriving at the same destination -- sales growth and rising profits.

Beer sales are rising again after a period of recessionary doldrums, and craft brewers such as Boston Beer are reporting outstanding growth.

Despite the steadily improving economy, consumers are proving to be finicky eaters. They're rewarding some restaurant chains with greater customer traffic while patronizing others less frequently than before -- as shown by the varying results for Darden Restaurants, Brinker International, and Bravo Brio Restaurant.

The recreational vehicle industry is enjoying a cyclical uptrend due to the improvement in the general economy and rising consumer sentiment, with major industry participants such as Thor Industries reporting outstanding earnings.

The forecast for the hotel industry in 2014 is mostly sunny skies and balmy breezes, with companies like Marriott International carrying revenue momentum from last year into this one.

As consumers remain cautious about spending, restaurant chains have reported varying degrees of success -- but Chipotle Mexican Grill has still been a star performer.

The economic recovery and consumers' perception of increased wealth are clearly reflected in the increased sales for upscale dining establishments such as Ruth's Hospitality Group.

With golf participation rates growing slowly in the United States, golf-equipment manufacturers such as Callaway Golf are tapping into international markets and striving to improve operational efficiency in order to build sales and profits.

Because consumers' persistent caution on spending does not extend as much to their pets, PetSmart, PetMed Express, and Zoetis are all reporting increasing sales.

Jewelry retailers such as Zale Corporation, Tiffany & Co., and Blue Nile are seeing a much improved, but still challenging, sales environment as consumers remain cautious with discretionary expenditures.

The rebound in home prices and increase in home sales have created a favorable environment for home improvement retailers such as Lumber Liquidators, Home Depot, and Lowe's Companies -- which should continue in 2014 and beyond.

With sales growth in the U.S. being modest at best, apparel and footwear manufacturers such as Columbia Sportswear, Deckers Outdoor, and Wolverine World Wide are looking to the international markets for brand building.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Dunkin' Brands Group, and Starbucks show that a food-service chain doesn't have to have a voluminous menu to please its guests -- just great food and superior customer service.

As the recession waned, consumers became more enthusiastic about buying sporting equipment and apparel, and this has translated into rising sales for retailers like Cabela's, Dick's Sporting Goods and Big 5 Sporting Goods.

Americans enjoy a wealth of entertainment options, and popular entertainment brands such as Seaworld Entertainment, WWE, and Rick's Cabaret International know how to turn guests' fun into profit -- and keep growing.

As economic uncertainty, particularly sluggish employment growth, continues to be a concern to retailers, those serving very different customer segments such as Dollar Tree, Target, and Tiffany are experiencing very different results.

As the economy continues to rebound, restaurant chains large and small, including Potbelly, Chuy's Holdings and Burger King Worldwide, are stepping up their development activity in the U.S. and internationally.

Hotel owners and operators, such as Hyatt Hotels, are having almost as much fun as guests at their resorts because travel demand is expected to continue to rise in 2014.

Hotel development slowed significantly during the recession, but with the economy improving, chains such as Marriott, Wyndham, and Starwood are in a global race to add properties and build market share.