Restaurant chains are getting a sales bump from the latest round of stimulus money, but if patterns mimic the first round, the lift could be short-lived. STIMULUS IMPACT While the amounts given in the roughly …
A record 54% of Americans between the ages of 24-39 are incorporating more plant-based foods into their diets this year, according to a survey commissioned by Sprouts Farmers Market. WHY ARE CONSUMERS ALIGNING WITH THE …
Editor’s Note: This article was excerpted from the January 2021 edition of the Food Institute Report. To read more articles regarding food industry news, leadership, markets, commodities, and regulatory issues, consider a membership with the …
Though not requiring workers to get COVID-19 vaccinations, some food retailers are incentivizing them to get the shots. Among the first to do so was Dollar General, which offered employees four hours of pay to …
An estimated one-third of all the food produced in the world goes to waste, likely enough calories to feed every undernourished person on the planet. But wasted food isn’t just about food insecurity. It’s also …
With the coronavirus pandemic raging throughout much of the U.S., countless restaurant owners have faced indefinite closures. When dealt with that situation himself, Marc Epstein took matters into his own hands. Epstein, owner of The …
New data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics note that food prices are up due to demand. The food index rose in December, as both food at home and the food away from …
Chipotle’s online business soared during 2020, making up more than half of sales. With that, the digital boom is likely leading the company to consider more drive thrus and introduce breakfast options. DRIVE THRUS COULD …
Employers across the U.S. decreased hiring in December, as COVID-19 cases were up and cities reimposed business restrictions. Throughout the month, job losses were largely concentrated among restaurants, bars, hotels, casinos, and other entertainment venues, …
Shake Shack is starting 2021 by spicing up fast food’s chicken sandwich war. The chain is rolling out the Korean-style Fried Chick’n Sandwich and Korean-style Gochujang Chick’n Bites, reported CNN (Jan. 5). Though the new …
Since the beginning of the pandemic, indoor dining has been a point of contention for restaurants. After being banned for some time — leaving restaurants to rely on outdoor seating – indoor dining was brought …
The coronavirus pandemic, and its subsequent restrictions, sent a shockwave through the U.S. job market in 2020, causing a ripple effect felt through much of the labor force. In short order, many jobs shifted, creating …
If 2020 proved anything, it’s that Americans simply can’t get enough hot chicken and pizza and pandemic lockdowns only strengthen the country’s demand for the two delivery staples. With many consumers preferring to eat at …
From Washington DC to farm fields throughout much of the country, the acronym ESG has become a rather hot-button issue of late. Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) is a movement that’s undeniably gathering steam, …
After months of uncertainty, 2021 looks more promising than one might assume for the food industry. For starters, Congress’s recent COVID-19 relief bill should provide a measure of assistance to restaurants and beer manufacturers alike. …
A new variant of COVID-19 and increasing concerns about the country’s exit from the European Union are causing significant problems in the U.K. days before Christmas. NEW COVID-19 VARIANT PUTS LONDON IN LOCKDOWN London and …
There is no doubt that restaurants have been beaten down during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 110,000 restaurants have closed permanently or for a long period of time throughout the U.S., while others face uncertainty as many …
While some people have strayed from regular diet and exercise routines over the course of the pandemic, others have capitalized on the new stay-at-home lifestyle by focusing on wellness. Against this backdrop, and ahead of …
Food companies are showing their appreciation for employees in several ways as 2020 comes to a close. Chipotle has paid out over $40 million in bonuses and assistance pay to employees during COVID-19, reported QSR …
With limited quantities of the COVID-19 vaccine available, many groups a seeking priority for their employees—including the food industry. Administration of the vaccine began on Dec. 14 in the U.S. with early doses being set …
Uber customers in California will see higher prices for rides and food deliveries to cover new driver protections, reported CNN (Dec. 14). The flat fees, ranging from $0.30 to $2, will take effect on Dec. …
The coronavirus pandemic has caused 8,400 retailers and 110,000 restaurants to close across the U.S. this year, according to industry statistics, reported The Economic Times (Dec. 14). And even more closures could be on the …
Starbucks has recently made several notable updates to its business, including boosting its outlook, announcing planet-forward initiatives, more diversity on its board, and better pay for employees. In its latest financial release, Starbucks reaffirmed its …
DoorDash raised $3.4 billion in its IPO, making it the second highest IPO in 2020, according to Renaissance Capital. The IPO represents a year of massive growth for the food delivery company. In the first …
Some McDonald’s franchisees said they would raise prices on Happy Meals after the company revoked a longstanding rebate to subsidize the cost of toys, reported The Wall Street Journal (Dec. 8). In January, the company …
U.S. online grocery sales reached $8.1 billion during November, continuing a trend of more than $8 billion in monthly sales dating back to May, according to the Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopping Survey. The survey …
More than 110,000 restaurants have closed permanently or for a long period of time throughout the U.S. as the industry is contending with the coronavirus pandemic, says the National Restaurant Association. The total, which represents …
Chick-fil-A filed a federal lawsuit accusing 16 poultry suppliers of inflating prices on billions of dollars of chicken that it bought, reported The New York Times (Nov. 6). The suit accuses the producers of violating …
Financing for large and mid-tier restaurant franchisees is back to near pre-pandemic levels, according to the head of restaurant finance for Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Brian Geraghty. Geraghty pointed out factors including aggressive loan terms, …
Grubhub released its 2020 Year in Food report, analyzing what foods were most popular with diners this year. Consumers turned back to comfort foods and caffeine to get through the pandemic, turning away from vegan …
As COVID-19 continues to dampen sales at restaurants, some are trying a new strategy by opening in retail stores, which have profited from the pandemic. Hy-Vee Inc. is preparing to open its 20th Wahlburgers at …
While the pandemic continues, food delivery and ghost kitchens are gaining in popularity as 2020 comes to a close. Media company Thrillist is working with New York-based ghost kitchen company Zuul to open a ghost …
Neighborhood grocery stores will likely serve as major providers of COVID-19 vaccinations, reported The Wall Street Journal (Nov. 30). Supermarkets are working to secure storage materials for the vaccines, and other medical gear required for …
Weak gift card sales could be an obstacle to full recovery for restaurant chains, reported The Wall Street Journal (Dec. 1). As COVID-19 cases rise, more restrictions are being placed on restaurants and less people …
The National Retail Federation (NRF) expects holiday sales will rise in 2020 when compared to 2019 as consumers search for reasons to celebrate during the pandemic. The group forecast holiday sales in November and December …
With about 25% of restaurant locations expected to shut in the U.S., there has been huge growth in digital sales during the pandemic, according to the Limited Service Restaurant Digital Maturity Benchmark, 2020 report from …
