Trending Fall Flavors Beyond Pumpkin Spice

As the days get shorter and the sound of each crisp breeze rustling through the trees seems to whisper, “pumpkin spice,” it’s time to shine a light on the other fall flavors that consumers crave. …

Starbucks Has Big Plans for Smalltown America

Starbucks appears poised to overtake Subway as America’s most prolific QSR. Smalltown locations could be key in helping the coffee chain reach its goals.

Top 5 Highest-Grossing U.S. Fast-Food Chains

Average unit volume (AUV) speaks to a chain’s operational efficiency and overall success, indicating the average annual sales that a brand earns per restaurant—a reflection of how consumers feel about the brand itself. These are the top five highest-grossing fast-food chains in the U.S. by AUV.

Report: Convenience Still Fueling Prepared Food Sales

Despite persistent inflation and cost-of-living concerns, consumers continue to seek out prepared foods for their ease and convenience. In a new survey from good natured, 72% of respondents claimed they have consistently purchased or increased …

Americans Avoid Businesses Without a Drive-Thru

No drive-thru? For nearly half of Americans, that’s a deal-breaker. New research shows that 47% of U.S. consumers would simply avoid going to a store that doesn’t have a drive-thru. And twice as many people …

The Grimace Effect – How Marketing & Memes Drive Sales

Audacious, sublime, organic – these are the hallmarks of profit for brands wise enough to be confident in their values and lucky enough to thread the needle between quality-controlled seriousness and edge-of-the-internet frivolity.

The Latin American Flavor Takeover: How Latam is Revolutionizing U.S. F&B

As the Hispanic Heritage Month approaches this September, the spotlight shines on the vibrant and ever-growing influence of Latin American cuisine on mainstream culinary trends in the U.S. The Food Institute’s upcoming Latam Food Week …

3 Key Takeaways from IFT FIRST 2023

CHICAGO – Product developers and food scientists from over 70 countries learned about the latest in food ingredients and technologies recently at the IFT FIRST 2023: Annual Event and Conference. The Institute of Food Technologists …

3 Future Food Trends: Well-Being, Bitter Flavors, and Air-based Protein

For 16 harrowing months at the height of the Covid pandemic, Dr. Morgaine Gaye lost her sense of taste and smell. The experience, she said, “was mind-blowing.” Turns out, you talk an awful lot about …

Easing Grocery Prices Pose Threat to Restaurants

To cook or not to cook, that is the question. But with grocery prices slowing their increase and restaurant prices rising at a faster pace, the question becomes whether consumers will opt to hone their …

Restaurant Rankings Illustrate Popularity of Latin American Cuisine

It appears we’re in the middle of a Latin American food renaissance. Twelve Latin American restaurants are among the fifty best restaurants in the world according to a recent ranking – and three Latin establishments …

Why McDonald’s is in the Midst of a McCafé Makeover

Though McDonald’s McCafé Bakery concept worked to an extent, it didn’t translate to more snack and coffee sales between mealtimes.

Pizza Chains’ New Recipes for Success

Domino’s and Pizza Hut are two of the largest pizza chains in the U.S., but each have encountered some turbulence in recent years. In April, Domino’s reported a slowdown in its delivery business, and Pizza …

Spice It Up: Burritos and Hot Chicken Are on Fire

Restaurant chains specializing in spicy offerings are gathering steam in 2023. Case in point: Dave’s Hot Chicken, which grew from two locations to 118 over the past few years, saw May 2023 visits increase 126.6% …

Report: Plant-Based Stuck in Neutral While Bowls are Accelerating

A new report by Brandwatch shows the plant-based category is largely idling while QSRs serving bowls are gaining traction.

Chef Massimo Bottura Notes Secret Ingredients to Food Industry Success

World-renowned chef Massimo Bottura spoke with The Food Institute recently and shared his secrets to food industry success.

Alcohol To-Go Isn’t Going Away

Alcohol to-go has become a permanent fixture around the United States, presenting a massive growth opportunity for businesses.

Analysis: Are “Virtual Brands” at Death’s Door?

The recent struggles of MrBeast Burger – currently available at more than 2,000 restaurants – could be an ominous sign for all virtual brands. Ubiquitous YouTuber MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson, wrote multiple statements in frustration …

Analysis: Is Third-Party Delivery Becoming a Duopoly?

The third-party delivery market has had a large number of competitors over the years, but it looks it’s headed toward becoming a duopoly.

Experts: El Nino (and Food Industry Upheaval) is Coming

Everyone knows “El Nino” by now – hot weather. Big winds. And once again in 2023, much of the world will gain a better grasp of this unpredictable meteorological phenomenon. El Nino generally refers to …

OPINION: Chicago Reclaiming Title as ‘US Food Capital’

Chicago is reclaiming its role as a national leader in food production and access. But it needs more help from the city’s leadership, according to one industry insider.

Analysis: Asian Food Winning Over America

New research illustrates the palate Americans have developed for Asian food over the years. Pew Research found that nearly three-quarters of all U.S. counties (73%) now have at least one Asian restaurant of some kind. …

Latest Customer Demand: Old-school Service

During the pandemic, many Americans did what they could to support their favorite restaurants. Now, however, many of these same consumers who were sympathetic to a struggling industry are fed up with the lack of …

Poll Shows Americans Have Become Adventurous Eaters

A recent survey suggests there’s pent-up demand to eat out — and to try new flavors — as American consumers become more adventurous eaters. Nearly half of the survey’s respondents (47%) said they’re tired of …

Restaurant Show Offered Plenty of Plant-Based Alternatives

Restaurant operators looking to add plant-based options to their menus had no shortage of options at the recent National Restaurant Association Show.

Lessons Learned: Why Flip’d by IHOP Flop’d

At the height of the pandemic, IHOP debuted what it expected to be a can’t-miss concept: Flip’d, an all-day IHOP inspired menu taking advantage of the COVID-inspired growth in take-out. The menu included favorites from …

Study: Plant-Based Attains Popularity with Gen Z

An eye-opening 81% of college students will choose a plant-based food offering when it’s the default option, according to a recent study led by foodservice provider Sodexo. And these Gen Zers are more interested in …

3 Key Trends on Display at 2023 National Restaurant Association Show

CHICAGO – A majority (62%) of foodservice operators are currently understaffed, according to the National Restaurant Association’s State of the Restaurant Industry Report, 2023. Foodservice operators gathered in Chicago for the 2023 National Restaurant Association …

Analysis: Why CAVA’s Revenue is Steadily Rising

The CAVA restaurant chain is killin’ it, seizing upon the growing popularity of Mediterranean food, as well as the build-your-own-meal concept. CAVA has officially announced plans to go forward with an initial public offering after …

Summer Preview ’23: Inflation Alters Vacation Plans

Inflation is lingering like an in-law overstaying their welcome. As a result, consumers are demanding deals as they make vacation plans for summer 2023. Judging by recent research, consumers plan to hit the road in …

Food Hall Trend Accelerating in US, UK

The number of U.S. food halls is expected to increase by as much as 45% in the coming years, and the facilities offer chefs a valuable opportunity to test new restaurant concepts.

Shrimp: The New Seafood Value Proposition

When it comes to seafood, shrimp is, well, no shrimp. While other seafood prices have been on the upswing since the pandemic era, shrimp prices have remained affordable and stable, providing value opportunities for savvy …

Deep Dive: The State of Alternative Milk

Alternative milks remain the darling of plant-based growth. Record high dairy inflation and a deluge of new alternatives, however, are putting the brakes on product movement.

Report: Gen Z Embracing Restaurants’ New Tech, Experiential Offerings

Restaurants are picking up the pace regarding innovation for their offerings. After an era of low-contact transactions due to coronavirus fears, an increasing number of consumers prefer the tech-based service restaurants are now offering. The …

COLUMN: Throwing a Lifeline to Leaders in a Volatile Market

Business owners must keep their fingers on the pulse to forecast whether the cash in the business is sufficient to maintain operations and overcome the volatile market conditions.

Subway Remains for Sale, but Who’s Buying?

Subway is still up for sale, but just who is capable of buying one of the largest restaurant systems in the U.S.?