Starbucks is betting big on European-style aperitivo culture, launching an afternoon menu of small plates and drinks to boost sluggish post-morning sales. CEO Brian Niccol aims to rekindle the coffee chain’s social ambiance.
Independent cafés and mid-sized coffee chains are chipping away at the dominance of Starbucks and Dunkin’, leveraging bold menu experimentation to capture customers. Challenger brands are expanding aggressively, too.
Daily coffee consumption has increased nearly 7 percent since 2020, partly thanks to the continued interest in specialty brews. FI spoke with several industry professionals about the latest trends, and the impact that tariffs will have on the industry.
Mixue Ice Cream and Tea has become the world’s largest F&B chain by number of locations, thanks to its affordable pricing and innovative franchising strategy. The chain illustrates the time-tested popularity of teas, which are increasingly prized by young adults.
What will lead to success for coffee chains in 2025? Efficiency, exclusive LTOs … and wrestling prime real estate away from pesky car washes, according to the CEO of Clutch Coffee.
Starbucks’ revamped winter menu reflects growing consumer interest in global flavors, with items like customizable matcha lattes. These innovations also highlight the coffee giant’s focus on personalized experiences.
A recent Trend Tracker report from Yelp found that “coffee omakase” enjoyed a shocking 5,173% rise in searches between Sept. ’23-’24. What’s behind this surge in interest?
In a major merger announced Thursday, Panera Bread joined forces with Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels to form Panera Brands. The new group includes more than 4,000 fast-casual restaurants. The pact sent reverberations throughout …
