Restaurants Tap Dark Poultry Meat Options

Demand for allergy free foods continues to rise as consumers encounter a broader variety of motivations to steer clear of certain ingredients.

Why Chipotle’s Nutrition Filters Hint at Menus of the Future

Jennifer Kaplan, a former instructor at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California, thinks Chipotle just released a menu upgrade that’ll be well-received. The chain recently added nutrition filters to its app and …

Facing Mounting Pressures, Kroger Becomes Latest to Pass Along Higher Prices

On a recent earnings call, Kroger CFO Gary Millerchip said the retailer will be “passing along higher cost to the customer where it makes sense to do so.” The CFO acknowledged the company’s facing pressures …

Major Food Companies Turning to Unprecedented Measures to Find New Hires

Dealing with a shallow labor pool, major companies are increasingly turning to creative – and, in some cases, controversial – measures to attract new hires. Here’s a look at some unique moves made recently along …

UPDATE: Major Ingredient Shortage Impacting Multiple QSRs

Taco Bell is the latest restaurant chain to be hit by significant ingredient shortages. “Sorry if we can’t feed your current crave,” reads an orange banner atop the fast-food chain’s website. “Due to national ingredient …

Addressing Food Industry’s Labor Shortage with TikTok, Other Solutions

The statistics are staggering. According to a recent poll conducted by job site Monster.com, 95% of respondents were “currently considering changing jobs,” and 92% said they’d switch industries to get a new job. The top …

FI Fast Break news: June 10, 2021

This week, in The Food Institute’s quick-hitting, audio news podcast, we break down QSR menu price hikes, alt-meat’s ascent, and the so-called “meme-stock” trend that’s starting to impact restaurant chains. The Food Institute Podcast · …

Chipotle Hikes Menu Prices as Inflation Looms

Chipotle Mexican Grill isn’t just boosting wages for its workers; it’s also increasing menu prices by nearly 4% to cover those raises. That’s according to a CNBC report which noted the company will be bringing …

Chipotle Leading Sustainable Packaging Trend

Chipotle’s half-decade commitment to sustainability largely serves as a blueprint for the foodservice segment. In 2018, Chipotle announced that, by the year 2020, the fast-casual chain aimed to divert half of all of its restaurant …

Study: CEO Salaries Soared Even as Profits Fell During Pandemic

As 20 million U.S. workers lost their jobs last year and most businesses shut down because of the pandemic, many of the nation’s CEOs saw their compensation rise despite massive corporate losses. “Many of these …

The Masks Are Off: Retailers, Restaurants Grapple with Updated Mandates

U.S. retail stores and restaurants are weighing updated CDC guidelines that allow fully vaccinated people to remove their masks in both indoor and outdoor settings. According to the CDC, a person is fully vaccinated two …

UPDATE: Restaurants Forced to Get Creative to Lure New Hires

Restaurants are struggling to win back employees so far in 2021. The Food Institute reported on this issue back in early April when QSRs were finding hiring new workers particularly challenging, and the issue has …

Food Brands Celebrate Earth Day with Focus on Sustainability

As sustainable practices become increasingly important to today’s consumers, food brands are making their environmental goals and initiatives clear. In honor of Earth Day, here’s a closer look at companies taking steps to become more …

Quesadilla Wars Ramping Up Among Taco Bell, Chipotle

While the fast-food “chicken wars” have been going on for some time, Taco Bell and Chipotle are now headed for battle on another front. The two largest Mexican-food chains are testing new items and jockeying …

Major Brands Sack Super Bowl Ads as Upstarts Kick Off for First Time

Some upstart brands that saw strong sales in 2020 will keep the momentum going by airing Super Bowl advertisements for the very first time. Other, more established brands are directing traditional ad budgets for the …

Booming Online Chipotle Sales Open the Door for New Growth Areas

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 …

Companies Show Thanks to Employees as Pandemic Continues

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 …

Foodservice Pivots Towards Convenience

Several leading foodservice companies have revealed plans for more convenient store models that are designed with pickup and delivery in mind. Chipotle Chipotle is opening its first digital-only restaurant called the Chipotle Digital Kitchen. Located …

Food Brands Focus on Sustainability

Several major food companies have recently made headlines with sustainability-forward initiatives. Chipotle With the debut of Real Foodprint, Chipotle Mexican Grill becomes the first brand to provide detailed sustainability impact data about its ingredients for …

Restaurants Reopening, But With New Formats

Restaurant openings are returning to normal levels, but many are doing so with new formats, according to data from Yelp. Pandemic-friendly restaurants are opening, debuting eateries with features such as large patios, spaced out tables, …

Food Businesses’ Earnings Beat Expectations

Several major food companies recently reported earnings, beating analyst expectations. Chipotle Quarterly same-store sales growth was more than 8% at Chipotle Mexican Grill, with digital sales more than tripling, reported CNBC (Oct. 21). However, a shift to delivery …

Why is Big Business Interested in TikTok?

TikTok, a platform where some 50 million U.S. daily users share short-form videos, has been receiving attention in the media as the Chinese-owned company searches for a U.S. buyer. The app is not only a …

Influencers Extend Foodservice’s Marketing Reach

Influencers and celebrities have changed the way people consume content, and restaurants are taking note of this. “When you’re posting from your own operated social channels, you’re reaching a very small percentage of your followers …

Chipotle Continues Brand Dominance

Food Institute Focus – Chipotle Continues Brand Dominance