FI Fast Break audio news: June 18, 2025
The latest FI Fast Break podcast touches on the latest related to Pres. Trump’s tariff plans, and the outlook for the energy drink market.
Tag: fast casual
Feeling Peachy: Summer Darling Leads Beverage Innovation
Peach-enhanced menu items are growing in popularity, now on 19.8% of foodservice menus, according to one report. The fruit has found its stride in beverage innovation, with legacy brands experimenting with the flavor.
5 Thriving Fast-Food Chains in 2025
Despite rising costs, 2025 is shaping up to be a fairly strong year for many restaurant chains, with top players like Cava and Chick-fil-A thriving by mastering efficiency, marketing, and customer experience. The smartest brands are pricing strategically and leveraging technology to drive success.
FI Fast Break audio news: June 11, 2025
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on a recent study that suggests GLP-1 weight-loss drugs alter the “taste perception” of users.
Father’s Day Spending to Reach Record-breaking $24 Billion
With Father’s Day spending projected to hit new heights, consumers are looking past the uncertain state of the economy to celebrate with their loved ones. Analysis of industry reports suggests that food and beverage industry experiences will take center stage during the holiday.
FI Fast Break audio news: June 4, 2025
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on how Americans are scaling back on summer travel plans due to economic uncertainty.
Restaurant Industry Insights for 2025
Chipotle Gives Reason to React, Not Overreact
Despite Chipotle’s recent sales slump heading into 2025, investors are not worried about the future of the company. Although Chipotle stock has fallen 27% since December 6, its modest performance is peanuts compared to the fast casual sector, and its historic strength signals it can brace the bump.
Salad Chains Diversify As ‘Peak Salad’ Looms
As better-for-you salad chains stagnate, they take on novel growth strategies to complement ambitious expansion strategies. Sweetgreen and Just Salad are two major chains endeavoring to take on new consumer need states.
The Secret Sauce Behind Dave’s Hot Chicken’s Meteoric Rise
Dave’s Hot Chicken has been named America’s fastest-growing restaurant chain, with over 700 locations in the pipeline. The chain’s success is largely attributed to its massive social media following.
FI Fast Break audio news: Jan. 15, 2025
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on the recent struggles of Noodles & Company, according to an industry turnaround expert.
BREAKING: Panera CEO Steps Down
Panera CEO Jose Alberto Dueñas stepped down from his role as CEO today, with current CFO Paul Carbone taking his place until a permanent position holder is found. What could this mean for the future of the chain?
Fast-Food Customers Fed Up, Threatening Brand Reputation
In an era of heightened consumer feedback, CEO John Mazur feels managing a brand’s reputation requires constant vigilance. Recent QSR reputation rankings highlight the importance of listening and authentic engagement.
Panera’s Menu Makeover Could be Start of Big 2024 for Fast-Casual Chain
With an eye towards efficiency (and, one presumes, improved profits), Panera Bread recently unveiled it’s largest menu revamp ever.
Fast-Food Kiosks Will be Prevalent by 2025
The annual State of Digital Report by Qu revealed that food kiosks are the top priority this year for QSRs and fast-casual restaurants.
The Future of Restaurants: Data and Insights for 2024 and Beyond
What do consumers desire in 2024 when they eat out? Value and convenience, mostly, and though those are universal qualities most any time, an uncertain economic outlook and increased food prices have seen consumers slowly …
FI Fast Break audio news: March 8, 2023
The latest FI news podcast notes that major restaurant chains are reducing menu options to prepare for tough financial times.
FI Fast Break audio news: Feb. 22, 2023
The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on modern consumers’ increasing focus on value and affordability.
Report: CAVA & Chicken Salad Chick Earn Rave Reviews
As inflation persists, it becomes more challenging for restaurants to lure customers. Nevertheless, new research shows a few chains are making strides when it comes to winning guests. Merchant Centric, a data analytics and reputation …
Investors See Tough Times Ahead for Fast Casuals
It’s difficult to project how the fast-casual industry will perform in a recession. The current version of the industry hasn’t really seen one. To be sure, the fast-casual concept predates the financial crisis of the …
Study: Gen Z Flocking to Fast-Casual Restaurants
These days, members of Gen Z are flocking to quick-service restaurants. In the 12 months ending July 2022, Gen Z consumers made 5 billion total restaurant visits, and 4.3 billion of those visits were to …
Restaurant Brands Increasingly Court Marijuana Users
Image courtesy of Wingstop While 18 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. have legalized marijuana for recreational use, it remains illegal on the federal level. Yet, several national restaurant brands are incorporating marijuana into their marketing …
Restaurants Work New Strategies to Retain Staff
Hiring new employees is hard for businesses across the food landscape. Retaining them is even harder. And if you are a restaurant operator amid the current worker shortage, your staffing problems are the hardest. The …
Consumers Eager to Wine and Dine, According to Restaurant Data
New research shows reason for optimism in the fine-dining space. Merchant Centric, which monitors customer reviews, recently noted that, during the first half of 2021, fine dining had the strongest guest sentiment and star rating …
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CEOs: Merger of Panera, Caribou, and Einstein Bros. Should ‘Turbocharge’ Growth
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 …