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.
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.
Roark Capital has built a restaurant empire rivaling McDonald’s in system-wide sales, yet questions linger over its investment strategy. With limited financial transparency and stalled IPOs, has Roark’s aggressive approach truly paid off for investors?
Gen Alpha’s distinct food and beverage preferences, coupled with its astonishing $5.5 trillion global market share by 2029, shape it up to drive a sustained impact on the food and beverage industry. Learn about why some are calling them “the foodie generation.”
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.
Despite consumer cost-consciousness in 2025, third-party delivery giants Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart have defied expectations with double-digit order growth. Now, investors are betting big on a future in which streamlined logistics keep customers engaged.
Casual-dining stocks have significantly outperformed the market over the past three years, with Brinker International especially posting eye-opening returns, while chains such as Applebee’s continue to struggle. Clearly, consumers are rewarding brands that offer differentiated experiences.
Sysco, once a force in foodservice distribution, is now struggling to keep pace with rivals as missed sales expectations raise concerns about its strategies. Competitive weaknesses suggest that, without meaningful change, Sysco’s lackluster stock performance could continue.
Food delivery giants like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, and Grubhub are making bold strategic moves – from acquisitions to service diversification – to capture both consumer loyalty and merchant partnerships. As competition heats up, these platforms are doubling down on technology, international expansion, and grocery delivery integration.
This year, moms are wishing for a “timeout” on Mother’s Day, with 44% of participants wanting someone else to plan the big meal in an OpenTable survey. The research also revealed that nearly a third of moms are considering dining out solo on Mother’s Day in 2025, reflecting an increased desire for “me time.”
Many F&B companies aren’t getting the results they desired from tech investments due to factors ranging from insufficient data to inadequate planning. Industry experts shared actionable strategies with FI to help companies resolve these issues.
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.
Tariffs rattled the stock market, leading to a sharp overall decline, yet food industry stocks like McDonald’s demonstrated resilience, buoyed by their perceived safety in economic downturns. This reaction highlights the food sector’s potential advantages in navigating recessionary environments.
The “3:45 Dinner” trend is gaining momentum as parents embrace earlier mealtimes to curb post-school hunger, prevent evening tantrums, and simplify family routines. With growing consumer demand for early dining, restaurants have a prime opportunity on their hands.
A list of the most innovative food businesses for 2025 highlights companies reshaping the restaurant and foodservice landscape. Mediterranean chain Cava topped the list for its focus on in-person experiences, proving that hospitality and human connection are just as vital as efficiency in the evolving food industry.
Stricter immigration policies are set to worsen labor shortages in the restaurant industry, driving wages up by as much as $3 per hour and putting financial pressure on operators, according to industry data. Many mid-tier and independent establishments could face closures as a result.
The 2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo featured celebrity chefs, expert mixologists, and food suppliers. Key themes included authenticity, “unreasonable hospitality,” and organically growing and cultivating a staff.
Gen Z consumers demand authenticity from brands, viewing them as extensions of their personal identity. One restaurant consultant notes that, to capture Gen Z’s loyalty, businesses must align with their values and leverage micro-influencers for genuine connections.
Egg prices have reached record highs due to the bird flu outbreak, which has sent restaurants scrambling. Establishments like Waffle House have introduced surcharges, while others have gotten creative and found alternative strategies to manage costs.
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.
Twin Peaks’ executive chef predicts spicy flavors will continue to dominate menus, as consumers increasingly crave regional dishes from Latin America, like birria tacos. Now, more than ever, diners are embracing authentic cuisine.
Yum Brands’ new AI platform, Byte by Yum, illustrates the potential of proprietary tech for QSR giants, but independent restaurants can also leverage similar, customizable platforms. Experts advise starting small with AI for specific tasks and monitoring its outputs closely to ensure that it enhances efficiency.
The demand for better-for-you products is driving shifts across the food industry, prompting demands for premium ingredients and transparent messaging. Consumers are also embracing bold flavors, premiumization, and redefined notions of value, as noted in the 2025 Specialty Food Industry Outlook Report, which FI co-authored.
As consumers wish for better spring weather, recent data shows that floral flavors are growing in popularity, particularly among Gen Z and younger consumers. FI spoke with an industry expert about these nascent trends and their deeper implications.
U.K. darling PizzaExpress is charting a course for a U.S. takeover beginning with locations throughout Florida. The chain offers an affordable escape with a unique twist, including live music.
The rapid adoption of weight-loss drugs is reshaping purchasing habits. Circana experts highlight opportunities for brands to align with GLP-1 users’ goals by offering tailored, portion-controlled products and leveraging personalized marketing strategies to capture this evolving market.
As devastating wildfires tore through Los Angeles, forcing massive evacuations, restaurants and delivery services like DoorDash rallied to offer support. By offering free meals and shelter, the food industry aided first responders and displaced residents during a time of crisis.
Inflation is reshaping indulgence habits, with consumers swapping pricey restaurant desserts for store-bought or homemade options, causing a notable decline in dessert sales across dining segments. Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is shifting toward affordable options in a similar fashion.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast notes Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s reported plans to disqualify soda from programs like SNAP.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast examines Walmart’s plans to equip employees with body cameras at some U.S. locations.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on the recent rise in buy-now-pay-later purchases by consumers.
The latest Food Institute Fast Break news podcast touches on consumers’ growing demand for not just value, but also luxury offerings.
The latest Food Institute Fast Break news podcast touches on PepsiCo’s latest noteworthy industry acquisition.
The latest financial data shows Cava is enjoying tremendous success, outpacing the fast-casual dining segment and sustaining jaw-dropping growth. Some of this success is likely thanks to its Gen Z engagement strategy.
The latest Food Institute Fast Break news podcast touches on restaurant operators’ outlook on labor for 2025.
