FI Spotlight: How Foodservice Operators Can Better Understand Consumers

They say it takes a village...that's certainly true when it comes to running a successful foodservice operation. Join The Food Institute as we get industry insights from Fleur Veldhoven, VP of Marketing for Food at ...

Beef. It’s Still What’s for Dinner

“A lot of people see beef as a premium meat and associate it with things like prosperity and masculinity. Beef is also incredibly rich in fat and protein, so our bodies are primed to crave it,” Rall said, noting federal subsidies, restaurant menus, and advertising all reinforce beef’s place “in our grocery stores and on our table.”

FI News Review (April 19, 2024) – Why Fast Food Chains Are at a Crossroads

The new $20 fast food minimum wage measure is now in effect in California, giving a much sought-after bump in pay for workers. But what kinds of other impacts will this have on QSR restaurants ...

FI Spotlight: Dining Dynamics in 2024

Join us as we discuss the dynamics of dining in 2024 with David Portalatin, Senior Vice President and Food Industry Advisor at Circana. In this episode, we delve into: Eating Behavior & Economics Home Cooking ...

A Latin Restaurant’s Masterclass on Creating Word-of-Mouth

EAGAN, Minnesota – When the El Sazon Tacos & More takeout location opened in suburban Minneapolis, co-owner Karen De Leon half expected to see tumbleweeds roll through the rented facility. “When we first walked in, …

Burgernomics: Fast Food Inflation and an $18 Big Mac Combo

The recent uproar over a McDonald’s in Darien, Connecticut, that charged a whopping $17.59 for a Big Mac combo meal is more than just local news; it’s a snapshot of the changing economic landscape.

Global Cuisines, LTOs to Feature Prominently for Foodservice in 2024

The foodservice industry has endured its fair share of turbulence since the pandemic, but where will things go for the industry in 2024? Lizzy Freier, Director, Menu Research & Insights at Technomic, joined The Food …

Technomic: Expect Drive-Thrus, Breakfast Daypart to ‘Boom’ in 2024

America is overflowing with beverage restaurant concepts of late, especially those targeting the breakfast daypart. Utah-based Swig is growing rapidly. Dutch Bros Coffee, founded in Oregon, saw 27% sales growth in 2022. Kung Fu Tea, …

The 2024 Foodservice Forecast

Lizzy Freier, Director, Menu Research & Insights at Technomic discusses restaurant traffic, international cuisines, LTOs and more.

Small But Powerful: Retailers Turning to Smaller Formats

When it comes to the food industry, Kohen said food and restaurant retailers can take advantage of smaller formats in neighborhoods and lifestyle centers, providing a dining experience to the shopping journey.

FI Fast Break audio news: Dec. 13, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on a bird flu outbreak that’s ravaging American turkey farms.

FI Fast Break audio news: Dec. 6, 2023

The latest Food Institute Fast Break news podcast addresses CEOs’ business forecasts for the coming months.

5 Yucatán Dishes Surging in Popularity

Mexican food has gathered steam in America for years, evidenced by the fact that Taco Bell and Chipotle currently rank among the top 10 QSRs in the U.S. in terms of systemwide sales. Now, a …

The Future of Restaurants: Data and Insights for 2024 and Beyond

Few sectors of the food industry have seen the same headwinds as the foodservice industry the past few years. The pandemic forced a shift to digital technologies and delivery options, and inflation has pressed consumers ...

The Rise of Gen H: Hispanic Culture’s Influential Young Adults

On Day 2 of The Food Institute’s Latam Food Week, a new generation was coined: Generation H. “Think of it as Gen Z meets Hispanic culture,” said Hunter Thurman, president of Alpha-Diver, “a high-sensory, emotion-first …

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 …

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 …

The Food Institute Announces Media Partnership with Cocina Sabrosa Food & Beverage Trade Expo

New York City, July 11, 2023 (FI NEWSWIRE) – The Food Institute (FI), a leading food industry research and media company, is pleased to announce its collaboration with the upcoming Cocina Sabrosa Food & Beverage Trade …

FI Fast Break audio news: July 5, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the big change of plans for world-renowned restaurant Noma.

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.

FI Fast Break audio news: June 28, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the rebirth of America’s buffet restaurants and much more.

FI Fast Break audio news: June 21, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on a potential breakthrough in diabetes care and insulin medication.

FI Fast Break audio news: June 14, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the future of vertical farms and controlled-environment agriculture.

FI Fast Break audio news: June 7, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on recent warehouse employment concerns for retailers like Walmart.

QR Codes: ReliQ or Revolutionary?

How, and why, should some businesses do away with table- or barside QR codes, and what should be expected from both business and consumer? The QR Qonundrum doesn’t have to be an all-in or all-out decision, however – a hybrid approach, using lessons from the business side of the pandemic and the consumer side of hospitality, may be a viable way forward for businesses large and small.

FI Fast Break audio news: June 1, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on consumers’ growing impatience with poor restaurant service.

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.

FI Fast Break audio news: April 19, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on shrimp’s increasing value for restaurant chains.

FI Fast Break audio news: April 12, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the growing popularity of Asian food items like wagyu beef in America.

FI Fast Break audio news: April 5, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on the trend of nostalgic breakfast products from brands like Lucky Charms.

The State of the Restaurant Industry

Top restaurant operators share their insights on growth, labor, costs, supply chain, and more.

The Food Institute’s 2023 Restaurant Roundtable

The restaurant industry has faced its ups and downs over the past few years, but where is the industry moving forward? On March 29, a panel of experts talked about the current state of the ...

FI Fast Break audio news: March 29, 2023

The latest FI news podcast touches on the latest in restaurant unionization efforts, along with a very innovative cultivated meat product.

FI Fast Break audio news: March 22, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on Amazon’s recent announcement of layoffs and its concerns in general.

FI Fast Break audio news: March 15, 2023

The latest Food Institute news podcast touches on easing egg prices, and Gen Z’s penchant for spending despite inflation.

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.