Breakfast Delivery is Ramping Up

The year 2020 has been like no other in recent memory.  The pandemic has left Americans with many new government-enacted laws which were instituted in order to keep people as safe as possible and they …

Cities, States Renew Lockdown Orders with COVID-19 on the Rise

Across the nation, mayors of cities and governors of states are restricting hours for businesses in an effort to tamp down on a rising trend of COVID-19 infections. The legislation was not unwarranted. With the …

DoorDash Files for IPO, but Still Losing Money

DoorDashfiled for its IPO on Nov. 13, reported The Wall Street Journal (Nov. 13). The filing revealed the company’s rapid growth during the pandemic, as revenue for the September quarter more than tripled from the …

Is the Pendulum Swinging for Cannabis?

Aphria, a Canadian cannabis company, plans to acquire Atlanta’s Sweetwater Brewing Co., which is known for its “420” beer. The $300 million deal is the latest hook-up between the alcoholic beverage and pot industries, and …

Wendy’s Posts Highest Same-Store Sales Growth in 15 Years, Buoyed by Breakfast

Wendy’s posted its highest same-store sales growth performance in more than 15 years in its third quarter, reported Nation’s Restaurant News (Nov. 4). The chain was buoyed by breakfast sales, a daypart that’s been a …

DoorDash Lends a Hand to Struggling Restaurants

DoorDash is investing in a restaurant for the first time, reported The Verge (Oct. 24). It will work alongside CA-based Burma Superstar for a brick-and-mortar store called Burma Bites. It will be designed for delivery and …

More Coronavirus Restrictions Across the Globe

State and local officials around the world are reinstating lockdown orders as coronavirus cases rise. Newark, NJ, is reversing course on reopening as cases increase across the city, reported CBS News (Oct. 27). Many of …

Continued Private Equity Investments in Restaurants

Dunkin’ Brands is in talks to sell itself to private equity-backed Inspire Brands, reported The New York Times (Oct. 25). The deal would take Dunkin’ Brands private at a price of $106.50 a share, according …

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, …

Positive Outlook for Restaurants Despite Bankruptcies

Many restaurants may be waiting until COVID-19 uncertainty fades to declare bankruptcy as there is a lack of interest in turning some chains around in the current business climate, reported Forbes (Oct. 20). There were …

Foodservice Goes from Pivoting to Transforming

In wake of the pandemic, foodservice is continuing to adapt in unique ways to survive. UK-based Pret A Manger has struggled during the pandemic without the commuter crowd. In August, weekly sales in Britain were …

National Chains Thrive, While Independent Restaurants Struggle

National chains are growing while locally owned restaurants suffer in the pandemic, reported The Wall Street Journal (Oct. 12). Large chains have more flexibility both when it comes to moving money and locations around and …

Foodservice Struggles with Time Efficiency Amid Restrictions

Some restaurants are enforcing time limits to keep the numbers of visitors up during COVID-19 restrictions, reported The Wall Street Journal (Oct. 5). Two hours or 90 minutes are the preferred time limits. The idea …

Can NYC Restaurants Survive with COVID Restrictions?

After six months, indoor dining reopened in New York City at 25% capacity, despite concerns about both spread of the virus and severe operating margins, reported The New York Times (Oct. 1). “It’s crucial, of …

Coronavirus’ Effect on Restaurants Versus Retail

While restaurants continue to feel the weight of the pandemic, retailers are still benefiting. Nearly one in six restaurants, representing 100,000 foodservice establishments, have closed permanently or long-term in the six months following the first shutdown orders …

CDC Links Dining Out to Increased COVID Risk

Dining out raises the risk of contracting COVID-19 more than other activities, according to a report published by CDC. The new report comes at a time when more restaurants are reopening indoor dining. Relaxation of …

City-Based Restaurants See Effects of COVID on Dining

Restaurants in cities are particularly struggling with attracting diners during COVID, even with outdoor dining options available. Even New York City’s Michelin-starred restaurants are having trouble, reported The Wall Street Journal (Sept. 2). Daniel Boulud, …

Weekend Takeout Surges as More Indoor Dining Opens

Friday and Saturday night takeout is emerging as a lasting trend during the pandemic, according to Technomic. Research found that off-premise meals on Friday and Saturday nights accounted for 24% of overall sales in the …

Restaurants Look to Government for Guidance

Restaurants across the U.S. are resuming operations in accordance with guidelines to ensure health and safety and patrons and employees. However, states, cities, and counties have different requirements for operating during the pandemic. In New …

How COVID-19 is Impacting Eating

Food Institute Focus – How COVID-19 is Impacting Eating

What Delivery Foods are Trending with Consumers?

Food Institute Focus – What Delivery Foods are Trending with Consumers?

Can Ghost Kitchens Save Restaurants?

The “ghost food hall” concept could be a lifeline for restaurant owners to help carry them through the health crisis, reported The Washington Post (July 20). The concept combines the ghost kitchen model, which serves meals exclusively …

First Half of 2020: Bankruptcies Flood Foodservice While Business Strategies Shift

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the foodservice industry drastically during the first half of 2020. Several chains were forced into bankruptcy, while others relied on delivery or pivoted their business models. Eating and drinking places registered …

States Scrap Indoor Dining as COVID-19 Cases Rise

Food Institute Focus – States Scrap Indoor Dining as COVID-19 Cases Rise

Pandemic Concern Remains High

Food Institute Focus – Pandemic Concern Remains High

Can Independent Restaurants Be Saved?

Food Institute Focus – Can Independent Restaurants Be Saved?

Restaurants Get Creative as Safety Measures Limit Reopenings

Food Institute Focus – Restaurants Get Creative as Safety Measures Limit Reopenings

Will Retail and Dining be Changed Forever?

Food Institute Focus – Will Retail and Dining be Changed Forever?

Larger Orders Rise, But Many Chains Still at Risk

Food Institute Focus – Larger Orders Rise, But Many Chains Still at Risk

Drive-Thrus Emerge as Sustainable Approach During Pandemic

During the coronavirus pandemic, drive-thrus have become a crucial element for restaurants. In March, drive-thrus generated $8.3 billion across the fast food industry, an increase from $8 billion in sales over the same period in …

As Restaurant Spending Improves, Companies Look Towards Safety Measures

Food Institute Focus – As Restaurant Spending Improves, Companies Look Towards Safety Measures

Restaurant Life After Lockdown

As lockdown requirements around the country loosen, foodservice establishments are adopting best practices for dine-in service in a post-COVID-19 world—thanks to the guidelines put forth by both government agencies and restaurant industry organizations. Federal Recommendations …

Restaurants-as-Markets Model Not a Passing Fad

Food Institute Focus – Restaurants-as-Markets Model Not a Passing Fad

Restaurant Owners Question if Reopening is Sustainable

Food Institute Focus – Restaurant Owners Question if Reopening is Sustainable

Dine-In Business Continues to Reopen with Precautions

Food Institute Focus – Dine-In Business Continues to Reopen with Precautions

Foodservice’s New Normal After Pandemic

Food Institute Focus – Foodservice’s New Normal After Pandemic