FI Fast Break audio news: Nov. 19, 2025
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on the growing list of restaurant chains and operating groups that have filed for bankruptcy.
Tag: starbucks
Surprise, Surprise: Buc-ee’s Ranked #1 in Fast Food
According to a new report, Buc-ee’s has surprisingly worked its way to the top of the quick-service charts, redefining fast food with convenience and cult-like appeal. As nontraditional players surge, legacy brands must rethink speed, snacking, and breakfast.
Red Cup Reckoning: Unionized Starbucks Baristas Strike Ahead of Holiday Rush
More than 1,000 unionized Starbucks baristas will walk out on the job in over 40 U.S. cities in an open-ended strike. Starbucks Workers United, which represents employees at more than 550 U.S. Starbucks stores, said the strike will begin at 4 p.m. local time.
Snack to the Future: How Food Brands Can Secure Gen Alpha Customers
Gen Alpha is redefining brand loyalty through flavor exploration, social rituals, and sensory-driven snacks. Food brands that spark chatter and embrace kid-centric culture are winning hearts, along with future market share.
Diners Demand Deals: Why ‘Worth It’ Is the New Must-Have
As diners tighten their belts, value-driven promotions and loyalty perks are proving key to filling restaurant seats. With rising costs and waning confidence, restaurants must deliver far more than just a meal.
The Easiest Meals to Eat on the Go, According to Kelley Blue Book
Kelley Blue Book’s “Fork in the Road” guide spotlights the top car-friendly fast-food picks for mess-free mobile dining. Boneless bites are on the rise, highlighting shifting consumer preferences in QSR innovation.
Top 5 National Coffee Chains, Ranked by Craveability
Peet’s tops craveability rankings as consumers seek quality, innovation, and value in a $58.5 billion café market. From cardamom lattes to celebrity collabs, chains are brewing bold strategies to win loyalty amid rising prices.
A $4B Investment Aims for an Uncertain Turnaround at PepsiCo
Elliott Management just invested $4 billion in PepsiCo, betting it can fix what fizzled. The activist investor envisions a turnaround – assuming legacy brands can still thrive in a GLP-1 world.
Gen Z Magnetism Report: Authenticity Often Beats Advertising
Gen Z’s brand loyalty hinges on authentic user-generated content, not legacy clout. Food giants like Oreo and McDonald’s are losing steam – while Disney thrives by treating fans like community, not consumers.
Fast-Food Chains Feeling Pain in ‘Two-Tier Economy’
As budget-conscious diners trade down, QSRs face a traffic slump while casual-dining chains surge with value bundles. The winners? Brands that nail the value equation in a fiercely discerning dining economy.
Starbucks Gets Behind ‘Proffee’ Craze
Starbucks is diving into the booming “proffee” trend with protein-packed lattes and cold foam, now a permanent menu fixture. As rivals race to meet protein-hungry consumers, functional coffee is brewing billion-dollar growth.
Dutch Bros Keeps Winning by Doing It Differently
Dutch Bros is brewing up explosive growth by doubling down on culture. With 1,000 stores and soaring stock, it’s outpacing rivals by staying unique.
Move Over Pumpkin Spice, This Texas Staple Goes National
Pumpkin spice may still reign, but pecan is surging as fall’s breakout flavor, with a 28% spike in DoorDash orders. From Snickers to Starbucks, operators are betting big on this Southern staple’s appeal.
FI Fast Break audio news: July 30, 2025
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on online grocery sales’ eye-opening rise of late, in addition to other trending industry news.
Peeling Back the Layers of the Banana Coffee Trend
Banana milk is swinging into the coffee scene, turning nostalgic flavor into a retail phenomenon. Fueled by K-pop, global influence, and social media buzz, it’s reshaping what “comfort coffee” means for consumers.
Starbucks Bets on a European Aperitivo Menu – Will Gen Z Bite?
Starbucks is betting big on European-style aperitivo culture, launching an afternoon menu of small plates and drinks to boost sluggish post-morning sales. CEO Brian Niccol aims to rekindle the coffee chain’s social ambiance.
FI Fast Break audio news: May 7, 2025
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on Starbucks’ big plans to boost afternoon traffic, an uptick in cyberattacks, and more.
Industry Shaken: Indie Cafés Outbrew the Big Guys
Independent cafés and mid-sized coffee chains are chipping away at the dominance of Starbucks and Dunkin’, leveraging bold menu experimentation to capture customers. Challenger brands are expanding aggressively, too.
FI News Review (May 2, 2025): Top Food and Beverage Stories
CEOs Tighten Belts Amid Tariff Uncertainty
Amid an uncertain economic environment instigated by tariffs, C-suite executives across the U.S. are dialing back business expenditures. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump indicated he may alter course on his economic plan.
Strikes Cost Food Industry $145.9 Million in 2024
Strikes cost F&B companies and employees $145.9 million in lost wages and revenue in 2024, according to a review by Noggin. Last year’s strikes were complicated by other issues like supply chain pressures as well, signaling the need for better communication among employees and management to avoid labor strife.
For Oatly, Execution Has Been the Biggest Problem
Once valued at over $15 billion, Oatly’s market capitalization has plummeted by 98% due to poor execution in expanding production and mounting financial losses. Its sluggish growth in plant-based products makes Oatly’s future murky, according to FI’s resident stock expert.
How McDonald’s Won Over Gen Z Consumers
The Magnetic 100: Restaurants report by dcdx reveals the top brands captivating Gen Z, with McDonald’s, Wingstop, and Starbucks leading the pack due to their organic online engagement and unique customer interactions.
FI Fast Break audio news: March 4, 2025
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on rising global obesity rates, the future of the Walgreen’s pharmacy chain, and more.
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FI Fast Break audio news: Feb. 25, 2025
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on eye-opening stats regarding consumer sentiment towards regenerative agriculture.
Starbucks’ Brian Niccol Really Doesn’t Want Howard Schultz to Save Him
Only a few months into his new role, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol is laying out a radical plan to curry Americans’ favor with the brand. Tensions are high, as ex-CEO Howard Schultz may not be able to save the café chain if Niccol can’t get it back on track.
Hunger Games: How Gamified Loyalty Programs Help Restaurants Win
Gamification is emerging as a winning strategy for restaurants looking to enhance their customer loyalty programs. 76% of owners said they plan to gamify their programs in the next 2 years, with brands like Starbucks, Jimmy John’s, and Dunkin’ leading the charge.
FI Fast Break audio news: Jan. 30, 2025
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast offers experts’ tips for restaurants and bars for Super Bowl Sunday.
Sprouts Tops List of 5 Brands to Watch in 2025
Sprouts has enjoyed a 7.2% year-over-year visit increase, driven by small-format locations and a focus on high-quality products. Meanwhile, H Mart was also named a brand to watch by placer.ai, mainly for its innovation.
FI News Review (January 24, 2025): The Top Stories in Food and Beverage Right Now
FI Fast Break audio news: Jan. 8, 2025
The latest FI Fast Break podcast touches on the push to reframe products like plant-based dairy and meat alternatives as conventional fare.
Starbucks Launches New Menu Laced With Global Flavors, Vegan Options
Starbucks’ revamped winter menu reflects growing consumer interest in global flavors, with items like customizable matcha lattes. These innovations also highlight the coffee giant’s focus on personalized experiences.
FI Fast Break audio news: Jan. 2, 2025
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on Starbucks’ revamped drink menu for 2025, featuring new beverages like a Cortado.
FI Fast Break audio news: Dec. 24, 2024
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast notes Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s reported plans to disqualify soda from programs like SNAP.
FI News Review (December 20, 2024) – The Top Food and Beverage Industry News Right Now
Coffee Omakase, Flights Capture Consumer Interest
A recent Trend Tracker report from Yelp found that “coffee omakase” enjoyed a shocking 5,173% rise in searches between Sept. ’23-’24. What’s behind this surge in interest?