Taco Bell Taps Consumers for Ad During NFL Super Bowl

Taco Bell is collaborating with its customer base to create a unique, community-driven ad campaign for its upcoming Super Bowl slot.

Circana: E-commerce, Private Label to Shape F&B in 2025

Circana’s annual F&B industry report highlights growing consumer demand for value, with e-commerce and private label brands driving significant sales growth. However, economic uncertainty will challenge the industry to balance affordability with innovative offerings in 2025.

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?

Cava’s Secret Sauce: The QSR Is So Hot Right Now

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.

What’s Up with Airline Food? Shake Shack, Delta Partner on Burgers in the Sky

Delta’s latest partnership with Shake Shack has been met with excitement; however, is it enough to shake the airline’s negative in-flight meal image?

M&A on the Menu: Jersey Mike’s Lays Out $8B Recipe for Growth

Private equity firm Blackstone on Tuesday announced its $8 billion acquisition of Jersey Mike’s. One industry insider feels the blockbuster deal signals an optimistic outlook for M&A in the sector.

7-Eleven Pilots Food-Centric Design Amidst Headwinds

7-Eleven parent Seven & i Holdings Co. recently outlined plans to update its domestic footprint with improved food experiences. This could be a winning strategy for a business that has faced headwinds of late.

The Domino’s Effect: Why One Pizza Chain is Outperforming

Domino’s Pizza has outperformed competitors through strategies focused on tech innovation and value-driven promotions. Domino’s success highlights its ability to stay on top of evolving consumer demands.

Purée Play: Restaurants Boost Profits with Purées

Restaurants are leveraging fruit purées these days as an effective method to adapt to rising food costs. Fruit purées bring versatility to dishes while helping operators reduce food waste.

Innovation, Collaboration and Culture Coalesce at DMA’s Annual Conference

NEW ORLEANS – Embracing innovation, cultivating culture, and focusing on collaboration along the supply chain were key themes on display at the DMA Annual Conference. Hosted by Distribution Market Advantage (DMA), this year’s iteration of …

Dynamic Menu, Savvy Marketing Key to Taco Bell Success, Experts Say

Taco Bell has achieved 11 consecutive quarters of growth. The keys, experts note, include targeted digital marketing, limited-time offers, and innovative menu updates that resonate with young consumers and drive repeat visits.

Restaurant Operators Optimistic About Year Ahead

Independent restaurant operators are optimistic as they look ahead to 2025, with 63% reporting profit growth and a focus on cost management over consumer price hikes, according to a new survey. The industry anticipates further expansion, too.

Timing and Loyalty Mitigate Impact of McDonald’s Outbreak

McDonald’s recent food safety issue linked to tainted onions has had a muted impact on its stock and consumer response, as confidence remains strong due to the chain’s history and quick corrective actions.

New ‘Kidult’ on the Block: Grownup Happy Meals, Halloween Deals

The trend of “kidult” marketing features brands like McDonald’s and Taco Bell creating nostalgic experiences tailored for adults. Brands are tapping into nostalgia to appeal to millennials and Gen Z.

Restaurant Industry Faces New Crisis With Surge in Bankruptcies

Restaurants continue to face challenges, including labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rising inflation, leading to increased bankruptcies. Industry experts predict continued struggles and stress the need for leveraging technology to survive.

Jackpot: Jackfruit Has Become a Plant-Based Bright Spot

Annie Ryu, founder of The Jackfruit Company and the jack & annie’s brand, is a believer in the health and sustainability benefits of jackfruit. As her brands are receiving significant investment, she’s focusing on partnerships to scale production and lower costs.

U.S. Water Quality a Growing Concern for Foodservice

Although tap water in the U.S. is generally safe to drink, Americans don’t trust it: one report found only 41% of customers perceive their water safe. Consumers remain weary of water sources, leaving restaurant operators in a tough spot.

Customization and Culture: How Starbucks Turns Pricey Coffee into Loyalty

Starbucks maintains customer loyalty despite higher prices by offering personalized options like mobile ordering and customization. While consumers are sensitive to price, experts feel Starbucks’ focus on convenience and atmosphere helps sustain its growth.

Coffee Culture in 2024: Hot Coffee Declines as Cold Brew Booms

How do consumers take their coffee in 2024? Early and often. Roughly 56% of consumers drink coffee daily. Industry experts feel RTD coffee drinks are poised for especially big things in the near-term.

McDonald’s Debuts Chicken Big Mac

McDonald’s is launching a Chicken Big Mac, a limited-time twist on its iconic Big Mac, starting October 10 at participating U.S. locations. The chain piloted the sandwich at an LA pop-up and is promoting it through a social media-driven campaign.

Safety, Productivity Found at Intersection of People and AI

At a recent International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) event, stakeholders considered AI’s industry impact. Topics included supply chain dynamics, tech-enabled safety measures, and the need for in-person connectivity.

The Lunch Line: What’s Driving Higher Costs at QSRs?

Data from the Toast digital restaurant platform show eating out at quick-service restaurants (QSRs) for lunch in the second quarter got more expensive, with prices up more than 4% from last year. And though hourly …

Jollibee: The Filipino Chicken Chain Winning Over America

Filipino chicken chain Jollibee continues to win over American customers and accelerate its growth. The chain’s leaders insist the keys to their success are rather simple.

Philly’s Latin Love Affair: Latino Restaurants Celebrated During Restaurant Week

A Philadelphia fiesta is set to take place starting September 15. A unique, weeklong event will highlight some of America’s most innovative Latin restaurants.

Earnings Show Why Major Foodservice Distributors Can Keep Taking Share

Despite declining restaurant traffic, major foodservice distributors reported strong performances in Q2. They remain confident in their strategies, including making long-term investments.

Smart Money: Smart Carts Continue to Evolve, Boost Grocers’ Bottom Line

An evolving form of smart carts is helping grocery chains like Kroger, Price Chopper, and Schnucks offer painless and personalized shopping experiences.

Le Pain Quotidien Redefines AI Integration with AI Clone of Chef-Founder Alain Coumont

The international restaurant-bakery chain recently debuted the cutting-edge AI tool Alain.AI to modernize their recipe database and standardize protocol across 214 locations in 19 countries.

Party of One: Why Embracing Solo Dining Is Good for Business

To dine own self be true: solo dining is on the rise, and restaurants are responding with efforts to make parties of one feel comfortable and welcome.

Meet the Modern ‘Click-and-Mortar’ Consumer

A new PYMNTS survey found roughly 40% of shoppers are “click-and-mortar” fans, either using their devices while shopping or ordering online and then picking up their purchases.

Study Puts Ultra-Processed Plant-Based Products Under Fire

A new study found that, for every 10% increase in calories from ultra-processed plant-based foods, there was a 5% increased risk of heart disease.

Top 4 Value Meals of 2024

Fast food used to be enticing because it offered comfort food at cheap prices. Today, that’s not necessarily the case. Inflation has hit every industry – with restaurant chains being no exception. As a result, …

Circana: Consumers Increasingly Spending on Health and Wellness

The idea of health and wellness is evolving, as shown by a report that noted ways people are tapping into products to harmonize their lives.

Down Under Pressure: Outback Steakhouse Fighting to Win Back Diners

Outback Steakhouse has turned to value as its traffic dropped and it reduced locations. Industry experts are confident the 37-year-old chain can bounce back – provided it takes a few careful steps.

Navigating Challenges in Foodservice Distribution: Innovations and Advocacy

The foodservice distribution industry is crucial to the supply chain, delivering essential goods to sectors like restaurants and hospitals. In 2024, however, the category faces significant challenges, like labor shortages, tax policies, transportation issues, and …

Taco the Town: Del Taco Tops Consumers’ Best Fast-Food List

Del Taco, a restaurant chain nearing its 60th anniversary, has never been hotter, winning top marks in a recent best fast-food list.

Biting the Bullet: Q2 Restaurant Earnings Show a Shift in Consumer Appetite

One of the biggest changes in the market over the past 10-15 years is that investors have succeeded solely by buying the best business, not necessarily the best stock. Focusing on fundamentals over quality has …