Restaurant chains and California franchisees are making the tough decision to increase prices and cut hours in light of the state’s new $20 minimum wage In light of California’s new $20 minimum wage bill for fast-food workers, which went into effect on April 1, restaurant chains and franchisees are already taking action, in some cases… read more
Food & Beverage News
Applebee’s launches Whole Lotta Bacon Burger in US
Priced at $9.99, the handcrafted burger is a limited-time offering and comes with a side of fries. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar has expanded its handcrafted burger line-up in the US with the launch of the Whole Lotta Bacon Burger. The latest addition is an all-beef patty infused with seared Applewood-smoked bacon and topped with… read more
How Food & Beverage Companies Are Using Generative AI
The tool’s greatest potential and why the challenges of using generative AI shouldn’t be underestimated. Thor Olof Philogène is the CEO and founder of Stravito, an AI-powered enterprise insights platform that allows employees at Fortune 2000 organizations to store, discover, share and integrate consumer insights in seconds. The company’s clients include brands like McDonalds, Comcast,… read more
Restaurant menu prices show signs of easing
Prices at restaurants increased slower than the overall rate of inflation in March. But they still increased faster than they did at the grocery store. The Consumer Price Index increased faster than expected last month. But don’t blame restaurants this time. Prices at restaurants and other foodservice venues increased 0.3% last month, according to data… read more
Graze Craze Breaks Records in 2023
Graze Craze, the world’s leading charcuterie franchise, is celebrating 2023 as a record-breaking year of growth where it nearly doubled its brand footprint, opening 35 new locations throughout the year. The brand made entry into new U.S. states including Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Nevada, and New Mexico, as well as launched international operations… read more
How Quick-Service Restaurants Can Captivate Gen Z Guests
Quick-service restaurants face the tough and important challenge of meeting the changing preferences of Gen Z consumers, who have proven to be increasingly drawn to specialty dining experiences. They seek unique culinary experiences that reflect their adventurous spirit and desire for connection—something quick-service brands must keep in mind when designing their menus, store environments, and… read more
California prepares for $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers
While many workers are saying the extra $4 an hour is life-changing, some restaurants are implementing layoffs ahead of the $20 wage going into effect California’s controversial $20 minimum wage for quick-service restaurant workers employed by companies with 60 or more locations is set to finally go into effect on Mon. April 1, after undergoing… read more
Restaurant menu price inflation eased last month
Prices at fast-food and casual-dining restaurants slowed as costs eased and concern mounted about slow industry traffic. Restaurants slowed their pricing roll last month as their own costs slowed and concern about traffic mounted. Food away from home prices increased 0.1% in February, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Tuesday, effectively ending a… read more
Tyson Foods Will Shut Down Perry, Iowa, Pork Processing Plant
Meat processor is still trying to optimize its operations and will close the facility, which employs nearly 1,300 workers. According to several news reports, Tyson Foods will close its Tyson Fresh Meats pork processing plant in Perry, Iowa, at the end of June this year — the latest move in the meat processor’s efforts to… read more
Restaurants’ labor situation has improved, but it’s far from perfect
The industry has regained workers, and more operators are likely to say they’re fully staffed. But labor is more expensive. Retention remains a key stressor. And jobs have moved. For Honeygrow, 2020 was one problem, with the pandemic wiping out much of its business for a time. But 2021 would prove to be altogether different…. read more