When the pandemic temporarily shuttered dining rooms in 2020, more than 35 states issued emergency orders allowing to-go sales of cocktails and other alcoholic beverages—an important lifeline for struggling restaurants. At its pandemic high point, 39 states permitted cocktails to go in some way. In many locales, cocktails-to-go are here to stay—a decision that consumers… read more
Food & Beverage News
Wendy’s Reformulates its French Fries
The Wendy’s Co. has reformulated its French fries, a project last undertaken in 2010, and the new products are rolling out to some markets now and are expected to be completed in September, the company’s culinary team said Thursday. Culinary leaders from the Dublin, Ohio-based burger chain said the process of reformulating the skin-on fries… read more
Food Pathogen Detection Startup Wins IFT FIRST Pitch Competition
SnapDNA was named the winner of the Food Disruption Challenge Pitch Competition at the Institute of Food Technologists’ FIRST virtual conference on July 21. The innovation challenge saw founders behind emerging and investment-ready companies pitch their endeavors to a panel of industry experts. Participating companies received pitch preparation and mentoring support from IFT leading up… read more
Two Sides to Salmonella Kentucky
Travelers beware: Some Salmonella Kentucky pathogens are not the type of souvenir you want to bring home from your trip. Researchers at Washington State University (WSU) are trying to discover why Salmonella Kentucky bugs acquired in Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa are more likely to cause disease and be antibiotic-resistant than those acquired domestically…. read more
Fast Food Chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Popeyes are Taking Extra Precautions to Avoid Shortages Amid Supply Chain Disruptions and Increased Sales
McDonald’s told franchisees to limit orders of bags and straws after high usage during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Wall Street Journal reported. The chain says that customers are unlikely to notice anything amiss in restaurants. “Despite temporary pressures in the industry, the impact to restaurants is minimal. Based on what we know today, we are… read more
“Bubbles, Wine & Brews”
The company announced a “Bubbles, Wine & Brews” menu, featuring curated and locally sourced beer and wine options, as well as Bud Light, Blue Moon, and Corona, and mimosas and wines from Barefoot–Bubbly Brut, Bubbly Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The pilot is now available at three restaurants in San Diego and New Mexico and will… read more
Twin Peaks Uses Mountain-Sized Momentum to Create Growth Opportunities
Twin Peaks claims to have the coldest beer in the business, but its growth strategy is bringing the heat. At the close of July, the sports bar stands at roughly 80 units, with about 55 of those owned by franchisees. By the end of 2021, Twin Peaks should expand to 90–91 restaurants, including openings in… read more
How Restaurants Can Strategically Capitalize on the Restaurants Act of 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted virtually every industry since it began back in March of 2020, especially the retail restaurant industry. The combined effects of America’s pandemic response, such as increased savings and social distancing measures, have forced many businesses to close some of their locations throughout the country, and others to shut down… read more
US Foods’ Answer to the Labor Shortage: Product Innovation
The restaurant industry’s recovery and labor challenges are running the same race today. According to Datassential, 62 percent of operators are concerned about finding skilled workers as they staff up to meet surging demand. While retention and recruitment solutions, from wages to benefits to referrals, and so forth, remain heart to the labor conversation, the… read more
Lawmakers Ask USDA, DOJ to re-Examine Pork Line Speed Ruling
A group of 70 congressional lawmakers, led by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Representatives Jim Hagedorn (R-Minn.) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD), penned a letter recently that urged the US Department of Agriculture and the Department of Justice to pursue legal action and push back on a recent federal court ruling regarding US pork processing plants’… read more