For some people, a brand is a logo and a website. For others, it describes an image: what kind of people wear Nikes, drive Teslas or watch “Julia.” Marketers may imagine that their brand is an idea under their control. But in reality, it’s a community of people who share the same beliefs. When approached… read more
Foodservice Equip & Supplies News
Starbucks Has a Love-Hate Relationship with its Cups.
The company’s white — or sometimes holiday-themed — logo-emblazoned paper cups for hot drinks, and clear plastic cups for cold drinks are instantly recognizable symbols of the brand. But that’s not entirely a good thing. “Our cup is ubiquitous, and we love that,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer. “But it is also this ubiquitous symbol… read more
Did COVID Kill the Dining Room? Not Even Close, Restaurant Leaders Say
Once restaurants began closing their dining rooms in mid-March 2020, it was like removing a log from a delicately crafted dam. McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and a host of mega-chains flipped the locks as operators tried to strategize a virus that’s only blueprint was 7,000 miles away in China. From “15 Days to Slow the Spread”… read more
Menu Price Inflation Hit a 41-Year High in February
Restaurants continued to increase at historically high rates in February as operators continued using their pricing power to offset higher costs for food and labor. Overall food-away-from-home prices increased 4% in February, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That was the lowest rate since August, but it’s also coming on a… read more
Eating at home, grocery shopping online will continue in 2022
Foodservice sales are projected to accelerate as restaurant traffic rebounds, but at-home eating habits formed during the pandemic are here to stay, according to Acosta’s 2022 trend predictions. Retail innovations to support e-commerce and upgrades to the in-store shopping experience are also among the top predictions for this year. The pandemic has changed the way… read more
Papa Johns Warns Customers of Pandemic-Related Disruptions
Count Papa Johns as the latest chain to experience labor shortfalls because of the pandemic. The Louisville, Ky.-based pizza chain on Friday sent a letter from CEO Rob Lynch to its customers, warning them of closed stores, shortened hours or a lack of drivers because of the pandemic. “Thank you for being patient as we… read more
Consumers, Restaurant Operators Feel the Pinch of Rising Prices
The U.S. inflation rate is at its highest point in 40 years, and basic commodities like gas and food have seen the highest rising prices. That’s causing a painful shift in the food industry that’s likely to be felt for some time. The stunning increase has made consumers hyper-aware of the pinch on their wallets,… read more
Avanti Named 2022 Dealer of the Year
Foodservice Equipment and Supplies named Avanti Restaurant Solutions the 2022 winner of the magazine’s celebrated Dealer of the Year Award. “Under the leadership of Mark Rossi, Avanti Restaurant Solutions has emerged as a disruptive force in the foodservice industry,” said Maureen Slocum, FE&S publisher. “The company’s forward-thinking leadership has led to a tremendous culture that… read more
Covid-19 pandemic caused huge disruption and a ripple effect of unintended consequences – and change – for foodservice
More than two years ago the way in which the world’s population worked and lived changed forever. The coronavirus pandemic that began in China and began to spread rapidly, globally, was first identified as a “contagious virus”. Quickly mandates from CDC, WHO, and national governments were issued to control the spread by wearing masks, distancing… read more
Electrolux Professional, Middleby are said to bid for Welbilt’s Manitowoc Ice unit
Electrolux Professional and Middleby Corp. (NASDAQ: MIDD) are said to be bidding about $1.2B for Welbillt’s (NYSE:WBT) Manitowoc ice business as part of Ali Group’s attempt to gain regulatory approval for its planned purchase of Welbilt. Electrolux and Middleby are on the shortlist of bidders for the ice-making unit, according to traders, who cited a… read more