The Meals for At-Risk Americans Act would make it easier for states to apply to the USDA Restaurant Meals Program. For many vulnerable Americans, preparing healthy food at home is not an option,” Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., who co-authored the bill, said in a statement. Padilla is one of three senators who introduced the bill… read more
Global Foodservice News
BurgerFi Better Burger Lab Lands In The Big Apple
BurgerFi recently announced it will return to New York with a new concept location in the city this December. The chain’s previous New York location, launched in 2013, was permanently closed during the pandemic. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based burger chain’s new Upper East Side location, at 2,400 square feet, will be a Better Burger Lab… read more
New Technologies Arrive in Clusters. What Does That Mean for AI?
The potential — and hype — surrounding machine learning, artificial intelligence, and especially generative AI is everywhere. Some are predicting a full suite of “this changes everything” advances in all industries, for all professions, and for people in their public and private lives. This technology is unmatched at recognizing patterns in data, and its proponents… read more
Sustainability Taking Center Stage in 2023
Consumer interest in sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor when choosing a brand, according to new research from data and analytics solution provider NIQ (formerly NielsenIQ). The company’s “Green Divide” report, which examined consumer preferences, attitudes, and behaviors around sustainability, found that 70% of consumers say sustainability is now more important to them when… read more
New menu items from Taco Bell, Culver’s, and Sonic Drive-In
As the fall season creeps ever closer, seasonal fan favorites are coming back to menus. Taco Bell said it is bringing back nacho fries and introducing them to menus with a vegan twist for the first time nationwide. The vegan nacho sauce first made its appearance in vegan Crunchwrap, which was tested in select markets… read more
Frozen Food Maker to Expand in California
Ruiz Food Products, Inc., a manufacturer of prepared frozen foods for distribution to retail, convenience stores, clubs, vending, industrial, and foodservice, is expanding its manufacturing footprint in Vernon, Calif., by 150,000 square feet. The expansion will include the addition of two buildings in Vernon, near the assets of Culinary International, LLC that Ruiz Food acquired… read more
Global Foodservice News – October 1, 2023
McDonald’s Adds Two New Sauces to its Lineup The restaurant’s new sauces come shortly after the chain began offering its signature Big Mac sauce a la carte for the first time, signaling a sharpened focus on this part of the menu, which has historically served as more of an accessory. McDonald’s is introducing two new… read more
How Golden Corral Pulled Off a Comeback for the Ages
AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC SHUT DOWN THE SYSTEM, THE BUFFET GIANT RESPONDED WITH RECORD SALES, NET STORE GROWTH, AND A NEW FAST-CASUAL CONCEPT. Bankruptcy was a potential reality for Golden Corral three-and-a-half years ago. Its buffet operations and COVID restrictions did not mix at all, forcing hundreds of restaurants to shutter at once. The situation… read more
Chick-fil-A is working to make life easier for its mobile-order customers.
The chicken sandwich chain this week said it plans to add mobile order lanes to drive-thrus in 300 locations this year, or just more than 10% of its more than 2,800 locations. It also promises to expand the lanes to more locations in 2024. It’s the latest evidence of the Atlanta-based chain’s growing aggressiveness on… read more
Chronic Tacos Collaborates With Rock Band Incubus For Hollywood Bowl Give Away
Chronic Tacos, the southern California Mexican grill chain, recently announced a new collaboration with the multi-platinum rock band Incubus. Incubus, known for their unique funk/pop/rock sound, is set to play Los Angeles’ historic Hollywood Bowl on October 6. Chronic Tacos is giving five fans the opportunity to win free tickets to see the band, which… read more