Top trends at the 2022 NACS Show Food and beverage makers are zeroing in on snacking occasions to drive sales in the convenience channel. From mid-morning treats to the afternoon- pick-me-ups, new products geared toward key dayparts were trending at the 2022 NACS Show, presented by the National Association of Convenience Retailers. Held Oct. 2-4… read more
Price Inflation Slows for First Time This Year While prices in September were 13% higher than the same time last year, they did not grow significantly from July to September. The market research firm said the flattening price curve is a noticeable deviation from the consistent increases between January 2022 and July. Year-over-year prices in… read more
Following on the heels of restaurateurs’ warm embrace of churros comes horchata, and it turns out that the two have more in common than simply their rising popularity on menus. Both were introduced to Spain by the Moors centuries ago, after which they made their way to Latin American countries. Each is easy to like… read more
Burger King’s modern brand position involves a new tagline and an old jingle. The Miami-based burger chain on Thursday revealed a new tagline, “You Rule,” that will be the central element in its new brand positioning. At the same time, the company released ads that feature a new take on its popular “Have It Your… read more
Why Restaurants Could Score Big with Holiday Takeout this Year The holiday season has never been a blockbuster for foodservice the way it is for retailers, but operational shifts from the past two years could change that, at least incrementally. Covid forced operators to refine—or in some cases, create—off-premises systems. That legwork has already yielded… read more
The industry added 60,000 jobs last month but remains more than 500,000 jobs from its pre-pandemic levels. Wage growth increased, too . . . . Job growth picked up at restaurants and bars last month as the industry continued its gradual employment recovery from the pandemic. Food services and drinking places added 60,000 jobs in… read more
New Menu Items from Applebee’s, Krispy Kreme, and Burger King Spooky season is coming to menus across the United States as foodservice locations usher in the Halloween season. Applebee’s brought back two Halloween-themed cocktails, which are available for a suggested retail price of $6. “Getting in on the Halloween fun is just another reason for… read more
Murry’s Acquires Foodservice Baked Foods Provider Founded in 1989 and headquartered in McDonald, Tenn., Bake Crafters manufactures and distributes breakfast and other baked food products, primarily to the K-12 foodservice channel. The company’s products include pancake and waffle breakfast sandwiches, low-sodium bread, break bars, and french toast bites. According to the company, more than 420… read more
Loyalty Programs Reach Record Levels in 2021 A growing number of casual-dining players recognize the importance of loyalty, no matter the size of their footprint. IHOP, one of the largest full-service chains in the world, debuted the International Bank of Pancakes in March, allowing customers to redeem digital coins for exclusive rewards. Dine Brands, the… read more
Domino’s Reports U.S. Same-Store Sales increase and stands by forecast for food costs Domino’s Pizza reported better-than-expected revenue for the third quarter and stood by its forecast for food costs, even though earnings fell short of estimates. Shares of Domino’s were up 9% in morning trading. In the U.S., the company said same-store sales rose… read more