menu trends

Introducing the Summer of Soft Serve

By Nancy Kruse on Jun. 06, 2024

State of the Plate: Menu trends columnist Nancy Kruse finds plenty of delicious examples that soft-serve ice cream's reach is expanding far beyond fast food.

Food

Viral food trends are increasingly landing on restaurant menus, Yelp data reveals

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 05, 2024

The 2024 State of the Industry Report also shows growth in dessert concepts and popups. And croissants continue to morph.

Food

The snacking trend fuels growth at smoothie and treat concepts

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 05, 2024

A focus on portability, meal replacement and beverage innovation is also moving these chains up in the Top 500 ranks.

Food

Saucy nuggets, steak and sticker shock

By Patricia Cobe and Bret Thorn on Jun. 04, 2024

Menu Talk: Pat and Bret beef about the high price of entrees and how Fogo de Chao offers value for meat lovers. Plus chicken nuggets and sauces keep making news.

Operations

Catering to consumer demand for healthy, convenient food options

Sponsored content from our partner Sambazon on May 30, 2024

As consumers focus more on eating healthier foods, operators who offer those foods stand to succeed.

Marketing

Here's why restaurant chains are selling one another's products

By Peter Romeo on May 30, 2024

Restaurant Rewind: The lines between segments aren't the only traditional boundaries that are being smudged in today's competitive environment. Contrary to the old rules, concepts are tapping the drawing power of competitors for share of stomach.

Food

How Craveworthy Brands' head chef oversees menu development for 14 different concepts

By Patricia Cobe on May 30, 2024

How does VP of Culinary and Supply Chain Becca McIntyre handle research and development for 14 diverse concepts? By varying menu strategies to fit each brand's goals and customers.

Premium

Food

KFC goes portable and poppable to grab the snacking generation

By Patricia Cobe on May 28, 2024

Behind the Menu: Bite-size Apple Pie Poppers, created to target customers' sweet spot, lend themselves to line extensions to expand the chain’s snack selections.

Food