trends and insights

Trends and Insights

As our industry changes, adapting is essential. Check back often for new insights, data, and trends.
Basket of fresh vegetables in season

Serve What's in Season

Fresh fruits and vegetables are still leading food trends. Learn how to profit from their popularity by promoting seasonal produce. We have insights and recipes for you.

Grilled ham and melted cheese sandwich

Heat Up Sandwich Sales with Hot Specialties

Reports are in: 95% of consumers eat a sandwich at least once a week. Create a craveable hot sandwich and watch your profits catch fire. Turn up the heat here.

Outdoor banquet with hors d'oeuvres and wine service

Hotel Restaurants: Profit ‘Round the Clock

Quality, innovative hotel food service operations draw overnight guests as well as locals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Get tips and trends for profits that will have you sleeping easy.

Bowl of beef stew

Tap In to the Enduring Appeal of Comfort Food

Comfort food is always a customer favorite. And it’s a kitchen favorite because it lends itself to advance prep and product utilization. Learn about the latest taste trends influenced by international cuisines.

Snacks Are the Anytime Mealtime for Many

People don’t eat just three meals a day–there’s a mid-morning snack, a mid-afternoon snack, small plates at dinner, even late-night snacks. Learn how you can profit from smaller portions.

Fresh and savory garden salad with cucumber and feta cheese

Meatless Menu Options—Not Just for Vegetarians

The trend for vegetarian and vegan entrées continues to grow. Learn how to satisfy both committed meat avoiders and those who want a lighter, healthy meal.

Turn the Heat Up on Hot Beverage Sales

When the weather changes, so should your beverage menu. Featuring more hot beverages, chocolate drinks, and even apple cider-based libations will ignite your sales. Virgin or spiked, these soul warmers sell big during the holiday season.

Why You Need to Double Down on Beverage Sales

Add sparkle to your check totals with flavor-infused waters, housemade sodas, customized beverages, and standbys like tea, coffee, and cocktails. Anything but “just water please.” Give your customers a reason to order a premium beverage.

Whole Grains: Not Just for “Health Nuts”

Whole grains have gone mainstream. Learn how to satisfy consumer demand for these wholesome, tasty grains in traditional ways like oatmeal and creamy corn grits at breakfast, to soups, sides, and salads later in the day.

The Spicy Trend Remains Hot

Spicy cuisine continues to sell. But how spicy is spicy? And which kind of peppers, salsas, and sauces should you offer? We have answers to soothe you.

Group of millennials with beverages at cafe and restaurant

Menuing to Millennials: What You Need to Know

The Millennials are coming! Learn how this age demo will soon be the source of most of your business. They have different habits and tastes than Boomers. Get ahead of the curve and be ready for this culture change.

Team of food service industry employees

How to Motivate and Retain Employees

Employees are key to your success–good ones are gold; unhappy ones, not so much. Learn how to motivate by instilling the values and skills needed to be successful.

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