Global Foodservice News
Starbucks is kicking off 2026 with more brand partnerships
Starbucks unveiled its 2026 winter menu this week, complete with drinks inspired by various trends in CPG like an iced Dubai chocolate mocha. But it also announced that it would be carrying products from two new vendor brands — Khloé Kardashian’s Khloud popcorn and Ellenos Greek yogurt — to tap into the high-protein craze. It’s…
Read MoreProtein Continues To Be One of the Fastest-Growing Trends Shaping Consumer Behavior
Protein is no longer known as just a nutrient for athletes or fitness enthusiasts. It has become one of the most influential macronutrients driving consumer behavior in restaurants, packaged goods, and overall dietary choices. What began as a niche interest more than a decade ago has grown into a cultural shift that is reshaping how…
Read MoreRFK Jr.’s new food guidelines could boost beaten down fast-casual chains like Chipotle and Sweetgreen
Key Points The restaurant industry had mixed reactions to new federal nutrition guidelines, which recommend reduced intake of processed foods and sugary drinks. One lobbying executive read the guidelines as encouraging Americans to not dine out. The National Restaurant Association and Sweetgreen issued statements of support for the new guidelines. New federal dietary recommendations have…
Read More6 restaurant trends to watch in 2026
In 2026, restaurants may be backed into a financial corner. Turbulent trade policies could raise food costs when many diners are already tightening their discretionary spending, forcing operators to get creative to keep sales healthy. “Restaurants are set for a humbling year,” BTIG analyst Peter Saleh wrote in the analyst firm’s December 2025 forecast for…
Read MoreReimagining the Pizza Parlor for New Generations
The challenge facing the Shakey’s Pizza Parlor team was to refresh their look while staying true to the brand’s roots. “The redesign reflects our effort to recapture the classic ‘parlor’ atmosphere that defines Shakey’s,” said John Tilley, Creative Visionary and head of Jacmar Companies, owner of Shakey’s USA. “It is a one-of-a-kind brand for which…
Read MoreFrom Takeout to Tasting Menus, What 2026 Will Mean for Restaurant Design
What will dining look like in 2026? For some, it’s stepping into an immersive atmosphere that feels like a world of its own. For others, it’s picking up takeout from their favorite restaurant in record time––a habit that has become the norm, with 46 percent of U.S. consumers preferring to ordering online, according to DoorDash’s…
Read MoreRongo Named Principal by S2O
Ryan Rongo, FCSI was promoted to principal for S2O Consultants, an Illinois-based foodservice consulting firm. Rongo joined S2O as a project manager in June of 2016 after having spent 12 years in the dealer community working in a design/build role. During the ensuing years, he moved up to senior project manager before being promoted to…
Read MorePolar King Forms Unified Service, Parts Group
The move creates ‘a stronger, more collaborative team to better support our customers,’ says Kevin Wilson, Polar King director of engineering and refrigeration. Polar King Int’l. has restructured its parts and service operations to bring team members from Polar King, Polar Leasing Co. and Thermodyne Foodservice Products together under one brand. This will enable increased…
Read MoreHoshizaki Names VP of Engineering
Hoshizaki America appointed David Sellers to serve as vice president of engineering. Sellers previously served as senior director of engineering. David SellersDuring Sellers’ more than 25 years with Hoshizaki, he was worked across multiple product categories and engineering disciplines, supporting innovation and regulatory compliance, per a company release. Sellers’ promotion comes on the heels of…
Read MoreTGI Fridays unveils expansion plan, targets 1,000 locations by 2030
The casual dining chain’s global expansion will be led by Phil Broad, who worked as TGI Fridays UK managing director from 1997 to 2001. Casual dining chain TGI Fridays has unveiled a new expansion plan as it seeks to scale the business substantially over the rest of the decade. Under its “1-2-3 Strategic Vision”, the…
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