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Beverages

Operations

La Madeleine's new menu embraces brunch all day

 By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 06, 2026

The menu rollout is part of the fast-casual bakery-cafe chain's "Ignite the Joy" transformation plan, which CEO John Dillon said is showing traction in growing sales and traffic.

Beverage

The beverage boom is transforming the soda fountain

 By Joe Guszkowski on Feb. 27, 2026

As restaurants look to meet growing demand for specialty beverages, they are tapping equipment suppliers for new products. The result is a new generation of high-tech drink machines.

Financing

McDonald's is ready for its beverage closeup

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 12, 2026

The fast-food giant said that its beverage test has done better than expected, paving the way for an expanded drink lineup this year under the McCafé brand.

Emerging Brands

How to turn a regional concept into a national chain

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 28, 2026

Former Panera Bread and Tatte Bakery executive Shawn Utke has joined The Friendly Toast as CEO. His plan is to grow this New England brunch-all-day restaurant without killing its welcoming spirit and unconventional vibe.

Beverage

Operators make the most of Dry January to up their zero-proof game

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 23, 2026

Taking a break from booze may gain traction during the first month of the year, but a good selection of alcohol-free drinks is now table stakes at bars and restaurants year-round.

Beverage

A taste of the latest global beverage trends

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 16, 2026

Technomic’s Global Navigator program tracks what’s happening on menus around the world, and there’s a lot of activity in the beverage category, particularly in Asia.

Emerging Brands

Once known as a spirits-free bar, Bandbox adds a splash of alcohol

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 16, 2026

Consumers are drinking less, but not necessarily giving up booze entirely. This bar concept wants to be the place where everyone can gather for a cocktail, with or without alcohol.

Leadership

Dutch Bros CEO Christine Barone is the 2026 Restaurant Leader of the Year

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 09, 2026

The chief executive of the drive-thru coffee chain has helped kickstart the company’s growth while establishing beverages as one of the industry’s hottest sectors.

Beverage

Hot beverages pick up steam in cold weather

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 18, 2025

Brands like Dutch Bros, 7 Brew and Black Rock have built traffic and sales on cold drinks, but hot coffees and teas have their fans, as evidenced by their growth.

Emerging Brands

Following acquisition, CRU Wine Bar & Bistro takes flight

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 11, 2025

This Dallas-based concept hopes to capture a new generation of wine drinkers by taking pretention out and offering better value.

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