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Chains face a potential avocado shortage

Prices have spiked following President Trump’s threat to close the Mexican border, says RB’s The Bottom Line. That’s bad news for Chipotle and others.

Financing

Chicken wing prices fall, and so does Wingstop stock

Investors didn't like the chain's unit growth outlook, as high wing prices last year slowed some development.

Financing

Skimpy shrimp supply means higher prices

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 30, 2014

A recent 15 percent jump in the price of shrimp is affecting every restaurant segment, from seafood-centric QSRs to high-end steak houses.

Editors' Picks: Top Developments of 2013

Dec. 25, 2013

Looking back over the year, our editors chose these trends and developments as the most arresting of 2013.

Food

The impact of rising commodity prices on franchise restaurants

By Kimberly Savilonis on Dec. 09, 2013

A major topic of conversation in the restaurant industry over the past 18 months has been the continued rise in commodity prices, especially for proteins. In 2012, beef prices rose 9.9 percent and chicken prices had a double-digit increase. These trends have continued in 2013, with the beef price pressure continuing a trend that started in 2010.

Food

The state of the center of the plate

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 15, 2013

As 2013 winds down, 2014 trend predictions proliferate, reaching a critical mass sometime around New Year’s Day. A few preliminary reports are in and here’s what some reliable industry sources are predicting about what meats and other proteins will fill the entrée portion of the plate.

Food

10 ways to keep food costs down this year

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 01, 2013

Economists tend to bicker, but there was at least one source of agreement in their 2013 forecasts: food prices are going to increase 2 to 4 percent this year. With restaurant patrons still pinching pennies, raising menu prices may not be the best solution. So what are the alternatives?

Restaurants Need to Improve Produce Options for Children

By Restaurant Business Staff on Mar. 29, 2013

CORAL BEACH, FL (March 28, 2013 - The Packer)—More restaurant chains offer fruits and vegetables with children’s meals than they did in 2008, but the...

Financing

Commodity Update: A look at supply, demand and price

Oct. 23, 2012

Potatoes, seafood and almonds are three commodities that are key players on restaurant menus. Drought, high feed prices and other factors have wreaked havoc on several staple foods in the supply chain this year. How are these three commodities trending as we move into 2013 and how can they enhance the menu?

What the failed harvest means for you

By Bill Lapp on Aug. 31, 2012

The 2012 U.S. corn crop is forecast to total 10.8 billion bushels, a decline of 13 percent from a year ago. While planted area is pegged at a record 96.4 million acres, yields are forecast to decline to 123.4 bushels per acre, a decline of more than 20 percent from trend levels. The decline reflects the most adverse weather in more than 20 years to face corn growers.