Continue to Site >>>

trends

Consumer Trends

Valentine's Day dining is no longer for couples only

 By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 05, 2026

Recent data from OpenTable finds that friends, groups and even solo diners plan to visit a restaurant on the traditionally romantic holiday.

Beverage

Shifts in drinking habits bring big changes at the bar

 By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 11, 2025

Moderation, functional beverages and alcohol alternatives are driving the trends, but cocktail culture is still going strong. It just looks a little different.

Consumer Trends

Taco Bell parent Yum Brands gazes into its crystal ball with first-ever food trends report

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 10, 2025

The parent of Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut joins dozens of forecasters to predict what consumers will be eating and drinking in 2026.

Technology

5 restaurant tech predictions for 2026

By Joe Guszkowski on Dec. 08, 2025

Tech Check: We envision more acquisitions and AI for restaurant tech in 2026. And we think this restaurant brand will start a podcast.

Consumer Trends

Consumers are still dining out, with some caveats

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 19, 2025

New reports from Toast, OpenTable and Resy show how diner demands are shifting. Late dinner is out, bar seating is in, and the bathroom better be Instagrammable.

Operations

The cooking equipment that manages a behemoth

Sponsored content from our partner RATIONAL on Nov. 07, 2025

While the golf and entertainment experience at the sprawling Atomic Gulf Las Vegas is important, as anyone who has ever spent time on the Strip can tell you, so is the food.

Technology

The restaurant voice AI market is getting crowded

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 27, 2025

Startups are flooding the space as demand picks up and barriers to entry come down. Two of them, Vox and Loman, announced seed rounds this week.

Food

What's next for Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams? Zero-waste, high-fiber snack bars

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 01, 2025

Jeni Britton is on a mission to put more fiber into Americans’ diets, starting with her new Floura products made from produce trimmings.

Food

Sauces take on flavors from many corners of the world at the Summer Fancy Food Show

By Patricia Cobe on Jun. 30, 2025

Specialty food producers are traveling far and wide in their kitchens to differentiate products and meet the growing demand for innovative condiments.

Food

Chef Jonathon Sawyer discusses his Chicago restaurant, Kindling, and his latest TV appearance

By Patricia Cobe and Bret Thorn on Jun. 17, 2025

Menu Talk: Bret reports on the recent Starbucks' managers convention and Pat shares thoughts on breakfast mocktails.

  • Page 1