The industry might experience its own version of spring cleaning this month. It’s out with the old and in with the new as consumers start to kick soy to the curb and legislators try to find ways to get rid of the gender wage gap.
Some cafes are trading espresso grounds for herbs and spices with healing properties. Chicago’s Oromo Cafe created the Golden Mylk Latte (above) with almond milk and ashwagandha, an herb with stress-relieving claims, and California chain M Cafe added a turmeric latte.
Soy is now falling from favor as a meat substitute, according to Technomic’s Seafood & Vegetarian Consumer Trend Report. Only 39% of consumers prefer the option as a protein substitute, compared to 45% last year.
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh passed bills barring employers from asking about potential hires’ past wages in an effort to legislate more equitable pay for women. This follows similar legislation in Massachusetts.
The Bottom Line: More than 9% of restaurants in the 20 largest franchise restaurant brands changed hands last year. But operators may have missed their chance at historically high valuations.
Google searches for Italian beef have nearly doubled since the Hulu series started streaming this summer and sales are booming at spots selling the iconic sandwich, both in its hometown and other cities.
