Coronavirus

Industries all across the country are experiencing the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Discover how it could affect the U.S. foodservice, grocery and convenience industries.

Pandemic Affects Mental Health, But Diet Can Help

The Lempert Report: The American Psychological Association reported 38% of Americans attribute unhealthy or excessive eating to stress normally, and the pandemic adds to it.

UFCW Calls Ending Extra Pay for Grocery Workers 'Unconscionable'

In a recent interview with CNN, UFCW President Marc Perrone suggests that all eyes are on Kroger with regard to the end of "hero pay."

Consumer Trends

Despite pandemic, Mother’s Day was huge for restaurants

By Heather Lalley on May 18, 2020

Consumer spending at restaurants jumped 103% that Sunday, according to data company Womply.

Cashierless on campus

By Kelsey Nash on May 18, 2020

As foodservice operations go contact-free to reduce the spread of coronavirus, here’s a look at two cashierless concepts that were seeing success before the pandemic hit.

Financing

As restaurants struggle, distributors face their own challenges

By Jonathan Maze on May 18, 2020

Giant food distributors that had built their business by serving local concepts now face major changes to their own industry.

Financing

How Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers survived the pandemic

By Jonathan Maze on May 18, 2020

The fast-growing burger chain generated long lines with new openings and cut its service times down.

Survey reveals financial complications from COVID-19 a top concern for school nutrition operators

By Benita Gingerella on May 18, 2020

Over two-thirds of respondents anticipate a loss for their programs this school year.

National Mango Board Wants Retailers to Nominate 'Super Fruit Heroes'

By WGB Staff on May 18, 2020

The organization is inviting retailers to nominate produce team members for their extra efforts during the COVID-19 outbreak.

As Inflation Rises and Economy Sags, Aldi Touts Value

By Jon Springer on May 18, 2020

CEO Jason Hart acknowledges "market shifts" but assures shoppers of the discounter's "unbeatable value" behind innovative suppliers and operational efficiency.

Operations

Washington gives restaurant guests a veto on being tracked

By Peter Romeo on May 18, 2020

Gov. Jay Inslee is sticking with the requirement that restaurants record who has eaten in their restaurants and when, but has alerted consumers that they can withhold their specifics.

USDA extends school nutrition waivers through summer

By Benita Gingerella on May 15, 2020

The noncongregate feeding waiver, meal times waiver and parent pickup waiver have all been extended to the end of August.

Some Good Grocery News: From Girl Scouts to Making Wishes Come True

By WGB Staff on May 15, 2020

In these challenging and uncertain times, we all need a reason to smile. With a nod to actor John Krasinski’s Some Good News, WGB presents five good things that happened in grocery this past week.

Marketing