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10 most-read Restaurant Business stories of 2021

Here are the stories that capture the most clicks from readers this year. By Peter Romeo on Dec. 21, 2021
Photo illustration by RB Staff

The year may have started with a daily firehose blast of COVID-related news, but 2021 proved to be no repeat of 2020. As the months progressed, other topics grabbed the industry’s attention, as indicated by what stories our audience chose to read. Here, in ascending order, are the RB articles that drew the most clicks.

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News  Year in review 
Peter Romeo has covered the restaurant industry since 1984 for a variety of media. As Editor At Large for Restaurant Business, his current beats are government affairs, labor and family dining. He is also the publication's unofficial historian.  
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Multimedia

Restaurateur Billy Dec prepares to open Sunda New Asian in Detroit

How Technomic's 2026 trend predictions are panning out

Operators and brands caught in the crosshairs in Minneapolis

Mexican spirits expert Max Reis goes beyond tequila and mezcal

The Latest

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Consumer Trends

Can Chipotle get its higher-income diners to stick around?

Financing

Dutch Bros' acquisition of Clutch Coffee wasn't its first deal, and won't be its last

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How consumers really feel about protein and fiber

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Restaurant and foodservice sales are expected to reach $1.55T in 2026

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Sweetgreen jumps on catering bandwagon with new Build Your Own option

Operations

Restaurateur Billy Dec prepares to open Sunda New Asian in Detroit

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Chipotle could wrap fiscal 2025 on a positive note, says Placer.ai

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Torchy's Tacos set to close 7 restaurants next month

Operations

Wahlburgers looks for growth at Home Depot and Bass Pro Shops

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Consumer Trends

Can Chipotle get its higher-income diners to stick around?

Retail watch: The fast-casual burrito chain can take some lessons from discount retailers that have also seen an influx of wealthier consumers.

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McDonald's takes a victory lap on value

The Bottom Line: The fast-food giant argued that its value push helped it win over lower-income customers and it expects franchisees to maintain the company’s low-priced reputation.

Food

Sweetfin cooks up new warm bowls

Behind the Menu: The fast-casual poké concept pivoted from an all-raw menu without losing focus on flavor, scratch prep and its California-Asian pedigree.

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Consumer Trends

Can Chipotle get its higher-income diners to stick around?

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Dutch Bros' acquisition of Clutch Coffee wasn't its first deal, and won't be its last

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How consumers really feel about protein and fiber

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