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The takeout and delivery sales that helped many restaurants weather pandemic shutdowns will continue to play an important role in post-pandemic recovery, according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2023 State of the Industry report.
The growing appetite for alcohol-free beverages is creating challenges and opportunities for beverage directors, sommeliers and other hospitality professionals when it comes to making sure bars and restaurants offer something for everyone.
Plant-based seafood alternatives aim for realism to court chefs, consumers.
Brennan Duckett, director of technology and innovation policy at the National Restaurant Association, discusses the major legislative policies that affected the industry in 2022 and what policy issues restaurants should have on their radar for 2023.
Many of the issues that mattered most to chefs and other culinary professionals this past year will continue to shape the culinary industry in 2023, according to faculty members at the Culinary Institute of America.
In the quest to offer more meatless options, some restaurants are producing proprietary plant-based proteins, which allows them to tweak recipes to suit customers’ palates and values, and can offer more control when it comes to costs and product availability.
A Datassential analysis of restaurant menu trends reveals that the industry is on its way to normalcy.
Chefs discussed how to shape a culinary future that celebrates Black foodways at the Culinary Institute of America's Worlds of Flavor conference.
Sign up for Restaurant SmartBrief today, free. SmartBrief and The National Restaurant Association are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Innovation Awards for...
Craft beer sales rebounded in 2021 and 2022 saw the return of Oktoberfest and the Great American Beer Festival.
The restaurant industry is facing increasing calls to make their establishments pet-friendly. But how does a restaurant grow more pet-friendly without alienating customers that want to dine with humans only?
Restaurants have a new audience of BBQ enthusiasts, and restaurants and pitmasters are stepping up their game.
As restaurants adjust to changing business conditions some operators are using robots and other automation technologies to reallocate some tasks and maximize efficiency.
Exhibitors at this year's Plant Based World Expo showed off the growing array of options designed to feed the cravings of all types of eaters.
Author and researcher Eve Turow-Paul shared insights into the way digital technology has influenced the way millennials and Gen Z experience food.
We asked Gerry Fernandez, president of MFHA, a few questions about the survey, the state of DEI in the industry today and what’s next.
Last year’s Foodservice Innovation Awards winners ran the gamut from an automated cooking robot to biodegradable drinking straws, and in the past year many of the winning companies have seen their products adopted by new foodservice clients and expanded their product lines to build on their original offerings.
Restaurant operators don’t have to create a new item from scratch to reap the rewards of increased sales and traffic from an LTO.
Three experts from the restaurant industry spoke about the role technology tools can play in recruiting and retaining employees during SmartBrief’s SmartSummit, “The role of technology in restaurant recruitment and retention."
Fancy food startups found their way during the pandemic with mission-driven models.
This year’s SmartBrief Foodservice Innovation Awards, now open for nominations, aims to celebrate exceptional products that help foodservice operators and professionals work smarter, safer and more sustainably.
Concerns about personal health and climate change are key drivers for consumers to choose plant-based food and beverage options, according to Datassential's “2022 Plant-Forward Opportunity” report.
(Image credit: Angel Planet Foods) Sign up for Restaurant SmartBrief today, free. The specialty food industry is still growing and winning new startups,...
Plant-based poultry and egg alternatives, sustainable packaging items and technology tools aimed at reducing labor needs were among the top trends on the show floor at the 2022 National Restaurant Association Show.
Sign up for Restaurant SmartBrief today, free. The pandemic has changed the restaurant industry forever, causing seismic shifts in nearly every industry segment and...
Menu innovation doesn’t require a huge menu overhaul if new options are introduced in a strategic way, a panel of experts said during a session at the National Restaurant Association Show.
Matthew Haller, president and CEO of the International Franchise Association, discusses the growth outlook for franchising, the group’s advocacy efforts and the advantages of franchised businesses.
Chef and PLNT Burger founder Spike Mendelsohn spoke about the versatility of mushrooms for creating craveable, plant-forward dishes during the Global Plant-Forward Culinary Summit at the Culinary Institute of America.
A panel of experts discussed what is driving the call for a more sustainable food system and how restaurants can be a part of it during SmartBrief’s virtual SmartSummit, “The Future of Food: The Role of Restaurants in Creating a Sustainable Food System.”
A new online master's program from the Culinary Institute of America aims to give current and future chefs and food industry leaders the tools to make positive changes in our food systems. The CIA's Cathy Jörin discusses the ideal candidate for the master’s in sustainable food systems and how a panel of sustainability leaders are helping to shape the curriculum.
The challenge will be showing consumers all the benefits of QR codes and figuring out the balance between those who want to use the technology and those who don’t.
Consumers want to experiment with different cuisines in an authentic way, and while US operators are starting to catch on, there’s still huge potential for growth in authentic and global flavors.
Supply issues are making it difficult for restaurants to stock their kitchens and supply closets. Some operators have found that partnering with local suppliers and distributors can help them avoid some of the weak links in the restaurant supply chain.
Every December, as part of Datassential’s list of the trends to watch in the year ahead, it also release its list of the 10 foods, flavors, ingredients and dishes that should be on your radar.
Chefs took the stage at The Culinary Institute of America’s 23rd annual Worlds of Flavor conference to talk about how global influences and local communities are shaping the future of dining.
Amber Spiegel of SweetAmbs talks about the inspiration behind her beautiful bakes and how her education at The Culinary Institute of America helped turn her passion for pastry decoration into a career.
As consumers increasingly choose delivery and have more positive experiences with ghost kitchens, there is potential for these virtual brands to become a permanent part of the restaurant landscape.
As more restaurants begin to require customers to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination for indoor dining, many are enlisting technology solutions to streamline the process of informing diners and verifying their vaccination status.
The pandemic has created struggles, opportunities in the restaurant world.
Advancements that make the experience faster, safer and easier are among the most important future components of any restaurant.
Shipments of plant-based meat alternatives to US restaurants soared in April, according to NPD Group data.
Whether it’s new or expanded channels for off-premises that cater to lasting demand for convenient meal options or programs that serve the local community, here’s a look at some of the concepts and innovations that are defining the future of foodservice.