Technomic Sees Strong Growth for Chain Restaurants
The top 500 largest U.S. restaurant chains are predicted to grow at a rate of 2.3% over 2013, according to Technomic, a Chicago-based market research firm. The increase is slightly higher than the 2.1% growth rate from 2012 to 2013 and significantly higher than the 0.5% growth rate in 2009. MORE>>
Single Grain Scotch And Irish Whiskies Come Out Of The Shadows
While single malt whiskies are enjoying a golden age in the U.S. market, grain whiskies—the main component in most blended offerings from Scotland and Ireland—continue to fly under the radar. As the holiday selling season approaches, however, key players like Diageo, William Grant & Sons and others are giving voice to the fledgling category with new brand propositions, hoping to capitalize on the market’s thirst for innovative whisky creations. MORE>>
Restaurant Chains Open Thanksgiving Day
The number of restaurant chains serving Thanksgiving meals continues to grow each year. RestaurantNews.com has put together the following list of some of those restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day hoping to serve your family and friends. Be sure to call your local restaurant in advance to confirm participation and pricing. MORE>>
Red Robin Gourmet Burger Opening Its Newest Restaurant in South Florida
Alert your taste buds! Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (Red Robin) is bringing craveable gourmet burgers to Naples, Fla. Located on the Southeast corner of Tamiami Trail and Immokalee Road, the newest Red Robin® restaurant will open on Nov. 24 at 11 a.m. To help celebrate the grand opening of the new restaurant, Red Robin will donate all sales of its signature Freckled Lemonade from Nov. 24 to Nov. 30, to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding cures for all kids with cancer. MORE>>
Ginger Beer Kicks Up Cocktail Menus
It’s the fizzy little mixer that could: Ginger beer is lending its spicy bite to a range of contemporary cocktails at bars and restaurants across the country, and its menu appearances are soaring. The more-assertive cousin to ginger ale comes in alcohol and non-alcohol varieties; the non-alcohol brands that are prevalent on-premise can do double duty by serving as a backbone for flavorful mocktails (or serving on their own as a refreshing alternative to cola). MORE>>
Veev Aims to Steak Vodka Drinkers
Many consumers are apt to store bottles of vodka in their refrigerators or freezers, causing the bottles to condensate when they’re taken out for serving. However, a new campaign for the neutral grain spirit Veev is attempting to make vodkas sweat in a different way — with anxiety. MORE>>
Darden CFO Brad Richmond to Retire Amidst Leadership Changes
Darden Restaurants Inc. CFO Brad Richmond will retire, the company said Tuesday while also announcing several leadership changes and strategic moves. Richmond had been with Darden for 32 years, and has been CFO for the past eight years. His retirement will be effective at the end of March 2015, or sooner if a successor is appointed before then. MORE>>
Red Bull Editions – New Total Zero Varieties
At the 2014 NACS show, Red Bull unveiled an expansion of its Editions line with new Orange and Cherry varieties, each of which are zero-calorie formulations. While the new products are worthy of the Red Bull name, it’s tough to get overly excited about this from a category innovation standpoint as they definitely feels more opportunistic in nature. MORE>>
Why The Soft Drink Industry is Dominated by Coke and Pepsi
The Coca-Cola Company (KO) and PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) have dominated the non-alcoholic beverage industry for ages. Coca-Cola is the world’s largest non-alcoholic beverage company with more than 500 brands, including 17 brands that generate more than a billion dollars each in revenue. PepsiCo owns leading brands across its snack foods and beverage portfolio, including 22 brands that generate more than a billion dollars each in revenue MORE>>
The 10 Biggest Restaurant Trends for 2015
We may still be a few months away from the New Year, but for restaurant owners and others in the foodservice business, it's never too early to start thinking about how to cater to diners in 2015. Food research firm Technomic has pinpointed 10 trends that its consultants and experts anticipate taking off in a big way next year. 2015 promises to continue some old trends, such as small plates, while bringing in some fresh concepts shaped not only by Generation Y, but also the teen digital natives of Generation Z. MORE>>