Welcome to your one-stop source for everything trending in the restaurant industry. From the latest dining trends to insights on technology and customer behavior, we’ve got the information to keep you ahead of the curve. 

 

Food & Dining Trends

What’s Cookin’


Find out the latest flavor trends, menu innovations, and customer dining preferences.

  • Restaurant Business Online: “How Gen Z is Redefining the Dining Experience”
    This article explores how Gen Z’s preferences are driving major changes in dining, from menu innovation to social media engagement.
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  • Food Dive: “Plant-Based Dining’s Continued Rise in 2024”
    As plant-based options gain popularity, this piece outlines the impact on consumer behavior and how restaurants are adjusting their menus.
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  • QSR Magazine: “Why Comfort Food is Making a Big Comeback”
    Delve into the reasons behind the resurgence of comfort food, from economic uncertainty to the nostalgic appeal among diners.
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  • FSR Magazine: “Seasonal Menus: The Secret to Staying Relevant”
    This piece emphasizes how full-service restaurants are leveraging seasonal ingredients to keep menus fresh and appealing.
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  • The Food Service Industry Authority: “Exploring the Popularity of Global Flavors”
    The article discusses the increasing demand for globally inspired dishes, fueled by a more adventurous and travel-savvy consumer base.
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  • National Restaurant Association: “Brunch Trends to Watch in 2024”
    Learn about the innovative brunch concepts that are captivating diners, including fusion dishes and curated beverage pairings.
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  • AdAge: Restaurant News: “How Social Media Challenges are Influencing Food Trends”
    Discover how viral food challenges and TikTok trends are shaping restaurant menus and inspiring unique marketing strategies.
    Read More

  • The Food Institute: “The Evolution of Street Food in High-End Dining”
    An exploration of how street food classics are being elevated and presented in fine dining establishments across the country.
    Read More

Technology & Innovation

Tech Transformations in Dining


Discover the newest tech solutions, from reservation systems to AI in the kitchen.

  • Nation’s Restaurant News: “AI and Automation Shaping the Future of Fast Food”
    Discover how AI-powered technology is revolutionizing order processing, food preparation, and customer interaction in the fast-food sector.
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  • FSR Magazine: “Tech-Driven Solutions for Enhancing Dine-In Experiences”
    This article discusses innovations like smart table reservations and contactless payments, designed to streamline full-service restaurant operations.
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  • Restaurant Business Online: “The Rise of Virtual Restaurants and Ghost Kitchens”
    Examine the growth of ghost kitchens and how they are reshaping the traditional restaurant landscape, driven by consumer demand for delivery.
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  • The Food Service Industry Authority: “How Data Analytics is Improving Restaurant Operations”
    This piece highlights how restaurants are using data to optimize everything from staffing to menu performance and customer satisfaction.
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  • Food Dive: “The Impact of Mobile Ordering Apps on Customer Loyalty”
    Learn about how mobile technology is not only making ordering easier but also building loyalty through personalized experiences and rewards.
    Read More

  • Technomic: “Next-Gen POS Systems: What’s New and What’s Next”
    A review of the latest advancements in point-of-sale technology, from integrated payment solutions to predictive analytics.
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  • National Restaurant Association: “Exploring the Future of Robotics in Food Service”
    Get a glimpse into how robotics is making a mark, from robotic chefs to automated delivery services, and its implications for labor.
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  • QSR Magazine: “Digital Menu Boards and the Power of Visual Appeal”
    An analysis of how digital menus are enhancing the dining experience, improving order accuracy, and driving upsells.
    Read More

Industry Insights

Market Insights & Analysis


Dive into reports and expert commentary on market trends, consumer behavior, and industry forecasts.

  • National Restaurant Association: “2024 Economic Forecast for the Restaurant Industry”
    Gain insights into expected revenue growth, challenges, and opportunities based on the latest economic research and market data.
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  • Technomic: “Top Foodservice Trends for Strategic Planning”
    A deep dive into the trends driving the foodservice market, including consumer spending habits and the emergence of new dining formats.
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  • Restaurant Business Online: “How Inflation is Impacting Menu Prices”
    An in-depth analysis of how rising food costs are influencing pricing strategies and what this means for operators and consumers.
    Read More

  • The Food Institute: “Franchise Growth Projections for 2024”
    This article explores the anticipated expansion of franchise models in the coming year and the factors driving this growth.
    Read More

  • Nation’s Restaurant News: “Understanding the Labor Shortage and Its Long-Term Effects”
    Insights into the ongoing labor crisis and how restaurants are adapting through wages, benefits, and alternative staffing models.
    Read More

  • Food Dive: “Consumer Confidence and Its Impact on Dining Out”
    A report on how economic conditions and consumer sentiment are affecting the frequency of dining out and spending behaviors.
    Read More

  • FSR Magazine: “The State of Independent Restaurants in 2024”
    An evaluation of how independent restaurants are performing compared to chains, highlighting both challenges and opportunities.
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  • AdAge: Restaurant News: “Marketing Budget Trends for the Restaurant Sector”
    Discover how marketing spend is shifting and what strategies restaurants are prioritizing to maximize ROI in a competitive market.
    Read More

Sustainability & Ethical Dining

Greener Plates, Happier Guests


Learn about eco-friendly initiatives and how restaurants are adapting to a more conscious consumer base.

  • The Food Institute: “Restaurants’ Role in Reducing Food Waste”
    Learn how restaurants are adopting sustainable practices to minimize waste and how these initiatives are resonating with eco-conscious diners.
    Read More

  • AdAge: Restaurant News: “Branding Green: How Restaurants Market Sustainability”
    This article highlights creative ways restaurants are advertising their sustainability efforts, attracting a growing segment of environmentally aware customers.
    Read More

  • National Restaurant Association: “The Move Towards Carbon Neutrality in Restaurants”
    An exploration of efforts within the industry to offset carbon emissions and what it takes to achieve carbon-neutral operations.
    Read More

  • Restaurant Business Online: “Sourcing Local: Benefits and Challenges”
    A look at the push for locally sourced ingredients and the impact on supply chains, food quality, and community relations.
    Read More

  • FSR Magazine: “How Chefs are Using Upcycled Ingredients”
    Discover innovative ways chefs are using upcycled ingredients to reduce food waste while adding unique flavors to their menus.
    Read More

  • Nation’s Restaurant News: “Water Conservation Efforts in the Restaurant Industry”
    Insights into how restaurants are implementing water-saving measures, from smart dishwashing systems to water-efficient landscaping.
    Read More

  • The Food Service Industry Authority: “Ethical Dining: The Growing Importance of Fair Trade Ingredients”
    Explore the demand for ethically sourced ingredients and how restaurants are communicating these values to customers.
    Read More

  • Food Dive: “The Business Case for Going Green”
    A breakdown of the financial benefits that come with sustainable operations, including cost savings and long-term profitability.
    Read More

 

 

 

 

Resource Hubs & Page Information:

Below are the national databases and media outlets from which ARO consolidates the news that’s most relevant to restaurateurs and restaurant owners in the full-service restaurant industry space:

 

Nation’s Restaurant News

“NRN is part of The Restaurant & Food Group by Informa Connect, the leading business-to-business integrated media group. Industry professionals can access Nation’s Restaurant News across multiple platforms, including NRN.com, eNewsletters, data products, live and digital events, podcasts, social media, and feature-packed print magazine issues. Nation’s Restaurant News is the only independent publication covering and serving the entire food service industry. From large chains to emerging concepts, NRN keeps readers up to date on the latest information and insights that will help them grow their business.” 

National Restaurant Association 

“The National Restaurant Association is the largest food service trade association in the world. We represent and advocate on behalf of the restaurant industry.”

CNBC Business News: Restaurants

CNBC’s Business News: Restaurants section covers the latest trends, financial news, and key developments impacting the restaurant industry. It provides an in-depth analysis of the market dynamics and business strategies of major food service chains and independent restaurants.

The Food Service Industry Authority

The Food Service Industry Authority is a leading source of expert insights, research, and updates for professionals in the food service and hospitality sectors. It delivers content on industry standards, operational best practices, and emerging trends affecting restaurants and food service operations.

Technomic

“For over 50 years, Technomic has provided foodservice clients around the globe with the research, insights, and strategic consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions, and results.”

FSR Magazine

“FSR sets the table for decision-makers in the full-service restaurant space, with an emphasis on independents, hospitality groups, and emerging NextGen chains.”

Restaurant Business

Restaurant Business Online is a premier resource offering news, insights, and analysis for restaurant owners, operators, and industry professionals. It covers topics such as operational strategies, financial trends, menu innovations, and market data to help businesses thrive in a competitive landscape.

Food Dive

Food Dive provides essential news and industry insights for food and beverage professionals, focusing on trends, policy, technology, and corporate updates. It delivers in-depth articles and analysis to help leaders stay informed and make strategic decisions in a rapidly evolving market.

QSR Magazine

QSR Magazine is a leading publication focused on the quick-service and fast-casual restaurant industry, offering news, insights, and strategies for operators. It covers everything from marketing and menu innovations to industry trends and leadership advice tailored to the fast-paced world of QSRs.

The Food Institute 

The Food Institute is a trusted source for comprehensive information on the food industry, providing news, data, and analysis to professionals across the supply chain. It offers resources on market trends, policy developments, and economic forecasts to keep businesses informed and competitive.

AdAge: Restaurant News

AdAge’s Restaurant News section delivers insights on the latest marketing, branding, and advertising strategies within the restaurant industry. It explores how food brands are engaging consumers, navigating challenges, and leveraging media to boost visibility and sales.

 

 

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