Straight up with a twist: A cocktail’s reality check

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Gallup found drinking still hasn't returned to pre-pandemic levels — only 62% of adults drink now, down from 65% before COVID. Morning Consult says 59% kept at…

The Pickle Economy: What the Data Says About Our Tangy Obsession

A data-driven look at America's pickle craze — from soaring search trends and menu innovation to what's driving consumer demand — and what it signals for how…

Restaurants bet on tech, growth despite inflation, labor challenges

October 10, 2025

Restaurants are increasingly turning to technology and strategic growth plans to weather ongoing inflation and labor shortages, according to Toast's Voice of…

From Pilot to National Presence in 5 Years with CloudKitchens

Hawaiian Bros has grown from a single pilot to a national brand—thanks to a strategic partnership with CloudKitchens. Known for its fresh, craveable Plate…

Presented by CloudKitchens

Discipline Over Distraction: Lessons from Restaurant Leaders Who Know Their Brands

At FSTEC 2025, top restaurant leaders from Checkers & Rally's, GoTo Foods, and Shake Shack shared the secrets to balancing tech innovation with brand identity…

How AI can help in operational efficiency, labor productivity, productized compliance

August 28, 2025

In a recent webinar "Labor Forecasting 2.0: Predicting Future Demand and Staffing for Efficient Growth with AI," presented by Deputy and hosted by Networld…

The $21B kiosk boom: How AI is transforming restaurant profits

HungerRush data shows diners want speed, accuracy, personalization from QSRs

June 19, 2025

Cloud software provider HungerRush conducted a consumer survey revealing how inflation, evolving consumer expectations and technology preferences are reshaping…

7 Game-Changing Trends That Will Define Fast Casual & QSR in 2025

Explore 7 key trends shaping fast casual and QSR in 2025—from kitchen tech to loyalty 3.0—and learn how top brands are using data to drive smarter operations.

Campuses Turn to Automation to Improve Student Life

Dining leaders are turning to platforms like Botrista to cut costs, ease labor demands, and keep up with Gen Z’s thirst for trending drinks like boba. The…

Upgrade your drink menu without the hassle

Learn how top brands like Jollibee and Yoshinoya elevate their drink menus with Botrista. Join Jarrett Whitlow and Briana Jurado as they share tips on flavors…

How Edge Computing Will Define the Future of Your Restaurant

From intelligent scheduling to real-time order routing—learn how Edge is leading tech innovation for QSR and fast-casual restaurants.

6th Annual State of Digital for Restaurants

Qu’s 6th Annual State of Digital reveals top QSR and fast casual trends from 170 brands (85,000 locations). With digital growth stabilizing, 40% of brands see…

Presented by Qu

Jollibee Partners with Botrista to Launch Signature Sips Nationwide

Jollibee has partnered with Botrista to launch the new Signature Sips menu nationwide, bringing premium, craft beverages to its U.S. locations. Powered by…

Three emerging gift card trends driving popularity and revenue

As gift cards increasingly become part of the operational strategy, here are three trends emerging in the gift card market that will shape the path forward.

Presented by FastCasual.com

The EMERGING Fund Backs Leasecake with Strategic Investment

Fueling AI Innovation to Streamline Real Estate Management for Restaurant Operators

Future-proofed multi-cultural beverage concepts expand across higher-ed campuses

Increased globalization of food culture is transforming campus dining. College, universities and their food service partners are launching specialty drink…

Washington gets a big drinks upgrade with L&L Hawaiian BBQ, Botrista Partnership

A Tumwater-based L&L Hawaiian Barbecue franchise is fast becoming a destination experience following the addition of new premium, on-menu beverages. Among the…

Operators prioritize tech, training amid economic headwinds

August 2, 2024

Restaurant operators are grappling with persistent food and labor cost increases, but they're also investing heavily in technology, training and marketing to…

Pokeworks Rolls Out Boba Teas, Smoothies, and a Hawaiian Dream Vacation in Partnership with Botrista

Experience exotic flavors and enter to win a dream vacation to Hawaii