Food & Beverage

Quick service restaurants (QSRs) are under increasing pressure to enhance speed, efficiency, and customer experience—all while managing a growing network of digital systems. From AI-powered ordering kiosks to real-time kitchen automation, modern QSRs are more connected than ever. The restaurant AI market was valued at $9.68 billion in 2024, and expected to reach $49…

This summer, fast food chains are responding with a competitive push towards value meals in an effort to combat the rising cost of living and inflation, which has hit wallets worldwide. And $5 dollar value meals seem to be the magic answer. As families seek ways to stretch their budgets further, the fast food…

As the global conversation around sustainable food systems intensifies, regenerative agriculture has emerged as a transformative approach to farming that prioritizes ecosystem health, soil vitality, and nutritional quality. This episode of Retail Refined explores why regenerative agriculture is capturing the attention of consumers, policymakers, and investors alike. With nearly 90 regenerative farms funded and…

Grocery chain Aldi recently announced plans to add 800 new stores in the U.S. within five years, focusing on the Northeast, Midwest, western U.S., and Southern California, with a debut in Las Vegas. In the Southeast, Aldi’s massive expansion plans include converting a whopping 400 Winn-Dixies and Harveys locations into Aldi stores, starting with about…

The QSR (quick service restaurant) industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by AI and robotics automation advancements. Among those leading the charge, Domino’s Pizza is launching its own strategy for evolving its operations and customer service ecosystem to take advantage of robotics, AI-powered software, and more proactive tools that elevate the Domino’s experience….

McDonald’s spin-off CosMc’s recently debuted its first outlet in Bolingbrook, Illinois, with an ambitious plan to launch 10 additional locations within the next year. Touted as a ‘beverage concept’, the fast food giant’s latest venture tantalizes with a diverse range of snacks, sandwiches, and innovative drinks, including the likes of an Island Pick-Me-Up Punch…

Are restaurants losing the human touch in their race to embrace technology, or can network services in restaurants strike the perfect balance between efficiency and customer satisfaction? Signs indicate a seismic technology shift in the industry is underway, with 75% of independent restaurant operators gearing up to integrate new technology systems within the following…

McDonald’s latest venture, CosMc’s, is poised to make a significant impact in the fast-food industry with its recent launch in Bolingbrook, Illinois. This new chain, characterized as a ‘beverage concept’, moves away from traditional offerings like Big Macs and fries, and instead, highlights a variety of lemonades, coffees, sandwiches, and desserts. With plans to…

Earlier this month, McDonald’s unveiled its first CosMc’s location in Bolingbrook, Illinois, marking the launch of a new spinoff brand inspired by the McDonaldland mascot CosMc. Additionally, the restaurant chain is set to open 10 locations by the end of 2024, including nine in Texas. CosMc’s is a beverage-focused chain that will feature a…

Grocery chain Aldi recently announced plans to add 800 new stores in the U.S. within five years, focusing on the Northeast, Midwest, western U.S., and Southern California, with a debut in Las Vegas. In the Southeast, Aldi’s massive expansion plans include converting a whopping 400 Winn-Dixies and Harveys locations into Aldi stores, starting with about…

What is the impact of AI in serving as the architecture for reshaping industries and bolstering their competitive edge, particularly in the retail, C-store and restaurant sectors? In Episode 2 of IQ Talk, host Daniel Litwin engages in a dynamic conversation with Steve Habermas, Chief Product and Technology Officer for DTiQ. Together, they delve…

How can businesses navigate the delicate balance between leveraging video surveillance for enhanced security and operational efficiency while ensuring the privacy and rights of individuals are respected? The inaugural episode of iQTalk, hosted by Gabrielle Bejarano, tackles these pressing questions with insights from John Donnelly III, the CRO of DTiQ, and Marc Litz, CEO…

The art of cocktail-making has evolved with technology at its side and it’s shaping a new frontier in mixology. Gone are the days of cumbersome processes and the labor-intensive nature of preparing exquisite frozen cocktails. The world is in a modern age where efficiency meets innovation. Businesses now have the opportunity to elevate their…

When people go to a restaurant, personalizing the dining experience is a critical factor in making an impact that keeps customers returning. What better way to capitalize on that experience than through music? In recent years, the restaurant industry has seen a significant shift towards personalizing the dining experience for guests. As the industry…

In recent years, there’s been a vibrant resurgence in celebrating and preserving cultural heritage. As the world becomes more interconnected, there’s a wonderful opportunity to share and relish the diverse traditions that make each culture unique. One such tradition is the rich tapestry of Jewish culinary traditions, which, much like the Rosh Hashanah celebrations,…

The Main Course host, Barbara Castiglia, sat down with Frank E. Olivieri, the owner of the iconic Pat’s King of Steaks in Philadelphia. Olivieri serves up the rich history of the cheesesteak, emphasizing the importance of fresh ingredients and the unique taste of their signature cheese. He also shares personal anecdotes from his early…

Barbara Castiglia   The restaurant industry, already grappling with the challenges of the pandemic, now faces another menace: sophisticated restaurant scams. As eateries worldwide strive to recover, many of them fall prey to scammers. QR codes, which gained popularity in restaurants during the pandemic, are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The National Restaurant Association puts restaurant losses…

On The Main Course, hosted by Barbara Castiglia, Ray Chung, the Director of Design at The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry, delves into the intricate art of restaurant design. From the importance of lighting and acoustics to the essence of storytelling in creating an ambiance, Chung emphasizes the need for a holistic approach. Drawing…

FBD products are making a difference in quick service restaurants. Amidst escalating costs and demands for customization in the food service industry, the popularity of frozen beverages continues to rise across all demographic groups. To meet these challenges, FBD offers innovative, practical solutions. Our advanced bag-in-box machines simplify preparation and reduce labor costs, assisting…

The global frozen food market, valued at $265 billion, is witnessing an increase in demand, especially in the U.S. This surge, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has underscored the need for a resilient cold storage supply chain infrastructure to ensure the growth and safety of this sector. However, approximately 13% of all food produced…

In the competitive world of the restaurant industry, restaurants and QSRs looking for energy savings require managing operating expenses while ensuring optimal comfort and safety for staff and guests. With restaurants spending anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000 a month on energy costs, finding ways to reduce costs in this area can be a big…

In today’s world of fast-paced culinary innovations, there’s a classic treat that remains timeless and universally loved: the cookie. Recent trends have shown a surge in gourmet cookie shops, with a particular emphasis on unique flavors and high-quality ingredients. Studies by the National Bakers Association help show how popular gourmet cookie shops continue to…

Discover the latest disruptions and innovations in various fields with MarketScale’s new series, On Edge. In the first episode, Chef Andre Natera takes the audience on a journey to explore his thoughts on how drone delivery could shape the future of cooking. He discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of this technology and wonders…

Market Scale is launching a new series called “On Edge.” This weekly soundbite series will provide listeners with an in-depth look into the cutting edge technology transforming emerging markets. From AI to blockchain, this podcast will share the stories of the innovative entrepreneurs and companies pushing the boundaries of technology and the incredible impact they…

In a recent interview at GroceryShop, an intriguing trend emerges in the convenience store industry. With remote work, the rise of electric vehicles, and the growing popularity of online groceries, convenience stores face significant shifts in consumer behavior. This prompts the industry to evaluate store formats and find ways to accommodate these evolving dynamics. The…

The world of agriculture is undergoing a remarkable transformation with the rise of vertical farms. These innovative farms are not only changing the way we grow crops, but they also rely on efficient cold storage solutions to maintain optimal conditions. In a recent interview from GroceryShop, our expert shed light on this exciting development…

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, grocery retailers grasp the significance of data ownership in driving profitability. This interview at GroceryShop reveals a notable shift in the industry. Grocers now realize the need for direct access and control over their own data, creating opportunities for companies like KPS Global, providing infrastructure and technology solutions to…