January 25th QSR Roundup: Beverage Trends, Super Bowl Innovations, and AI-Powered Salad Customization for 2025

Interviewy Team

Interviewy Team

— 7 min read
January 25th QSR Roundup: Beverage Trends, Super Bowl Innovations, and AI-Powered Salad Customization for 2025
QSR news for Jan 25th, 2025. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 86 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 280 minutes. It'll take you only 10 minutes to catch up.
  • Pistachio Takes Center Stage: As the flavor of the year, pistachio is infusing lattes, teas, and even cocktails, offering a nutty twist to beverages.
  • Savory Coffee Innovations: Unique blends like the White Choke-Latte and Miso Espresso are bringing umami flavors to your morning cup.
  • Energy Drink Boom: Sales have surged by 73% over five years, with consumers craving vibrant, icy beverages.
  • Spice It Up: 62% of consumers are opting for spicy drinks, with flavors like cayenne and Sriracha making waves.
  • Dirty Sodas Go Mainstream: Customizable sodas with fruity syrups and toppings are no longer just a TikTok trend; major chains are joining in.
  • Mocktails & Low-ABV Cocktails: There's a rise in alcohol-free options that don't skimp on flavor, featuring high-quality ingredients.
  • Martini Revival: Pre-batched freezer martinis and exotic flavors like lychee are set to gain popularity in 2025.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Super Bowl Dining Innovations: From Crazy Puffs to THC Wings

Top restaurants are getting creative for Super Bowl LIX:

  • Costly Commercials: With ads costing $233,333 per second, Little Caesars debuts a new 30-second spot and teases their new Crazy Puffs.
  • Taco Bell's Fan Feature: An ad starring fans and a surprise appearance by Doja Cat. From Feb. 7-9, Taco Bell Rewards Members get free food with app delivery.
  • Unique Collaborations:
    • Graeter’s Ice Cream x Skyline Chili: A limited-edition ice cream blending chili spice mix and oyster crackers.
    • Goldbelly's Tailgate Kits: Offering New Orleans cuisine kits ranging from $99 to $299.
  • THC-Infused Wing Sauce: In Chicago, a special Big Game Wing sauce with 10 mg THC per ounce promises a wild game day experience.

Sources: Restaurant Business

AI-Driven Salad Customization with Just Salad

Just Salad launches 'Salad AI' in their app:

  • Personalized Salads: Based on your lifestyle, nutrition goals, and taste preferences, get custom salad suggestions.
  • Culinary Companion: Founder Nick Kenner describes it as evolving with customers to enhance dining experiences and promote healthy eating.
  • Expansion: With over 90 locations and a new drive-thru in New Jersey, Just Salad is rapidly growing.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Qdoba's Growth Surge: 100 New Restaurants by 2027

  • Rising Sales: Fiscal 2024 saw same-store sales rise 7.7%, with 10% growth in 2025 driven largely by customer visits.
  • Franchise Focus: CEO John Cywinski notes increased franchise interest as Qdoba offers a pathway into fast-casual dining.
  • Expansion Plans:
    • 56 new restaurants planned for 2025.
    • Aiming for 100 new units by 2027, with a goal to exceed 1,000 total units, 80% franchised.
  • Digital Upgrades: Introducing digital menu boards across company-owned locations.
  • Big Deals: A 20-unit franchise deal in New England and expansions in various U.S. cities.

Sources: Restaurant Business

LG Acquires Majority Stake in Bear Robotics

  • Strategic Acquisition: LG Electronics acquires a 51% stake in Bear Robotics, makers of the robotic waiter Servi.
  • Enhancing Robotics Division: Aims to integrate Bear Robotics into LG’s CLOi commercial robot line.
  • Robots in Restaurants: Servi robots assist with delivering food and bussing tables, addressing labor shortages.
  • AI Integration: Servi models powered by AI will merge with LG's robotics software.
  • Growth Engine: LG plans to make robotics a "pivotal growth engine" for the company.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Leadership Changes Across the Restaurant Industry

  • Killer Burger: Appoints Adam Sanders as CEO, focusing on expansion beyond the Pacific Northwest after a successful Texas launch.
  • Taco Bell: Meghan Farren becomes President for North America, transitioning from KFC UK.
  • Panera Bread: Brian Krause steps in as Chief Development Officer to spearhead growth and new cafe concepts.
  • GoTo Foods: Revamps its executive team, signaling dynamic evolution within the fast-food sector.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Industry Veteran Hudson Riehle Retires

  • End of an Era: Hudson Riehle retires from the National Restaurant Association after nearly 40 years.
  • Industry Impact: Led data collection and insights on the restaurant industry's health, aiding operators through economic challenges.
  • Successor: Chad Moutray will take over, ensuring continued growth in research capabilities.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Trendspotters predict innovative twists on popular dishes will dominate menus:

  • Plant-Based Rise: Continued growth appealing to health-conscious diners.
  • Global Flavors: Fusion dishes attract adventurous palates seeking new experiences.
  • Sustainable Sourcing: Restaurants showcasing locally sourced ingredients.
  • Creative Comfort Food: Modern takes on nostalgic dishes.
  • Interactive Dining: Emergence of engaging dining experiences.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Omakase Goes Global: Beyond Sushi

  • Expanding Concept: Omakase, meaning "I'll leave it up to you," is now applied to various cuisines.
  • Unique Experiences:
    • Konro in West Palm Beach: Offers a 10-14 course menu with dishes like a six-hour egg yolk for $400 per person.
    • Pizzeria Sei in LA: Features a pizza omakase for $150, including a tuna sushi pizza.
    • Vetri in Philadelphia: Serves a pasta omakase at $375, with creations like Tagliolini with Uni.
    • Bonyeon in Chicago: Provides a steak omakase for about $300 per person.
    • Tiger Sun in Atlanta: Innovates with an omakase cocktail experience for $75.
    • Cokuun in Tokyo: Offers a coffee omakase with unique brews like Sangria Coffee.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Dutch Bros vs. Starbucks: Outpacing the Giant

  • Key Performance Indicators:
    • Higher customer satisfaction.
    • Faster service times.
  • Growth Stats:
    • Dutch Bros showed 25% store growth last year.
    • Starbucks experienced stagnation in new openings.
  • Drive-Thru Advantage: Dutch Bros focuses on a unique customer experience through their drive-thru model.

Sources: Restaurant Business

  • Sweet Heat Evolution: Hot honey leads the trend, enhancing everything from wings to cocktails.
  • Emerging Flavors:
    • Chili Crunch Fusions: Gaining popularity for their complex profiles.
    • Global Flavors: Fusion dishes attract adventurous diners.
  • Menu Innovation: Restaurants are encouraged to combine flavors to attract flavor adventurers.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Cracker Barrel's $700 Million Transformation

  • Modernizing While Honoring Roots:
    • CEO Julie Masino emphasizes the brand's strong emotional connection with customers.
    • Introducing a revamped menu with items like Fried Apple French Toast Bake and Nashville Hot Southern Fried Chicken.
  • Store Upgrades:
    • Creating a lighter, brighter atmosphere while maintaining brand identity.
    • 19 full remodels completed.
  • Financial Growth:
    • 2.9% increase in same-store sales in Q1.
    • Projected revenue of $3.4 to $3.5 billion for fiscal 2025.

Sources: FSR Magazine

Tijuana Flats' Comeback Strategy

  • Emerging from Bankruptcy:
    • Reduced debt and improved profitability.
  • Innovations:
    • Partnered with a Mexican food company to introduce authentic Street Tacos.
    • Revamped menu and store design plans.
  • Expansion:
    • Aiming to open new locations beyond current territories.

Sources: Restaurant Dive

Induction Cooking Revolution in Kitchens

Induction cooking is gaining popularity:

  • Growing Market:
    • Induction stove sales make up 18% of U.S. sales in 2023.
    • Global market projected to reach over $15 billion by 2032.
  • Benefits:
    • Environmental advantages.
    • Reduces kitchen heat and enhances efficiency.
    • Faster, more precise cooking and easier cleanup.
  • Chef Encouragement: Chefs are encouraged to adopt induction cooking for sustainability and operational improvements.

Sources: Modern Restaurant Management

Innovative Pizza Offerings

  • California Pizza Kitchen: Mediterranean pizza, baked salmon, and fresh Greek salad.
  • Vocelli Pizza: Introduces a stuffed crust pizza with customizable toppings.
  • Casey’s: Launches Italian deli pizza with toppings like salami and banana peppers.

Sources: Food Business News

Leadership Changes at Major Food Companies

  • Rich Products: Monica Novomisle appointed as EVP and Chief People Officer.
  • Panera Bread: Brian Krause hired as Chief Development Officer.
  • Kerry Group:
    • Oliver Kelly becomes Chief Commercial Officer.
    • John Cahalane steps in as CEO of Kerry North America.
    • Peter Dillane named CEO of Kerry APMEA.
  • Campbell's: Risa Cretella promoted to EVP and President of Meals and Beverages.

Sources: Food Business News

Fast Food Franchises Go Solar

  • All Star Management partners with Perch Energy:
    • 31 Wendy's and McDonald's locations in Illinois to use solar energy.
    • Projected Savings: Over $1 million in energy expenses over 20 years.
    • Environmental Impact: Avoiding 13,437 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.

Sources: QSR Web

Carl's Jr. MAXXL Double El Diablo Meal

  • New Combo Meal: Limited-time offer attracting mixed reactions.
  • Price Point: At $16, some consumers question the value.
  • Customer Feedback: Highlights a divide between those willing to splurge and those finding it overpriced.

Sources: /r/fastfood

Least Loved Fast Food Restaurants in America

  • Discussion Highlights:
    • A&W: Despite being on the list, many express love for its quality food.
    • Debate on Fast Food Definition: Chains like Denny's and Hooters questioned as fast food.
    • McDonald's Critiques: Frustration over kiosk ordering systems.
  • Surprising Omissions: Some feel Subway should be on the list.

Sources: /r/fastfood

Pizza Hut's Stuffed Crust Bundle

  • New Offer: Original Stuffed Crust Pizza and Wings Bundle starting at $19.99.
  • Customer Reactions:
    • Mixed reviews on wings and pizza quality.
    • Some enjoy the stuffed crust; others find toppings lacking.

Sources: /r/fastfood

Leadership Change at The Dupont Circle Hotel

  • New Appointments:
    • Tom Murphy takes charge of The Pembroke restaurant.
    • Chrissy Sheffey manages Doyle Bar focusing on sustainable mixology.
  • Goals:
    • Enhance guest experiences with innovative dining and cocktail offerings.

Sources: FSR Magazine

Evonne Varady's Inspiring Journey

  • Co-founder of Clean Eatz:
    • Grew from one location to over 110 across the U.S.
  • Speaking Engagement:
    • Will discuss 2025 Menu Trends at the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit.
  • Philosophy:
    • Emphasizes authenticity and building trust.
  • Advice:
    • Understand your "why," start small, and expect hard work.

Sources: Networld Media Group, Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit

Fast Food Franchises Go Solar

  • All Star Management partners with Perch Energy:
    • 31 Wendy's and McDonald's locations in Illinois to use solar energy.
    • Projected Savings: Over $1 million in energy expenses over 20 years.
    • Environmental Impact: Avoiding 13,437 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.

Sources: QSR Web

HTeaO Opens in Victoria, Texas

  • New Location:
    • Owned by siblings Eliezer Castaneda and Ana Lansford.
  • Offerings:
    • Diverse selection of iced teas, specialty coffees, and snacks.
  • Expansion:
    • Recently reached 100 locations.

Sources: Fast Casual

Trump Nominates Andrew Puzder

  • Role:
    • Nominated as ambassador to the European Union.
  • Background:
    • Former fast-food CEO previously nominated for Secretary of Labor.
  • Controversy:
    • Past allegations of spousal abuse and labor violations.

Sources: Salon

ICE Raid in Newark

  • Incident:
    • ICE agents raid Ocean Seafood Depot without a warrant.
  • Repercussions:
    • Detained undocumented workers and U.S. citizens.
  • Community Response:
    • Outrage from New Jersey congress members.

Sources: Eater NY

Rising Food Costs Expected in 2025

  • Inflation Projections:
    • Food inflation at 2.5% year over year.
  • Price Increases:
    • Eggs up 37%; beef prices soaring.
  • Contributing Factors:
    • Bird flu outbreaks, extreme drought, and climate change.
  • Impact:
    • Continued price hikes in various food categories.

Sources: Salon

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