January 6th QSR Roundup: Swig, Vitality Bowls, and Exciting Menu Launches

QSR news for Jan 6th, 2025. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 48 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 115 minutes. It'll take you only 16 minutes to catch up.

Swig's Soda Revolution: The "Dirty Soda" Craze 🥤

Swig is shaking up the soft drink industry with their signature "dirty sodas"—a delightful mix of soft drinks, cream, and flavored syrups. Originally gaining popularity in Mormon communities, Swig has become a social media sensation and even featured in Hulu's "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." CEO Alex Dunn aims to "premiumize" the soda experience, tapping into the fact that 60% of the population drinks soda daily. Swig is often likened to the Starbucks of soda for its innovative approach and dedicated following. As they expand, Swig is set to capitalize on both loyal fans and the broader soda market.

Source: QSR Magazine

Vitality Bowls Ramps Up Growth in 2025 🥗

Building on a successful 2024, Vitality Bowls is set to expand further in 2025, celebrating over 13 years of promoting health and wellness. They have launched new locations and products, strengthening their community connections.

• Significant Expansion: Opened 8 new locations, entering Arizona, New Jersey, Texas, and Georgia.
• New Offerings: Introduced cold-pressed juices and the virtual brand Harvest Kitchen, adding savory, protein-packed meals.
• Impressive Sales: Sold over 1.2 million açaí bowls in 2024!
• Accolades: Named on Franchise Times Top 400 for the sixth consecutive year.
• Community Commitment: Continued partnership with the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT) to educate on food allergies.
• Menu Highlights: The Superfood Bowl and Chimichurri Steak Wrap combine wellness with taste and convenience.

Source: QSR Magazine

Krystal's New Year Deals: Value You Can't Resist! 🍔

Krystal is ringing in the New Year with wallet-friendly menu options that cater to budget-conscious customers. Highlights include the fan-favorite $4.99 Krystal Meal Deal and the customizable Pick 5 menu for under $7. The Hangover Krystal makes its anticipated return, featuring a fried egg, cheese, and bacon, offered in value meals. Classic items like the Patty Melt and hearty chili are continuing into 2025. Exclusive perks are available for Krystal Club members, with promotions running until March 2.

Source: QSR Magazine

Golden Chick's Golden Bowl Delight: Comfort Food at Great Value 🍗

Golden Chick has launched the Loaded Mashed Potato Golden Bowl for $5.99, available at over 230 locations until March 2. The bowl features creamy mashed potatoes, country gravy, cheese, crispy bacon, and two Golden Tenders, with an option for a spicy twist using Lotta Zing seasoning. This dish, previously tested with success, highlights Golden Chick’s commitment to offering great value and quality meals without entering the typical value menu competition. Guests can enhance their meal with a freshly baked yeast roll and a 30-ounce beverage for just an extra $2, enjoying a satisfying meal for under $10. Golden Chick aims for menu innovation and geographical expansion, targeting Southern states for future growth opportunities, positioning for a historic year ahead.

Source: QSR Magazine

&pizza Introduces the Popper Pepper Pie: A Spicy Twist on Pizza 🍕

&pizza has unveiled their limited-time Popper Pepper Pie and Popper Pepper Knots, inspired by jalapeño poppers. The Popper Pepper Pie features a parm-Romano base, mozzarella, jalapeños, crispy bacon, and cream cheese drizzle, priced at $10.99 (add $3.25 for gluten-free crust). The Popper Pepper Knots offer a smaller, shareable version for $6.99. Both dishes are available for a limited time on the East Coast. Spice lovers, this one's for you!

Source: QSR Magazine

Jack in the Box Expands Wraps Menu: New Flavors to Savor 🌯

Jack in the Box introduces new flavors to its popular Jack Wraps, launching two varieties:

• Fajita Jack Wrap: Featuring 100% all-white meat chicken, fajita veggies, and zesty sauce.
• Caesar Jack Wrap: All-white meat chicken with Caesar dressing and fresh ingredients.

The wraps are priced at 2 for $6 and can be enjoyed in combo meals or alongside a BOGO offer from the Munchies Under $4 menu. Special promotions also include the $5 All Day Big Meal and refreshing Lemonade Tea Infusions until February 16, aiming to enhance the customer experience with craveable and convenient options.

Source: QSR Magazine

Chick-fil-A Spices Up Winter with Fan Favorites 🔥

Chick-fil-A is spicing up winter by reintroducing two fan-favorite menu items starting January 7:

• Grilled Spicy Deluxe Sandwich: Made with marinated, grilled chicken on a multigrain brioche bun with Colby-Jack cheese and complemented by a cool, creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce.
• Key Lime Seasonal Beverages: Includes Key Lime Frosted Lemonade (a blend of lemonade and Icedream) and Key Lime Lemonade for a refreshing seasonal twist.

The sandwich first debuted in 2021 and has quickly become a fan favorite, perfect for warming up the chilly season. Customers are encouraged to check availability via the Chick-fil-A App or local restaurants.

Source: QSR Magazine

Jersey Mike's Introduces New Chicken Subs 🥪

Jersey Mike’s Subs introduces two new limited-time chicken sub sandwiches:

• Spicy Chicken Italian: Tender, slow-roasted white meat chicken with pepperoni and Hot Chopped Pepper Relish.
• Roasted Chicken Breast: Simple and savory, highlighting the flavor of slow-roasted chicken.

Both subs feature tender, slow-roasted white meat chicken and can be enjoyed in bowl form, each providing 15 grams of lean protein. From January 6 to January 31, 2025, diners can also earn Double Points on orders featuring the new chicken sandwiches. Jersey Mike's is amplifying the launch with an advertising campaign and has previously focused on chicken in its menu since 2015.

Source: QSR Magazine

Celebrate National Bagel Day with THB: Free Bagels for All! 🥯

THB Bagelry & Deli kicks off 2025 with a celebration of National Bagel Day on January 15, offering Free Bagels and Cream Cheese to myTHB Rewards App users. Guests can enjoy the popular Cinna-Bagel, available for one day only, with the added benefit that THB will donate 50 cents for every bagel distributed to local nonprofits in Baltimore. Guests must download the myTHB App by January 14 to participate, ensuring a minimum purchase of $2.

Source: QSR Magazine

Hatco's New Logo Celebrates 75 Years of Innovation 🎉

Hatco Corporation is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025 with a refreshed logo design, reflecting innovation and legacy.

• Founded in 1950: Hatco has built a reputation for innovative foodservice solutions over 75 years.
• Two New Logos: Introduces updated logos for both Hatco brand and Hatco Corporation, with a bolder, modern design.
• Corporate Logo Distinction: New corporate logo separates Hatco Corporation from its brands, favoring simplicity and visual strength.
• Leadership’s Enthusiasm: CEO Lorne Deacon states that the redesign captures the energy for continued innovation and growth.
• Celebratory Year Ahead: The logo rollout starts in early 2025, marking a year-long celebration of Hatco’s significant milestone.
• Engagement with Customers: The new design aims to enhance customer and partner value, promising a look towards future growth.

Overall, Hatco’s new branding will be integral to its communications, marketing, and digital platforms as they honor their legacy and motivate future excellence.

Sources: QSR Magazine, FSR Magazine

Domino's Rapid Expansion in China: Over 1,000 Stores! 🇨🇳🍕

DPC Dash, the master franchisee of Domino's Pizza in China, opened 14 new stores across 13 cities during the Christmas and New Year holidays. This expansion increases the company's footprint to 46 cities, now hosting over 1,000 locations since 2017. The new stores, initially focused on dine-in experiences, reflect a strategic 'Go Deeper, Go Broader' growth approach set to continue with plans for 300-350 more openings in the next two years. CEO Aileen Wang emphasizes a consumer-centric strategy with ongoing operational improvements and quality commitment, contributing to their sustained sales growth.

Sources: QSR Magazine, Pizza Marketplace

Krispy Kreme and Pop-Tarts Collab: Crazy Good Doughnuts! 🍩

Krispy Kreme introduces a limited-time Crazy Good Doughnuts Collection in partnership with Pop-Tarts.

• Three New Doughnuts:
  • Frosted Strawberry: Un-iced shell filled with strawberry, topped with shortbread and sprinkles.
  • Frosted Chocolatey Fudge: Dipped in chocolate with brownie batter buttercreme and Fudge Pop-Tarts Bites.
  • Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon: Cinnamon doughnut topped with cream cheese frosting and Cinnamon Roll Pop-Tarts Bites.

These doughnuts are available for a limited time starting January 8. Doughnuts can be purchased in-store, through delivery, or in a 6-pack box at select retailers, ensuring accessibility for all.

Source: QSR Magazine

The French Workshop Expands to Philadelphia: Parisian Pastry Comes to Town! 🥐

The French Workshop, a New York bakery-cafe chain inspired by Parisian pastry shops, plans its first expansion into Greater Philadelphia. They are seeking franchisees to introduce French culinary elegance to the area, known for its rich history and diversity. Co-Founder Nick Pantelatos believes the local community values great food and will embrace the brand. The Workshop offers franchisees comprehensive support, streamlined operations, and a unique niche in a market with minimal competition. With an impressive average unit volume exceeding $5 million, it's a prime opportunity for experienced restaurant operators looking to expand their portfolios.

Source: QSR Magazine

Whataburger's 75th Anniversary: Celebrating with Legendary Menu Items! 🎊

Whataburger is celebrating its 75th anniversary by bringing back legendary menu items for a limited time. The Monterey Melt and Chicken Fajita Taco return to menus, while new drinks like Mexican Hot Chocolate Coffee (both iced and hot) and Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake are new additions. President and CEO Debbie Stroud emphasizes the celebration is about honoring fans and keeping things fresh with classic menu items and special promotions. Whataburger operates 1,070 restaurants across 16 states and is excited for the next 75 years.

Sources: Fast Casual, QSR Web

Energy Savings for Connecticut Restaurants: Cut Costs and Go Green! 🌱

Connecticut's foodservice operations can significantly cut costs while promoting sustainability through the Commercial Foodservice Equipment Rebate Program, offered by United Illuminating, Connecticut Natural Gas, and Southern Connecticut Gas.

• Rebates Up to $1,500: Cover installation of air-source heat pumps, enabling a shift to fossil-fuel-free heating and lowering utility bills by 50%.
• Energy-Efficient Equipment: Rebates available for essential appliances—think convection ovens and steamers that cook faster while saving energy.
• LED Lighting Solutions: Restaurants can save on parking lot lighting with rebates for LED systems that adjust based on need, cutting energy waste.
• Ventless Electric Cooking: This innovative technology provides flexibility without the need for costly ventilation, reducing installation costs.
• Community Impact: Sustainable practices not only lower operational costs but enhance customer loyalty by aligning with eco-conscious values.
• Expert Guidance: The program includes access to expert resources to help restaurants navigate the rebate process effectively.

Overall, participating in these efficiency upgrades is a smart investment for Connecticut restaurants, promoting both economic savings and environmental stewardship.

Source: Total Food Service

Greek Wine: A Toast to Tradition and Celebration 🍷

Greek wine has a storied history spanning over 6,500 years, deeply rooted in culture and tradition.

• Ancient Roots: Connected to Dionysus, the God of Wine, symbolizing prosperity and sophistication.
• Health Benefits: Ancient Greeks consumed wine for health, with modern research supporting benefits of moderate red wine intake.
• Ideal Climate: Greece's Mediterranean climate is ideal for grape cultivation, resulting in exceptional wines.
• Notable Regions:
  • Samos: Known for sweet wines.
  • Santorini: Produces the dry Assyrtiko.
• Celebratory Rituals: Toasting with wine, using the phrase ‘Yia Mas,’ honors both deities and traditions.
• Festive Dishes: Dishes like stifado and moscharaki kokkinisto complement wine perfectly during Greek holidays.
• Personal Touch: Anecdotes of family traditions involving grape picking and winemaking showcase the integral role wine plays in Greek culture.

Source: Total Food Service

Cruise Ship Supply Essentials: Behind the Scenes of Smooth Sailing 🛳️

Cruise ships require specialized supplies that differ from those of regular vessels due to their hospitality focus. Cruise ship supplies encompass a range of categories essential for operations and passenger experience, including engineering tools, housekeeping essentials, gourmet food and beverages, and entertainment items. Distributors, often referred to as ship chandlers, play a key role in sourcing and delivering these supplies while adhering to maritime regulations. When selecting a supplier, cruise lines must evaluate logistics, pricing, and product variety to ensure smooth operations.

Source: BlueCart

Food Service Challenges in 2025: Navigating Rough Waters 🍽️

The food industry in 2025 is facing significant hurdles related to inflation, labor costs, and regulatory changes.

• Inflationary Pressures: Raw ingredient prices are expected to remain high due to ongoing inflation and shifting weather patterns affecting harvests.
• Tariff Complications: Proposed tariff hikes may further complicate supply chains, especially impacting imports from Mexico.
• Labor Shortages: A tightening labor market, with strikes affecting distribution and manufacturing, is causing difficulties in finding qualified workers.
• Job Cuts and Reorganizations: Companies like Cargill and Tysons have made significant job cuts in anticipation of regulatory changes, while Unilever and Nestlé are restructuring.
• Regulatory Impacts: New compliance measures around food definitions and traceability could stifle innovation, leading to higher prices for consumers as manufacturers shift focus to compliance instead of growth.
• Pending Federal Funding: Nearly $120 billion in federal funding aimed at food insecurity remains stalled due to legislative delays, impacting programs like SNAP and school breakfast initiatives.
• Weight-Loss Drug Effects: The growing popularity of weight-loss medications may alter consumer demand and product lines in the industry.

Overall, the landscape for the food service industry is set for a complex year with several interlinked challenges looming.

Source: Modern Restaurant Management

Challenges Ahead for WIC: Ensuring Support for Mothers and Children 👩‍👧

WIC serves 6.7 million low-income mothers and children but has historically been undersubscribed. The program provides essential support, including nutritious food vouchers and health education.

• Recent Increase: Participation increased by 5.3%, attributed to pandemic innovations and heightened food costs.
• Funding Concerns: While funding for 2024 increased to $7 billion, advocates warn of potential cuts from the upcoming administration, risking a $1 billion shortfall.
• Access Innovations: The ease of access to WIC services via remote and online options during the pandemic has been a game changer.
• Future Uncertainty: If these provisions expire, it could create barriers.

Advocates are concerned about the future of WIC amidst looming budget cuts and political challenges in Congress.

Source: Civil Eats

Impact of Weight-Loss Drugs on the Food Industry 💊

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are leading to significant shifts in consumer food purchasing and eating habits.

• Usage Statistics:
  • Over 8% of Americans currently use GLP-1 medications, with 35% expressing interest.
• Market Value: Sales in the GLP-1 market are at $133 billion, projected to reach $150 billion by 2030.
• Consumer Habits:
  • Users report spending 11% less on food, especially cutting back on snacks and baked goods.
  • 56% of users are opting for healthier food choices, indicating a move towards nutrient-dense options.
• Industry Adaptation: Restaurants need to adapt by offering low-calorie, nutrient-rich menu items to cater to the new consumer preferences.

Source: Food Business News

California Targets Ultra-Processed Foods: Health Comes First! 🥦

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to reduce the risks associated with ultra-processed foods. Key actions include:

• Warning Labels: Ultra-processed products will bear warning labels in California.
• Health Focus: Newsom emphasizes the need for food to promote health, not disease.
• Investigating Ingredients: Ongoing investigations into synthetic food dyes and harmful additives.
• Healthy School Meals: Recommendations for higher standards in school meals by October 2024.
• Previous Regulations: The state has previously banned harmful substances like Red No. 3 and enacted the California School Food Safety Act.
• Industry Impact: National food companies may face challenges due to differing state regulations.

Source: Food Business News

Perkins Introduces Pie-Inspired Donuts: A Sweet Twist! 🍩

Perkins American Food Co. is introducing a new line of pie-inspired donuts. The flavors include:

• Apple Pie: Glazed donut with spiced apples and crumbled pie crust.
• Salted Caramel Cream: Glazed donut with vanilla cheesecake, roasted almonds, and salted caramel sauce.
• Wildberry Delight: Raspberry-filled donut with vanilla frosting and berry blend.
• Cookies and Cream: Chocolate glazed donut topped with vanilla cream and crushed cookies.

President Toni Ronayne highlights these donuts as both fun and nostalgic, perfect for any meal or as a quick treat. They will be available for a limited time starting January 8.

Source: Food Business News

Catalina Crunch's New Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate Bar 🍫

Catalina Crunch expands its dark chocolate bar lineup with a new Sea Salt Caramel flavor. This bar features a rich blend of chocolate, caramel, and sea salt made with 55% cacao and contains 2 grams of sugar and 3 grams of net carbs. All ingredients are non-GMO, and the bar is gluten-free, low carb, and keto-friendly.

Source: Food Business News

Plastic Contamination in Foods: A Hidden Threat 🚫

A recent study by PlasticList tested nearly 300 food products and revealed alarming levels of plastic contamination in a variety of foods, particularly fast food items and organic products. Key findings include:

• Fast Foods: High plastic levels were found in Burger King's chicken nuggets and Wendy's hamburgers.
• Fast-Casual Chains: Shake Shack’s cheeseburger had significant contamination, challenging the notion of healthier options.
• Organic Foods: Staples like Whole Foods Organic Rice and Grass-Fed Steak also showed high plastic levels.
• Beverages: McDonald's Vanilla Shake contained over 4,500 nanograms of phthalates per serving.
• Dairy and Meals: Kraft Mac & Cheese and Whole Foods Mozzarella String Cheese had high contamination levels as well.
• Health Risks: Microplastics can mimic hormones and disrupt the endocrine system, linked to serious health issues including cancer and fertility problems.

Researchers advise caution, noting the study's limitations and variability in testing methodologies. Overall, consumers face a dual threat with both bacterial and plastic contamination in food.

Source: Salon

2025 Consumer Food Trends: Adapting to Changing Preferences 🛒

Consumer preferences in the food industry are rapidly changing, urging manufacturers to adapt. Highlights include:

• Ingredient Awareness: Consumers prioritize protein and natural ingredients; younger shoppers favor non-GMO and organic, while older ones focus on low-sugar, low-sodium.
• Product Discovery: 75% of Gen Z and 56% of Millennials learn about products via social media, contrasting with 64% of Gen X who use TV ads.
• Sustainability: Young consumers demand sustainable products and are willing to pay more, while animal welfare is a concern for all ages.
• Transparency: Millennials and high-earners expect clarity in ingredients; 51% abandon brands after safety issues.

Understanding these trends is crucial for businesses to effectively engage consumers.

Source: Food Industry Executive

Applebee’s Expands Value Offerings: More Sizzle, More Value! 🍽️

Applebee’s is extending its $9.99 Really Big Meal Deal, which features a choice of Big Cluckin’ Sandwich or Big Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, paired with endless fries and a drink.

New menu items include:

• Sizzlin’ Caramel Apple Pie: $5.99, layered with hot cinnamon apple, caramel sauce, candied pecans, and topped with vanilla ice cream.
• Hot Honey Chicken & Bacon Skillet: Sliced grilled chicken breast with hot honey glaze, bacon, sautéed mushroom and onions, served sizzling with waffle fries.

New drinks include:

• $6 Tipsy Cupid: Vodka lemonade garnished with gummy red lips.
• $10 Passion on the Beach: Tito’s cocktail garnished with red gummy lips, served with a shaker for sharing.
• $4 Bahama Beach Mocktail: Non-alcoholic blend topped with soda for refreshing enjoyment.

This shift aims to keep guests engaged and satisfied, focusing on delivering more wholesome meal experiences.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Wine Service Training Tips: Helping Servers Gain Confidence 🍷

A restaurant owner seeks advice on training servers who struggle with opening wine bottles. They mention limited opportunities for practice due to their servers being non-drinkers and not often serving wine by the bottle. Commenters provide practical tips, such as:

• Step-by-Step Instruction: Detailed guides on proper wine opening techniques, emphasizing key actions like removing the foil properly and leveraging the cork out while engaging with customers.
• Practice Techniques: Suggestions include filling bottles with water for practice, or having servers come in early for hands-on training with cheap wine.
• Engagement During Service: Encouraging servers to converse with guests to ease nerves while opening, making the process smoother.
• Utilizing Wine Representatives: Involving wine reps was emphasized as a resource for training on wine pairings and enhancing server knowledge.

Overall, consensus emphasizes practice and confidence-building for servers to improve wine service skills.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Tax on Tips Debate: To Tax or Not to Tax? 💰

A Reddit post sparked discussion about tax on tips after a user proposed signing receipts with the message "No Tax on Tips." Many commenters shared their thoughts and experiences:

• Legal Realities: Tips are considered income, and governments are unlikely to heed this protest.
• Potential Consequences: Eliminating taxes on tips could harm tipped employees by interfering with loan applications and unemployment insurance.
• Alternative Solutions: A general consensus emerged that tipping in cash might be a better solution to avoid taxation altogether.

The conversation revealed a mix of frustration towards current tip legislation and the reality of how tipping systems work.

Source: /r/restaurant

Decline of Craft Beer: Is the Bubble Bursting? 🍺

The Reddit discussion centers around the perceived decline in the popularity of craft beer.

• Repetitive Offerings: Craft beer offerings have become repetitive, with many bars showcasing similar IPAs and minimal diversity in styles.
• Pricing Impact: While once considered a luxury, prices have fallen and become more accessible, leading to a shift in consumer perception.
• Cocktail Bars Rising: Some users argue that the craft beer scene is evolving rather than dying, asserting that it's merely shedding excess trends and that cocktail bars are gaining traction.
• Mixed Opinions: There's a sense of nostalgia and resistance against labeling craft beer as a fad, with multiple perspectives debating its future.

Overall, the conversation reflects varied opinions on the future of craft beer, with discussions about consumer preferences and market trends.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Attribute of a Great Bar DJ: Reading the Crowd and Beyond 🎧

Bar owners discuss key qualities that make a DJ great or lousy in a bar setting.

• Reading the Crowd: The ability to adjust music based on the audience's mood is paramount.
• Variety in Music: A diverse playlist keeps patrons engaged and entertained.
• Professionalism: Punctuality, staying sober, and respecting bar agreements are crucial.
• Energy and Engagement: Good energy and engaging with customers enhance the atmosphere.
• Avoiding Entitlement: DJs should align with the bar's vibe and not adopt a nightclub mentality in smaller venues.

There’s a consensus on the need for DJs to understand the establishment's goals and contribute positively to the ambiance.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Stay tuned for more concise news updates delivered right to your fingertips, saving you valuable time. As industry professionals and restaurant operators, your time is precious—spent on running your businesses, innovating menus, and enhancing customer experiences. Let us keep you informed with quick, comprehensive summaries so you can focus on what you do best. Subscribe now and join us again for the latest insights in the restaurant industry!