November 28th QSR Roundup: Indulging in Diverse Restaurant Trends and Unique Food Innovations for 2025

QSR news for Nov 28th, 2024. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 48 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 205 minutes. It'll take you only 10 minutes to catch up.

Reimagining Restaurant Trends for 2025

As we look ahead to 2025, the restaurant industry is set for remarkable changes:

• Customer-Centric Menus: Instead of chasing fleeting trends, restaurants are focusing on solving specific customer needs, emphasizing value through unique experiences, quality, and hospitality.
• Global Flavors & Escapism: With consumers eager to try international cuisines, there's a surge in menu items that offer a taste of global travel and escapism.
• Sensory Dining Experiences: Taste remains king, but there's a growing emphasis on engaging all senses, with 69% of diners prioritizing taste and 59% highlighting the importance of smell.
• Hospitality & Personal Connection: In an era of declining personal interactions, bringing back genuine hospitality is crucial to enhance the dining experience.

Source: FSR Magazine

Revival and Expansion of Grumpy's Restaurant

Daniel DeLeon's journey from finance to food has rejuvenated Grumpy's Restaurant:

Grumpy's has transformed under DeLeon's leadership:

• From Struggles to Success: Purchased in 2017 during a tough period, Grumpy's has expanded from one to five locations.
• Diverse Offerings: The menu grew from 10 to over 30 omelet options, emphasizing homestyle cooking with a commitment to freshness—everything is made from scratch.
• Community Focus: The restaurants foster a local diner feel without TVs, encouraging staff and guest interactions.
• Signature Dishes: Highlights include the Grumpy’s Country Breakfast and creative waffle dishes.
• Hands-On Leadership: DeLeon believes in engaging with both franchisees and customers to maintain quality and rapport.

Source: FSR Magazine

Jack in the Box Leadership Restructuring

Jack in the Box is undergoing significant changes:

• COO Departure: Tony Darden is leaving as part of a company restructuring.
• New Operational Leadership: Ryan Ostrom, previously leading digital transformation, will now oversee operations.
• Focus on Customer Experience: The chain aims to enhance customer-centric strategies, including digital advancements like self-order kiosks.

Source: Restaurant Dive

Indigenous Culinary Innovations in U.S. Museums

Museums across the U.S. are reconnecting visitors with Native food heritage:

• Cultural Menus: Restaurants like Thirty Nine, Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe, and Off the Rez Cafe offer dishes rooted in Indigenous traditions.
• Signature Dishes:
  • Fry Bread Taco: Symbolizes resilience with deep historical ties.
  • Cedar Tea: Reflects resourcefulness and health benefits, connecting culinary practices to the land.
• Chefs Leading the Way: Indigenous chefs emphasize precolonial ingredients, sustainable practices, and culinary authenticity.

Source: Eater

Yurok Salmon Cookout: A Cultural Celebration

A culinary experience showcasing Yurok traditions:

• Klamath River Chinook Salmon: Known for its exceptional taste, cooked over an open fire using traditional methods.
• Cultural Significance: The cooking technique involves redwood sticks, resulting in crispy skin and flavorful flesh.
• Environmental Victory: The meal celebrates the removal of dams, restoring salmon migration and habitat access.

Source: Eater

Home-Cooked Meals in Mexican Prisons: An Act of Love

In Mexico, families support inmates through homemade meals:

• Symbol of Support: Women like Rosa Tapia prepare nutritious meals to counter poor prison food conditions.
• Challenges:
  • Substandard Prison Food: Often rotten or contaminated, with 28% failing hygiene standards.
  • COVID-19 Restrictions: Halted meal deliveries, but led to the creation of a cookbook, "Con Sabor a Libertad".
• Advocacy: Families fight for inmates' rights, emphasizing the importance of humanizing them and ensuring proper nutrition.

Source: Eater

Convenience Stores Embrace Bold Flavors

Convenience stores are transforming into flavor destinations:

• Hot Honey Craze: Partnerships with brands like Mike's Hot Honey introduce spicy-sweet offerings.
  • 7-Eleven: Exclusive Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich and Pizza.
  • Casey’s: Jalapeño Popper Pizza with a hot honey finish.
  • Thornton’s: Hot Honey Chicken & Waffle Breakfast Sandwich.
• Culinary Innovation: Catering to Millennials and Gen Z's craving for unique flavor blends.
• Operational Ease: Single-ingredient solutions enhance dishes without complicating kitchen workflows.

Source: Total Food Service

Floral Industry Blossoms with Technology

Technological advancements are reshaping the floral industry:

• Floral Software Solutions: Improve inventory management, sales, and automate processes for florists and distributors.
• Wholesale Management: Tools help floral farms maximize profits by directly reaching buyers.
• Retail Enhancements: POS systems and delivery management tools boost sales and streamline operations.
• Market Growth: The cut flower market exceeds $36 billion, growing at 5% annually.

Source: BlueCart

2025 Culinary Trends Spotlight

Exciting flavors and ingredients are set to dominate in 2025:

• Rise of Hawaiian Flavors: Searches for Hawaiian barbecue up 88%, and mac salad up 523%.
• Mushroom Beverages: Interest in mushroom drinks has surged by 501%.
• Innovative Coffee Experiences:
  • Einspanner Coffee: Searches up 1,145%.
  • Mojito Coffee: Searches up 591%.
  • Coffee Omakase: Personalized coffee experiences increasing in popularity (742% rise).

Source: Food Business News

Hot Honey: The Sweet and Spicy Trend

The "swicy" trend combines sweet and spicy flavors:

• Hot Honey Takes Center Stage:
  • California Pizza Kitchen: Introduces a Nashville-style hot honey pizza.
  • Local Hive: Launches hot honey infused with jalapeño, chipotle, and sriracha.
  • Kellanova: Collaborates with Mike’s Hot Honey for a limited-edition Club’s Crackers.

Source: Food Business News

Budget-Friendly Thanksgiving Tips

Celebrating the holidays without breaking the bank:

• Smart Planning:
  • Use the NRDC's "Guest-imator" to avoid food waste.
  • Consider potluck dinners for significant savings.
• Shopping Savvy:
  • Opt for store-brand products for better prices.
  • Turkey prices are down, making it easier to find affordable options.
• Cook Creatively:
  • Leave apple peels on for pies to enhance nutrition and flavor.
  • Serve smaller portions to manage leftovers effectively.

Source: Salon

Gratitude Transforms the Cooking Experience

Embracing gratitude can revolutionize daily routines:

• Mindful Cooking: Shifting from viewing cooking as a chore to a delightful act.
• Creativity in the Kitchen: Using leftovers to inspire new dishes.
• Enjoying the Journey: Finding joy in grocery shopping and the aroma of fresh produce.
• Emotional Connection: Each meal becomes a moment of thankfulness, enhancing overall well-being.

Source: Salon

Lead Contamination in Cinnamon Products

Health concerns arise over contaminated spices:

• FDA Alerts: 1 in 3 ground cinnamon products tested contain lead levels above 1 ppm.
• Consumer Reports Findings: Significant contamination leading to 600 cases of elevated lead levels among children.
• Recommendations:
  • Opt for high-quality cinnamon sticks over ground spices.
  • Stay informed about FDA alerts and choose reputable brands.

Source: Salon

Krispy Kreme's Whimsical Grinch Doughnuts

Adding festive cheer with delightful treats:

• Merry Grinchmas Doughnut Collection:
  • New Creations: Grinch Doughnut with a chocolate grin, Grinchy Claus Doughnut, and Cindy-Lou Who Merry Berry Tree Doughnut.
  • Returning Favorites: Santa Belly Doughnut and Holiday Sprinkle Doughnut.
• Spreading Joy: Designed to bring smiles during the holiday season.

Source: QSR Web

Challenges of Starting a Food Truck Side Hustle

Aspiring entrepreneurs consider the realities:

• Food Truck Demands:
  • High initial investment and operational challenges make it less feasible as a side hustle.
  • Success requires full-time commitment and extensive planning.
• Industry Insights:
  • 60% of food trucks fail within three years.
  • Importance of market research and understanding regulations.
• Community Advice:
  • Experienced operators emphasize the need for dedication and realistic expectations.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Debate Over Closing a Pizzeria on Sundays

Pizzeria owners weigh pros and cons:

• Sundays as High Revenue Days:
  • Many report Sundays as their busiest due to football season and takeout demand.
  • Closing could lead to significant revenue loss.
• Alternative Closure Days:
  • Mondays or Tuesdays are suggested as better options due to typically lower sales.
• Importance of Market Research:
  • Decisions should be based on local customer patterns and demand.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Connecting Marketing Efforts to In-Store Awareness

Strategies to bridge the gap between online promotions and in-store engagement:

• Communication is Key:
  • Repetition and visibility through posters, schedules, and FAQs for employees.
• Utilizing Multiple Channels:
  • Older customers respond to tangible materials; younger demographics engage with dynamic content like videos.
• Clear Goals and Investment:
  • Establish specific targets and consider paid advertising for impactful customer awareness.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Managing Difficult Customers to Support Staff

Prioritizing staff well-being over problematic patrons:

• Addressing the Issue:
  • Directly communicate with the customer about unacceptable behavior.
  • Show solidarity with staff by supporting them openly.
• Establishing Boundaries:
  • Ensure customers understand that respect towards staff is non-negotiable.
• Community Consensus:
  • Many agree that retaining staff is more important than tolerating rude customers.

Source: /r/restaurateur

Restaurant Managers Discuss Top Challenges

Highlighting common hurdles in the industry:

• Rising Food Costs: Maintaining reasonable prices amidst soaring expenses.
• Late Arrivals and Slow Eaters: Disrupt booking schedules and service efficiency.
• Labor Shortages: Particularly in regions with higher living costs.
• Financial Pressures: Balancing operational costs while ensuring customer satisfaction.

Source: /r/restaurateur

Comparing Scheduling Apps: 7shifts vs. Hotschedules

Restaurant managers share their preferences:

• 7shifts Advantages:
  • User-friendly and integrates well with systems like Toast POS.
  • Positive feedback on functionality and ease of use.
• Hotschedules Drawbacks:
  • Considered costly with technical issues.
  • Some features require additional payment, like staff app access.
• Alternative Options:
  • Apps like Homebase and Sling were mentioned but received fewer endorsements.

Source: /r/Restaurant_Managers

Burger King's $4 Breakfast Deal Sparks Mixed Reactions

Customer opinions on fast-food promotions:

• Skepticism Over Value:
  • Some view the deal as misleading or insufficient compared to competitors.
• Comparison with Other Chains:
  • Wendy's 2 for $3 deal is highlighted as a better offer without app requirements.
• Marketing Critique:
  • Discontent with corporate pricing strategies and reliance on app usage.

Source: /r/fastfood

Considerations When Purchasing an Ice Bin

Evaluating cost versus quality:

• Quality Concerns:
  • Lower-priced options like Steelton may have thinner steel, affecting durability.
• Design and Functionality:
  • Importance of considering ease of use, such as bending over to access ice and having a proper lid.
• Practical Tips:
  • Exploring options like obtaining free bins through beverage distributors (Coke or Pepsi).
  • Ensuring the bin suits the specific needs of the establishment.

Source: /r/restaurant

US Sugar Market Anticipates Supply Shortfall

Key insights into the sugar industry's outlook:

• Projected Decrease in Supply:
  • Ending stocks-to-use ratio expected to drop to 11.7% for 2024-25.
• Production Estimates:
  • Domestic sugar production forecasted to decrease by 2.3%.
• Potential Solutions:
  • Increased imports from Mexico or adjustments to tariff-rate quotas.
• Market Impact:
  • The USDA aims to revise estimates to meet the minimum target for supply ratios.

Source: Food Business News

Record Year for Restaurant Bankruptcies

Economic challenges lead to increased closures:

• Recent Filings:
  • At least six more restaurants filed for Chapter 11, adding to the year's tally.
• Notable Cases:
  • Anderson Tap House faced a 35% sales decline.
  • Quack’s Bakery aims to restructure while maintaining operations.
  • Slater Hospitality seeks reorganization amidst liabilities.
• Industry Trends:
  • Reflects the challenging economic landscape for the food industry in 2023.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Suburban Dining Evolution and Growth Strategies

Gastamo Group adapts to changing landscapes:

• Localized Focus:
  • Emphasizing unique, community-driven experiences over broad national concepts.
• Adaptability:
  • Understanding that each neighborhood has distinct cultures and needs.
• Customer Engagement:
  • Creating memorable dining experiences through storytelling and attention to detail.
• Strategic Growth:
  • Concentrating growth within Colorado to build stronger brand identity and connections.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Jack in the Box Leadership Changes and Future Focus

Strategic shifts in company leadership:

• COO Departure: Tony Darden steps down, with Ryan Ostrom taking over operations.
• Digital and Customer-Centric Approach:
  • Ostrom aims to enhance customer experiences through digital initiatives.
• Company Reach:
  • Operates approximately 2,200 Jack in the Box restaurants and 600 Del Taco outlets.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Festive Menu Innovations Across Restaurants

Holiday-themed offerings delight customers:

• Seasonal Beverages:
  • Coffee chains introduce drinks with peppermint, gingerbread, and eggnog flavors.
• Festive Treats:
  • Krispy Kreme's Grinch-themed donuts.
  • Jimmy John’s chocolate peppermint cookie.
  • Lucille’s holiday cookie pudding.
• Creative Dishes:
  • Taco John’s Nachos Navidad.
  • Snooze's marshmallow-topped pancakes.
  • Velvet Taco's fried goat cheese taco.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Turning Occasional Bar Customers into Regulars

Strategies for increasing customer loyalty:

• Personalized Interactions:
  • Remembering customers' names and preferences.
• Community Events:
  • Hosting trivia nights, tastings, or special events to foster engagement.
• Handwritten Touches:
  • Sending personalized notes or cards to make patrons feel valued.
• Consistency and Atmosphere:
  • Creating a welcoming environment that encourages repeat visits.

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!