October 26th QSR Roundup: Fall Culinary Trends, Fast Food Safety, and Restaurant Innovations

QSR news for Oct 26th, 2024. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 44 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 144 minutes. It'll take you only 11 minutes to catch up.

7-Eleven's Major Expansion Plans 🚀

7-Eleven is set to open 500 new convenience stores between 2025 and 2027, focusing on food offerings and digital innovation.

• The new 'New Standard' stores will feature in-store restaurants, more fuel pumps, and a modern shopping experience.
• Early results show these stores achieving 13% higher same-store sales, with an average sales boost of 30%.
• Customers desire larger stores with dining options, and 7-Eleven aims to meet this demand.
• The company plans to enhance proprietary products and expand brands like Laredo Taco and Raise the Roost Chicken.

With over 13,000 locations in North America, 7-Eleven sees significant room for growth.

Sources: Nation's Restaurant News, Restaurant Business

Onion Recall Impacts Fast Food Chains 🧅⚠️

The recent E. coli outbreak has led to a widespread onion recall affecting major fast-food chains.

• McDonald's: Removed Quarter Pounders from menus in 12 states due to recalled onions supplied by Taylor Farms, linked to 75 illnesses and one death.
• Other Chains Affected: Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Burger King are disposing of onions as a precaution.

Food safety concerns are prompting restaurants to take proactive measures to protect customers.

Sources: Nation's Restaurant News, Restaurant Dive

Wine Industry Faces Challenges with Potential Tariffs 🍷💼

The wine industry is grappling with the lingering effects of a 25% tariff imposed in 2018 and fears of renewed tariffs.

• Impact on Imported Wines: Prices could soar, with a $20 bottle potentially reaching $28-$30, affecting restaurants specializing in imported wines.
• Profit Margins at Risk: Beverage sales constitute 50% of profits for fine-dining establishments.
• Consumer Behavior Shift: Substituting European wines is difficult due to their unique qualities, and customers might not switch to cheaper alternatives like beer.
• Inflation Pressures: Operational costs have already risen, leaving little room to absorb additional price hikes.

The U.S. Wine Trade Alliance is working to prevent new tariffs amid memories of past damages.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Emerging Culinary Trends: Eggs and Innovative Flavors 🍳🌶️

This fall, menus are spotlighting eggs in various global styles and innovative condiments, according to Technomic's "Emerging Eats" report.

Eggs are featuring in styles like Japanese ajitama and Korean marinated eggs, with techniques such as curing and smoking gaining popularity. The hot honey trend is evolving with complex flavors using habaneros and harissa, often balanced with seasonal produce like strawberries.

Desserts are incorporating miso caramel for a savory twist, and unusual ingredients like sea spaghetti and sea vegetables are appearing on menus. Drinks are getting creative with flavors like grass-flavored ice cream and crab apples.

These trends indicate a culinary landscape that is becoming increasingly adventurous and globally inspired.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Key Insights from FSTEC Asia on Tech in Food Service 🍕🤖

At FSTEC Asia, technological advancements in food service operations were highlighted.

Chuck E. Cheese's Tech Transformation:

• Moved from outdated systems like floppy disks to modern solutions.
• Introduced a pager system for pizza orders, enhancing customer convenience.
• Launched a paid loyalty program at $7.99/month, attracting 40,000 members.

Pepper Lunch's Growth Strategy:

• The Singapore-based chain revamped franchising and tech strategies.
• Plans to open 30 locations in four years across the U.S.
• CEO Troy Hooper emphasized demographic targeting and geofencing existing stores.

Embracing technology can drive growth and improve customer experiences.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Revolutionizing Convenience: 7-Eleven's Food Focus 🍔📲

7-Eleven is expanding its focus on food and beverage offerings by introducing the New Standard store format.

These stores will:

• Feature in-store restaurants and digital enhancements for a seamless shopping experience.
• Outperform existing locations by 13% in daily sales.
• Aim to open 500 new stores by 2027, with plans to have 615 New Standard locations in total.
• Double the number of Laredo Taco Co. outlets.

Despite expansion, 7-Eleven is also closing 444 underperforming stores due to inflation and competitive pressures.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Contactless Technology Transforming Dining Experiences 📱🍽️

Contactless technology has become essential in restaurants, offering numerous benefits:

• Enhances Efficiency and Safety: Reduces physical contact, addressing health concerns.
• Personalization: Provides tailored experiences with customizable orders and recommendations.
• Data Insights: Helps restaurants make informed decisions based on customer preferences.
• Appeals to Younger Diners: Particularly Gen Z and Millennials appreciate tech-driven dining experiences.

Businesses adopting contactless solutions are staying competitive in the evolving landscape.

Sources: FSR Magazine

Hooters Settles Discrimination Lawsuit ⚖️🏢

Hooters of America agreed to pay $250,000 to settle a race and color discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. EEOC in North Carolina.

• Allegations: 43 employees were laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic, with claims that 92% of rehired Hooters Girls had lighter skin tones.
• Racial Hostility: Darker-skinned employees reported experiencing a racially hostile work environment.
• Settlement Terms: Includes a three-year decree prohibiting future discrimination, annual training, and compliance reports.

Hooters aims to rebuild public confidence as an equal opportunity employer.

Sources: Restaurant Dive

Inside 'La Cocina': A Raw Depiction of Immigrant Restaurant Workers 🎥🍽️

La Cocina delves into the harsh realities faced by immigrant restaurant workers, particularly undocumented individuals.

• Narrative Focus: The story centers around Estela, a young Mexican immigrant navigating the challenging environment of a large New York restaurant.
• Themes: Explores cooking as a means of survival rather than art, highlighting issues of displacement and lost dreams.
• Authenticity: Developed through extensive research and conversations with real kitchen workers, capturing genuine experiences.
• Love Story: Follows the relationship between Pedro, an undocumented cook, and Julia, a waitress, amidst tensions over a theft.
• Cinematic Style: Filmed in black and white to emphasize the grim aspects of kitchen life.

The film aims to portray the seldom-seen realities of the industry and support restaurant workers through advocacy.

Sources: Eater

Chopt Collaborates with Smile Farms for Inclusivity 🌱🥗

Chopt Creative Salad Co. is partnering with Smile Farms during Disability Employment Awareness Month.

• New Menu Item: Introducing the Smile Farms Bowl, featuring local produce.
• Giving Back: Donating 15% of sales to support employment for individuals with disabilities.
• Collaboration Origins: Stemmed from a conversation between employees, emphasizing community and sustainability.
• Smile Farms' Mission: Provides vocational opportunities in agriculture and hospitality for people with disabilities.

Chopt operates over 80 locations and continues to focus on community engagement and expansion.

Sources: Fast Casual

Zaxby's Expands to New Jersey 🍗🏙️

Georgia-based Zaxby's is entering the New Jersey market with a six-unit franchise deal.

• Franchisee: GSP Group, led by local resident Premanand Gupta.
• Market Strategy: Plans to establish a strong presence in South Jersey before expanding northward.
• Industry Context: Gupta identified the growing chicken market and saw Zaxby's exceptional product as a standout.

Zaxby's, founded in 1990, has over 950 locations across 17 states, showcasing a robust business model.

Sources: QSR Web

Thanksgiving Menu Planning Tips for Restaurateurs 🦃🍁

Thanksgiving is a critical time for restaurants, with menu planning being paramount.

Essential Steps:

1. Assess Existing Inventory: Utilize what you already have to minimize costs.
2. Brainstorm Dishes: Consider traditional and regional favorites to appeal to customers.
3. Set a Budget: Base it on reservations and expected turnout.
4. Pricing Strategy: Ensure profitability while offering value.
5. Gather Recipes: Plan ahead for smooth execution.
6. Stock Up on Inventory: Purchase ingredients timely, considering perishability.

Suggested Menu Items:

• Appetizers: Deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms.
• Entrées: Roast turkey, honey-glazed ham.
• Sides: Mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole.
• Desserts: Pumpkin pie, apple crisp.
• Drinks: Mulled wine, festive cocktails.

Early and meticulous planning enhances the likelihood of delivering a memorable dining experience.

Sources: BlueCart

Mastering the Art of Loaf Cakes 🍰👩‍🍳

Loaf cakes are a simple yet delightful baking endeavor.

Chef Kierin Baldwin's Tips:

• Simplicity: Loaf cakes are less intimidating than layered cakes.
• Fat-Based Batter: Creates a rich, moist, and dense texture.
• Avoiding Soggy Bottoms: Proper cooling is key; use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Rescuing Over-Baked Cakes: Soak in syrup to restore moisture.
• Bake Times: Use visual cues rather than strictly following the timer.
• Flavor Favorites: Incorporate ingredients like lemon zest or create classic carrot cakes.
• Versatility: Any cake can be adapted to a loaf pan with adjusted baking times.

Embrace creativity and don't fear experimenting with flavors and techniques.

Sources: Salon.com

Political Donations from Agribusiness 🌾💰

A report reveals that agribusiness and food-related PACs are predominantly supporting Republicans.

• Donation Statistics: 66% of nearly $27 million in campaign contributions went to GOP candidates.
• Top Recipients: House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson received $158,106.
• Senate Contributions: Sen. Amy Klobuchar led among Democrats with $101,000, surpassing Republican counterparts.
• Top Contributor: American Crystal Sugar, a Minnesota cooperative.

These donations reflect the political strategies within the agriculture industry.

Sources: Salon

Smalls Sliders Rapid Expansion 🍔🌟

Smalls Sliders is growing rapidly, entering six new states: Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, South Dakota, Virginia, and West Virginia.

• Expansion Highlights:
  • Sold out in eight states, including Arizona and Georgia.
  • Nearly 400 locations open or in development, referred to as "Cans."
• Company Vision: Founded in 2019 by Brandon Landry, with support from CEO Maria Rivera, 10 Point Capital, and NFL star Drew Brees as investors.
• Growth Strategy: Credits strong demand and dedicated franchisees for swift expansion.

Smalls Sliders continues to establish itself in the fast-casual burger market.

Sources: QSR Web

Restaurant Owners Discuss Procurement Services and POS Systems 💼💳

Clear Hospitality Network Inquiry

A restaurant owner seeks advice on Clear Hospitality Network, a procurement service claiming to negotiate better prices.

• Community Feedback:
  • Some believe independent negotiation is possible without such services.
  • Skepticism about the company's transparency and effectiveness.
  • Legal misconceptions were clarified regarding the Robinson-Patman Act.

Alternative methods include working directly with suppliers for similar savings.

Savor Live POS vs. Square Discussion

• Considerations:
  • Users have varied experiences with Savor Live POS.
  • Square is preferred by many for its comprehensive features.
  • Toast is an alternative but is more costly.

The consensus leans towards sticking with established systems like Square for reliability.

Sources: /r/restaurantowners

Bar Owners Navigate Industry Challenges 🍸🔍

Selling a Bar

• A bar owner seeks advice on selling their award-winning establishment.
• Recommendations include:
  • Determining the bar's value beyond net income.
  • Hiring a reputable broker.
  • Considering NYC's competitive market conditions.

Liquor License Regulations

• A restaurateur faces strict liquor sale codes requiring 50% food sales.
• Suggestions:
  • Applying for an exception.
  • Hiring a knowledgeable lawyer.
  • Partnering with local developers.

Navigating regulations is crucial for business success.

Sources: /r/BarOwners, /r/restaurateur

Employee Safety and Policies in Restaurants 🥾⚠️

Slip-Resistant Shoe Policy

• An employer refuses to mandate slip-resistant shoes despite OSHA requirements.
• Community Advice:
  • File an OSHA complaint.
  • Provide shoes for employees or implement payroll deductions.
  • Prioritize safety over costs.

Ensuring employee safety can prevent legal issues and promote a healthy work environment.

Sources: /r/Restaurant_Managers

E. coli Outbreak Discussions Among Fast Food Fans 🍔😷

Due to a recent E. coli outbreak, fast food chains are removing onions from menus.

• Customer Reactions:
  • Concerns about whether dehydrated onions are also affected.
  • Worries about the impact on favorite menu items.
  • Discussions highlight food safety awareness.

Sources: /r/fastfood

Restaurant Industry Concerns and Advice Requests 📣🤔

Credit Card Loss or Scam?

• A restaurant owner suspects a scam when a customer claims to have lost a credit card.
• Advice:
  • Always ask for ID.
  • Keep detailed records of lost items.
  • Be vigilant against fraudulent attempts.

Tips for a New Hostess

• A 15-year-old starting at IHOP seeks advice.
• Community Tips:
  • Stay calm and smile.
  • Manage wait times effectively.
  • Build good relationships with staff.

Back-Pay Issues

• An employee hasn't been paid for nearly four months.
• Suggested Actions:
  • Contact the Department of Labor.
  • Document everything.
  • Consider legal action or new employment.

Sources: /r/restaurant

Bar Owners Discuss Creative Solutions and Regulations 🍻🔧

Using a Kitchen Walk-in for Kegs

• A bar owner considers storing kegs in a kitchen walk-in cooler.
• Community Input:
  • Mixed opinions on feasibility.
  • Concerns about cross-contamination.
  • Suggestions to manage space and cleanliness effectively.

Protection Racket Discussion

• Bar owners share experiences with protection rackets.
• Insights:
  • Considered a thing of the past.
  • Some mention subtle pressures from local entities.
  • Emphasis on changing dynamics in urban business.

Sources: /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!