The US restaurant industry is seeing an all-time high in the number of active restaurant locations. Experts at Datassential report that over 860,000 active units are now operating, compared to 842,000 in 2019. But some metropolitan areas are thriving more than others. We look at two of the top performing metro areas — Dallas and […]
As of early 2026, across dozens of jurisdictions, plastic bags are being phased out. We give you the lowdown on the plastic bag bans, the adversaries, the economic reality for restaurants, and how to approach customer messaging. States With Plastic Bag Bans As of January 1, 2026, many regions have moved beyond partial restrictions to […]
In honor of Black History Month (BHM), we’ve curated a list that features five world-class restaurants and six extraordinary individuals. Each of our picks highlights chefs and entrepreneurs who are establishing a new legacy and sharing their lived experiences of the African diaspora. Baobab Fare – Nadia Nijimbere Mamba & Hamissi Mamba Detroit, MIWebsite | […]
EPR laws are adding significant complexity to the foodservice supply chain, particularly for packaging. Equipment and smallwares distributors are caught in this shift and are adapting to meet evolving regulatory and market demands for sustainability. States Pass Laws Shifting Packaging Waste Costs to Producers The emergence of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws across various states […]
We are thrilled to announce that Wasserstrom has won the 2024 Taco Bell Star Award for Equipment and Smallwares Supplier of the Year Award, presented by YUM! Brands. The Star Award is presented to suppliers who demonstrate outstanding performance in areas such as customer service, product quality, and innovation. This marks Wasserstrom’s fifth Star Award, and our […]
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the culinary world lost a legend. Anne Burrell, beloved celebrity chef and Food Network icon, passed away at her Brooklyn home at the age of 55 after being found unresponsive early that morning. Born on September 21, 1969, in Cazenovia, New York, Anne cultivated her love of cooking alongside her […]
We are pleased to announce that The Wasserstrom Company has been named the 2025 Service Vendor of the Year from the fresh Mediterranean restaurant chain, CAVA. We are thrilled to accept this award as a company; however, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Megan Kimple, Sales Representative specializing in National Chain Accounts, and […]
We are pleased to announce that Cathy King, Executive Vice President of Sales here at The Wasserstrom Company, has been invited to join the National Restaurant Association’s (NRA) Supply Chain Expert Exchange. This advisory board is a group recognized for its education and information exchange relative to supply chain best practices. Now, she will share […]
Former Wasserstrom employee and famed American game show host, Chuck Woolery, died in his home on Saturday, at the age of 83. Charles Herbert Woolery, born 1941 in Ashland, Kentucky, best known as the charismatic original host of Wheel of Fortune and Love Connection, had a diverse career before and after his TV fame. After […]
We are proud to announce that Wasserstrom has been named Equipment Vendor of the Year by International Dairy Queen Inc. (IDQ), the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ), which is the franchisor of the DQ® restaurant system. The award was presented at the DQ Supply Chain Summit 2024 on September 12th by Kevin […]
The topic of inclusion is now at the forefront of American discourse. Yet we have overlooked, forgotten, or were completely unaware of one population: the millions of people with disabilities that are not able to use standard public restrooms. Imagine a child not being able to go on field trips with their classmates, because the […]
Discerning consumers are interested in the origin story behind their food. Regenerative agriculture has emerged as a powerful approach that aligns perfectly with this evolving demand. We’ll explain the regenerative agriculture fundamentals and provide resources and tips to get started on incorporating ingredients from these sustainable farms. What Is Regenerative Agriculture? Regenerative agriculture is a […]
Recently, after ordering a grilled cheese kids meal at a restaurant in South Carolina, an adorable five-year-old suffered an allergic reaction. The child quickly exhibited the painful symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and fell ill. Prior to eating, the child’s diligent and informed mother asked her waitress to confirm there was no sesame in the […]
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has implemented a new regulation called the Food Traceability Rule or FSMA 204. This rule aims to create a better food safety system by tracking high-risk ingredients through the supply chain. We explain the Food Traceability Rule’s key points and help you determine if your restaurant is required to […]
The restaurant industry is abuzz with a concept borrowed from other sectors: dynamic pricing. This strategy involves adjusting menu prices based on factors like time of day, customer demand, and even weather. While not entirely new, technology and consumer interest are creating a potential tipping point for its widespread adoption. Dynamic Pricing in the News […]
Fast food is a fascinating segment of the restaurant industry because when it comes to creativity, there are no rules. Recently, KFC unleashed one such innovation: the Chizza. Read on to learn about this new menu item from KFC that has fried chicken and pizza enthusiasts rejoicing. What Is Chizza? KFC’s Chizza marries fried chicken […]