There are five fundamental factors that health inspectors like to see during an inspection because they are indicative of functionality, safety, and thoughtfulness. For health inspectors, these focus areas reveal what’s happening when no one is watching. 1. Transparency Inspectors have a sixth sense for artifice, so for them, transparency is everything to the point […]
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 […]
Eleven host cities across the US are gearing up for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ this June. Bars and restaurants in these host cities and beyond are already refining their strategy to make the most of this world celebration. They’re bringing the energy, the gear, and world-class hospitality to properly welcome our friends from across […]
Menus in 2026 need the sauce to attract customers and to both create and satisfy cravings. Here’s the latest research on consumer preferences and why sauces are modern-menu champions. A Proverb for Your KPIs The French have long said, c’est la sauce qui fait manger le poisson, or “it is the sauce that makes the […]
Some restaurant and banquet hall operators are moving away from gas to all-induction suites because magnetic cooking addresses problems within commercial kitchens that fire simply cannot. Here are four of the reasons why chefs love an all-induction kitchen. 1. Cooking in “Impossible” Locations Restaurant operators in cities with strict preservation laws, historic districts, or glass […]
One lesson new operators often learn the hard way is that opening a restaurant requires a strategic balance between aesthetics and the reality of day-to-day operations. To prevent mishaps before they start, we identify three common tableware errors often made by those new to the commercial foodservice industry. Choosing Style Without Substance Without the functionality […]
Global food and beverage flavor trends used to move slowly and often predictably. They followed people with passports, platforms, and purchasing power. Now, with the integration of AI, the mechanics of influence have changed. Pre-Data Discovery Previously, flavor trends that for instance, traveled from Oaxaca to a snack aisle in Ohio, were largely chef-driven. In […]
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 | […]
The world of peppers is expanding rapidly, with programs like the World Vegetable Center releasing over 37 new varieties in 2025 alone. In this article, we list our favorite new hot pepper hybrids and the opportunities they present for chefs and mixologists. Put These Peppers to Work Agricultural breeding is in a high-growth phase. To […]
Espresso martini fans know that their drink is not complete without three coffee beans resting on top. What they tend to not know is the story behind those beans and what they represent. We lay it all out so you can wow your customers with some context and fun facts about their go-to cocktail. Why […]
Every time a customer chooses your restaurant, they face a significant risk: disappointment. The first time a customer orders, they are evaluating dozens of factors including portion, texture, temperature, presentation, and perceived value. When that same customer returns, they are trying to bypass an evaluation. The moment they see the plate wherein the fries, the […]
The Michelin Guide, a prestigious and confidential system for rating restaurants, has become a potentially powerful economic driver for cities and states in the United States. However, the prestige now comes with a significant price tag, as the guidebook’s expansion into new US markets is underpinned by substantial financial contributions from state and city tourism […]
Beverages benefit from careful temperature control, but few are as profoundly affected as sake. While wine culture often stresses narrow temperature windows, sake offers an unusually wide yet specific range, from cold to steaming hot. Restaurants and hospitality operators serving sake must understand that these temperature tiers are necessary for deciding when and how to […]
Ever wonder why some people absolutely cannot stand the taste of broccoli or why black coffee tastes intensely bitter to others? The answer lies in a physiological trait known as supertasting. In this article, we explore how supertasters are discovered, how they react to different flavors, and how they navigate their professional pursuits within the […]
“Ideas are like pizza dough, made to be tossed around.” – Anna Quindlen. While classic pizza crust remains a masterpiece of simplicity, some chefs are mixing it up by forgoing normal flour for ancient grains. These varietals offer a chance to introduce a bread-course quality to your pizza program. We cover four great ideas for […]
The oven rack or pan you choose greatly influences the precision and consistency of food presented to your guests. Wire, solid, or perforated surfaces change the way airflow, heat transfer, and moisture interacts and influence your ingredients. Because these distinctions affect your finished product, this short guide will help you understand each of the three […]