Higher gas prices are creating a mild slowdown for national limited‑service chains while local full‑service restaurants remain more resilient. Traffic data and earnings commentary point to consumers tightening budgets, cooking more at home and favoring local operators over national brands, per Advan Research.
As affordability concerns intensify, shoppers are increasingly turning to Costco, Sam’s Club, and other warehouse retailers for value. But experts told FI smaller grocers still have ways to compete – especially through specialty, ethnic, and hard-to-find products.
Kyle Diamantas, a corporate lawyer turned food policy chief, is set to step in as acting FDA commissioner after Marty Makary’s turbulent exit. His appointment raises fresh questions for F&B leaders watching regulatory shifts on safety, processing, and nicotine products.
Prepared foods sections of grocery stores and convenience chains are gradually eating into the waning food-away-from-home dollars formerly reserved for foodservice. Lunch day part declines are especially noticeable in the new market.
Lawmakers are pushing to let SNAP dollars cover hot prepared foods, putting rotisserie chickens and deli meals in play for retailers. Public health experts say the move helps time strapped families but doesn’t replace lost nutrition education.
Mathieu Brisson of Prestige Maple Products shares how maple sugar and maple syrup are having a moment, recorded live at SIAL Canada 2026.
Mathieu Brisson of Prestige Maple Products shares how maple sugar and maple syrup are having a moment, recorded live at SIAL Canada 2026.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on the surprising optimism of small business owners these days.
Julie Chapon shares the origin story of Yuka, which began as a personal mission to decode confusing food labels.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast discusses a new survey that reveals many consumers are completely fed up with America’s tipping practices.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast discusses a new report revealing that 31% of diners are visiting restaurant chains less often due to rising prices.
Fransmart CEO Dan Rowe lays out the restaurant labor market, and challenges operators to view it not as a cost but as a strategic investment.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on breakfast products’ ongoing move beyond the morning daypart, as brands are reformulating products for portability amid demand for all-day breakfast.
John Linehan, president of Irresistible Foods Group, explains how organizational charts are being supplanted in the Capability Era.
The latest FI Fast Break news podcast touches on the encouraging reduction in egg prices in recent weeks, as farmers successfully replenished flocks.
