How Amazon approaches product innovation

By design, it’s the reverse of the conventional process.

Here’s what Google thinks is next in AI

Get ready for humanoid robots and new delivery technology.

Go2MarketEdge opens with a look at AI’s actual use in FAFH

The kickoff included a mini-case history of how the technology is sparing restaurants from back-of-house breakdowns.

Cyclospora Outbreak Expands and Chipotle Removes Jalapenos

Cyclospora outbreak expands, Chipotle removes jalapenos and other food safety updates. Plus, two deaths have now been attributed to the iceberg lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak.

25 states sue to overturn Trump’s latest tariffs

A lawsuit filed in the court that struck down Trump’s earlier duties contends the surcharges imposed July 24 are based on a bogus rationale.

Food groups press Congress for federal ingredient legislation

A letter signed by 270 organizations calls for national action to avert the inefficiencies of forcing manufacturers to meet a patchwork of state regulations.

Hemp-THC beverage ban may win a delay

But the legislation, if approved by Congress, would only buy the segment’s advocates another month before November prohibition is set to take effect.

August 3: The latest on MAHA and related developments

A roundup of regulatory developments affecting the food-away-from-home business, including policy changes that are part of the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.

The beverage flood continues

Chains like Starbucks, KFC and 7-Eleven are fueling consumer demand for innovative drinks.

The White House has good news for distributors

The Administration is aiming to enlarge the pool of truck drivers available to haulers by sweetening the incentives for military vets.

Sysco alerts customers to a data theft

A hacker group has claimed credit for a security breach that it says has compromised 61 million files.

The Weekly Takeaway: Cyclospora continues, 7-Eleven CEO, Gen Z drinking

A historic egg recall, new 7-Eleven CEO, keeping up with past Gold & Silver Plate winners and more stories impacting the food-away-from-home industry.

World Cup wasn’t a boon for all. Ask Kansas City’s restaurants

A majority found the soccer tournament to be a negative experience, with 51.3% reporting a decline in sales.

Silver Plate winners in the news

Several past recipients of the prestigious award have made headlines in recent weeks as they undertake new endeavors in their professional and personal lives.

Restaurant closings neared 7,600 in 2026’s first half, study finds

The shutdowns were almost evenly split between chain units and independents, and QSRs had the highest casualties.

Retail Foodservice Roundup: What consumers want from c-store food, RaceTrac’s big food bet and more

Here’s the news you may have missed this week in the world of c-store and grocery foodservice.

Gen Z is finding its way back to the bar

Alcohol consumption among those born between 1997 and 2012 is climbing after years of declines, according to new research.

A massive egg recall is underway

The call for the return of more than 19 million whole eggs from Texas is believed to be the third largest egg recall in U.S. history.

July 24: The latest on MAHA and related developments

A roundup of regulatory developments affecting the food-away-from-home business, including policy changes that are part of the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.

7-Eleven finds a CEO in a former Keurig Dr Pepper exec

Mauricio Leyva is the new chief executive of the convenience-store giant.

Trump replaces expiring tariffs with a new round of duties

The surcharges this time are based on a legal provision the U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled upon in the Administration’s favor.

The Weekly Takeaway: Cyclospora, immigration, grocery store foodservice

The ongoing cyclospora outbreak, upcoming changes to immigration regulations, innovations in grocery and c-store foodservice and more stories impacting the food-away-from-home industry.

Widening cyclospora outbreak fuels debate over food safety safeguards

The Trump Administration defends earlier cutbacks in safety processes and personnel. Meanwhile, a new contamination has been detected.

Ken Toong wins the 2026 Minah Award

The longtime driving force behind UMass-Amherst's celebrated campus dining program was saluted for the stamp he’s put on C&U foodservice.

World Cup proves a restaurant boon

Most establishments in New York City that aired the matches reported an upswing in business—and expenses.

Trump tries a new route for imposing tariffs, starting with Canada

The president is invoking a 95-year-old law to justify new 50% tariffs on cheeses, alcoholic beverages and select other products imported from the North.

Questions abound as FDA misses on cyclospora call

Lettuce is still suspected to be the cause of the contamination, but the hunt is back on for proof.

July 20: The latest on MAHA and related developments

A roundup of regulatory developments affecting the food-away-from-home business, including policy changes that are part of the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.

Retail Foodservice Roundup: Regional grocer adds a kid’s meal, Circle K dives into brand collab

Here’s the news you may have missed this week in the world of c-store and grocery foodservice.

Florida investigates use of a food additive

The state says it wants to learn what buyers of General Mills products have been told about the ingredient, a flour additive.

Feds on cyclospora trace-back: It ain’t over yet

Although iceberg lettuce served in some Taco Bell stores has been cited as a likely source, the CDC says there could be additional origins.

Mass layoffs expected later this month as immigrant protections lapse

The Trump Administration has advised food-away-from-home companies and other employers to discharge workers who lose their TPS status on July 24.

With a deadline approaching, tariffs could be back on the front burner

Trump’s justification for the duties currently being collected sunsets on July 24. But he’s already talking about new surcharges.

Retail Foodservice Roundup: Cumberland Farms IPO, Walmart prices, gas station matcha and more

Here’s the news you may have missed this week in the world of c-store and grocery foodservice.

Health officials flummoxed by cyclospora contaminations

As the outbreak spreads to thousands of consumers across 31 states, the search continues for the source.

July 10: The latest on MAHA and related developments

A roundup of regulatory developments affecting the food-away-from-home business, including policy changes that are part of the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.

MAHA asks hospitals to promise healthier patient meals

The Trump Administration wants healthcare facilities to follow eight principles of its dietary platform.

Here are the food brands getting the most bang for their World Cup marketing

An analysis from YouGov shows that sponsorship isn’t the only route to building awareness among soccer fans.

Feds accuse egg suppliers of price manipulation

A lawsuit filed by the Trump Administration and 17 states aims to prevent egg suppliers from participating in an alleged ploy to inflate costs.

Looking for ingredient ‘common ground’ in FAFH

IFMA The Food Away from Home Association is creating an operator-manufacturer working group to develop ingredient standards.

FAFH Ingredient Standards: Finding Common Ground

Bringing together manufacturers and operators to find common ground on what "nutritionally viable" means and determine guidelines for products across six key categories.

Blurred lines likely to help FAFH industry this summer, NRA reports

Restaurant-prepared dishes will be central to at-home celebrations, the Association found.

July 6: The latest on MAHA and related developments

A roundup of regulatory developments affecting the food-away-from-home business, including policy changes that are part of the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.

Retail Foodservice Roundup: Casey’s food focus, 7-Eleven’s hot sandwiches, a grocery sushi lawsuit

Here’s the news you may have missed this week in the world of c-store and grocery foodservice.

Restaurant groups ask feds to let unsanctioned Haitians and Syrians keep restaurant jobs

The associations want a “transition period” before the TPS beneficiaries lose their legal status.

Not done celebrating? Here’s more from FAFH’s past

The country sports several locations where the industry’s history is on display.

Pat Liebler is named CEO of Aramark’s new operation for AI centers

As the CEO and president of Aramark Nexus, Liebler is charged with staking out a presence in the growing niche.

July 1 brings major changes for FAFH operators

The turn of the calendar means updates to allergen and fee disclosure rules and more.

Kroger wants to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65B

Acquiring the regional grocer is a good strategic fit for Kroger, CEO Greg Foran said.

Knicks’ victory brought gold to NYC’s FAFH businesses, too

The New York Knicks’ dramatic win of the NBA championship proved a bonanza for the Big Apple’s food-away-from-home industry

June 2026: Welcome Our New Members

Meet our newest members: Big Mozz (premium mozzarella sticks), Elevation Foods (prepared foods), and Morton Salt (iconic seasoning brand). Plus discover Conga, an AI-powered platform automating pricing, quoting, and contracts.

June 26: The latest on MAHA and related developments

A roundup of regulatory developments affecting the food-away-from-home business, including policy changes that are part of the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.

Allen to retire as IFDA chief

He plans to step down as CEO early next year after 27 years with the association.

Louisiana readies steep fines for sellers of mislabeled seafood

Marketing commingled imported and domestically caught fish as U.S.-sourced will bring fines of $15K and up.

17 states sue to block California’s EPR law

In a federal action, the plaintiffs contend the measure has implications that extend to packaging manufacturers and users beyond the Golden State.

Fuel prices are expected to dampen consumer travel this 4th

The exception will likely be traveling by cruise ships, which have the advantage of having meals included in the packaged price, AAA says.

Innovation roundup: What’s happening beyond AI

Batteries offer restaurants cost relief, Kraft Heinz has a new end-to-end supply system, stablecoin gets attention in the credit card wars.

250 years of American eating: How nutrition trends have reshaped the FAFH industry

From the discovery of vitamins to fortified milk to the Food Pyramid, here’s how we got to the Make America Healthy Again movement that’s changing today’s food world.

Retail Foodservice Roundup: 7-Eleven heats up restaurant growth, Casey’s sees a future in wings

Here’s the news you may have missed this week in the world of c-store and grocery foodservice.

June 19: The latest on MAHA and related developments

A roundup of regulatory developments affecting the food-away-from-home business, including policy changes that are part of the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.

What celebs have worked in restaurants? A better question might be, Who hasn’t?

The industry has provided work to some of the biggest names in fields ranging from crime to politics. Here’s a look at some of the more surprising examples.

Retail Foodservice Roundup: Walmart Depots, RaceTrac-Potbelly and more

Here’s the news you may have missed this week in the world of c-store and grocery foodservice.

FDA gets mixed results in a test of food traceability readiness

Most participants in the real-world trial were able to meet the requirements, but the agency concluded that further prep is needed.

Here’s proof the MAHA movement will be a midterm election issue

The controversial health initiative is figuring into the platforms of both candidates for the governorship of Iowa.

Despite the lack of visible action, new packaging regs haven’t stalled

EPR initiatives are under consideration in at least 14 more states, with no pre-emptive activity evident on the federal level.

Fedele Bauccio to step down as Bon Appetit CEO

The staunch advocate of local, sustainable foods will be succeeded later this year by Compass’ Canadian chief, Saajid Kahn.

Want to hitch your sales to the protein boom? Here’s what to know

Consumers are now far more interested in a menu item’s protein content than in its calorie count. Here’s how that shift is affording an opportunity.

5 takeaways from Day 1 of the Virtual Marketing & Sales Conference

The event, presented by IFMA The Food Away from Home Association, offered up expert insights for driving growth in a tricky market.

Specialty distributor suspects it could be a takeover target

HF Foods says it’s learned an unknown party may be amassing its stock.

June 15: The latest on MAHA and related developments

A roundup of regulatory developments affecting the food-away-from-home business, including policy changes that are part of the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.

Want to look smarter? Give your FAFH vocabulary these updates

The market (and some lawmakers) are altering what’s meant by familiar industry terms.

Before Americans went car crazy, restaurants found a growth partner in railroads

The industry grew in its early days literally alongside railways. No dining establishment was more famous than the nation’s first restaurant chain, Harvey House.

Menu inflation quickens in May, widening the gap with grocery prices

New BLS figures show FAFH prices are now running 3.5% above where they were a year ago.

Purchasing co-ops not on your radar? Learn why they should be

A session of the upcoming Virtual Sales & Marketing conference will look at Denny’s new initiative and why more chains are setting up the purchasing formats for franchisees.

Retail Foodservice Roundup: Walmart adds restaurant delivery, Whole Foods launches Supper Club

Here’s the news you may have missed this week in the world of c-store and grocery foodservice.

FAFH industry learns how AI is already changing the business

A one-day Tastewise summit focused on how the technology is actually being used to develop products.

June 5: The latest on MAHA and related developments

A roundup of regulatory developments affecting the food-away-from-home business, including policy changes that are part of the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.

Media Sponsorships America250

The series will run through July, the 250th anniversary of that initial step toward the creation of the United States of America. Interested in sponsoring installments of our special report on 250 years of American dining?

FAFH industry catches World Cup fever

The massive soccer event is a chance for brands across many segments to market to a global stage.

Some key FAFH figures of the last 250 years were real clowns

Not to mention cows, Quakers and tigers with a booming voice. Join us for a look back at some of the mascots who’ve shaped the business.

Hilton pushes further into C&U hospitality with new hotel line

The lodging giant intends to develop a string of properties that specifically target college-campus visitors, including visiting sports teams.

Beverage LTOs flooded the chain market in 2025

Datassential’s new ranking of the 500 biggest restaurant chains shows that nine new beverage options were added for every food extension.

Retail Foodservice Roundup: Dolly Parton gets into c-store biz, summer drink promos and more

Here’s the news you may have missed this week in the world of c-store and grocery foodservice.

News roundup: Tyson to get a new chief, World Cup set to disrupt supply chains, Ohio tests drinks

Here’s a quick look at industry stories that may have slipped past.

June 1: The latest on MAHA and related developments

A roundup of regulatory developments affecting the food-away-from-home business, including policy changes that are part of the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.

Problems arise in the refund of tariff money

Amid signs of trouble, a federal court is demanding an update from the Trump Administration on how the reimbursement is going.

May 2026: Welcome Our New Members

Welcome The Vita Coco Company, a leading coconut water brand; Redaptive, a provider of scalable infrastructure modernization solutions; and SafeScan, offering X-ray inspection services for foreign material detection.

Burger chains are hearing the footsteps of chicken and beverage concepts

The new Datassential 500 report finds LSR burger specialists still on top, but with the other segments eroding their lead.

Have we reached peak protein? Not yet

Consumers want to see more high-protein options for away-from-home dining, according to the Association’s latest Consumer & Operator Research Group report.

Retail Foodservice Roundup: Kwik Trip’s food earns acclaim,deli prepared foods keep growing and more

Here’s the news you may have missed this week in the world of c-store and grocery foodservice.

Lobster prices soar as diesel costs take a toll

Some places are charging $50 or more for a lobster roll.

May 22: The latest on MAHA and related developments

A roundup of regulatory developments affecting the food-away-from-home business, including policy changes that are part of the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.

News roundup: NYC hotel workers get huge raise while restaurant hourlies have to skip meals

Here’s a quick look at industry stories that may have slipped past.

Leadership lessons from restaurant CEOs Chip Wade and Jerry Morgan

The industry superstars regaled attendees of the Association’s Education Summit with tales of resiliency and determination as they rose through the FAFH industry ranks.

A roadmap to success? Tomorrow’s FAFH pros got a veritable atlas at the Education Summit

The event brought industry standouts together with students considering a career in one of the many channels afforded by the business.

Gold & Silver Plate celebration offers a sharp rebuttal to industry bashers

A dead-end industry of last resort? Not to the stellar successes who gathered Saturday night.

Meet the icon receiving this year’s Legends award, Richard ‘Dick’ Marriott

He was born into the industry and a famous family, but the affiliation earned him a spatula instead of a silver spoon.

USHG CEO Chip Wade named 2026 Gold Plate winner

Chip Wade, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, wins the prestigious 2026 Gold Plate Award from IFMA, recognizing outstanding leadership in the foodservice industry.

How Chip Wade is putting his own stamp on Union Square Hospitality

Running a company while its founder is still actively involved can be a challenge. If that founder happens to be Danny Meyer, the Yoda of fine dining, a successor would have to be dumber than a rock to shun the input. And Chip Wade, CEO of Meyer’s U

Silver Plate winner and ‘Mealtime Messiah’ Michael P. Berry dies at 77

He earned his award for bringing innovation to his management of the foodservices of Harvard