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A Big Deal: How “Little Treats” Are Redefining Dessert Innovation and Efficiency
“Little treat” culture is having a sizable impact on consumers’ eating habits and opening up sweet opportunities for dessert and snack operators.
Born on social media and embraced by young, digital-native consumers, “little treats” have grown from viral memes into mainstream must-haves.
Nearly 40% of consumers say they’re familiar with the term “little treat,” with awareness highest among Gen Z and Millennials, highlighting how quickly the idea has traveled from social media into everyday food and beverage habits.1
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Healthcare Cafeterias Reimagined: Your Prescription for Driving Profit, Value and Satisfaction
Healthcare dining is evolving fast as operators find inventive ways to deliver more with less.
Fifty-three percent of hospital locations are implementing cost-cutting strategies like maximizing ingredient utilization and buying in bulk to manage expenses and hold prices steady.1 Maintaining affordability is a must, given that the average cafeteria check at healthcare cafeterias ranges from just $4 to $10.1
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A Slice Above: How Branded Desserts Help Drive Sales at Pizza Operations
Pizza operators looking for the secret sauce to gaining a higher check average should turn their attention to branded desserts.
A powerful, low-risk growth opportunity for pizza operators, branded desserts can deliver incremental sales without slowing down operations, complicating kitchen execution or compromising your core pizza-focused menu. In fact, among operators across categories, adding a new dessert is the top reason for increased dessert sales, with 44% citing it as the ultimate business booster.1
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On Course for Success: Pleasing Gen Z Palates at Colleges and Universities
Gen Z is giving college and university away-from-home operators a lot to think about. In fact, they’re reshaping campus dining expectations in a complex and increasingly competitive landscape.
While operator spend in the C&U segment is expected to reach $10.3 billion in 2026, real growth is forecasted to drop by 5% in both 2026 and 2027 under the impact of demographic shifts, evolving learning formats and changing consumption behaviors.1
As a result, understanding what today’s students want to eat and how they want to eat it is critical to feeding the bottom line.
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Pour On the Profits: 4 Dessert Beverage Trends to Watch
Dessert beverages serve double duty as a perfect treat any time of the day. Today’s consumers are thirsty for beverages that feel unique and fun. That’s why sweet beverages are becoming one of foodservice’s strongest growth drivers.1 The payoff for operators? High margins, easy execution and guests willing to splurge on something memorable.
From creative dirty sodas to candy-laden milkshakes, playful spins on cold foam and frozen drinks inspired by classic desserts, operators are stirring up new ways to turn everyday occasions into celebratory moments and extra revenue.1
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Embracing the Sweet Spot: How Nostalgia Is Reshaping Food & Beverage Trends
Nostalgia is more than a feeling. It’s fast becoming one of the most powerful forces shaping food and beverage innovation. From reimagined desserts to candy-flavored beverages, U.S. consumers are gravitating toward flavors and formats that transport them back in time, with just enough modern flair to keep things exciting.
Today’s culinary nostalgia goes well beyond throwback aesthetics. It taps into emotion, comfort, and memory, while offering restaurants and foodservice operators ample room to innovate.
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Sweet Success: How to Take Advantage of 4 LTO Dessert Trends
Dessert isn’t just a cherry on top of a check average; with the right menu planning, it can be an especially sweet sales driver. In fact, as the most prolific LTO category across restaurant segments, with 671 introductions last year alone,1 dessert is the limited-time offer with unlimited potential.
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A World of Opportunity: Make Ice Cream Desserts Hot Sellers With Global Flavors
No pairing is sweeter or more satisfying than summer and ice cream. As the temperature rises, every restaurant operator who gives a lick about boosting summer sales is sure to add ice-cream-based desserts to the menu — the more refreshingly distinctive, the better to stand out in the blur of frozen treats.
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Fall Menu Forecast: Sky’s the Limit for a Cornucopia of Flavors
Every season brings its changes — to the weather and the menu. As autumn approaches, we can count on leaves to drop and demand for fall flavors to rise with pumpkin, maple, caramel and other flavors typically found on menus this time of year.
Fact is, 65% of consumers associate the fall season with special flavors, dishes, beverages and limited-time offers from restaurants.1 And with nearly 60% hungry for limited-edition fall retail items and restaurant specials,1 maximizing your autumn menu mix is table stakes.
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Keep Cool: The Scoop on Meeting Hot Demand for Summer Specials
With the official start to summer around the corner, it's time for a temperature check of what consumers hope to see on the menu. An informed summer menu mix could help you get on a hot streak of sales.
Fact is, 53% of consumers associate the summer season with special flavors, dishes, beverages and limited-time offers, according to the market research firm Datassential.1 And nearly 60% are interested in purchasing restaurant specials and LTOs in the summer.1
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Should You Ban Phones? A Guide for Restaurant Operators
A growing number of restaurants and bars are implementing phone-free policies or providing incentives for guests to unplug. Younger diners are the biggest enthusiasts of this shift as they seek a well-earned break for their digital fatigue. In this article, we look at how restaurants are implementing their no-phone policies and explore the pros and […]
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Your Menu Is Only as Ambitious as Your Tools
We’ve all seen chefs on TV turn out great flavors using unusual ingredients and limited tools. (Truly, who could forget Carrie Baird’s snow-baked cake on Season 15 of Top Chef?) In professional kitchens, however, consistency, and speed matter. Prep work that lags can create a situation wherein a chef’s ambition is routinely outpaced by practical […]
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Pass a Health Inspection With These 5 Tips
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 […]
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Turn Business Catering Into a Reliable Revenue Source for Your Restaurant
Business catering is a tried-and-true way for restaurant operators to improve their profit margins. If you can get your food onto a corporate credit card once, you have a clear path to regularly booking $400 lunch orders that really make a difference to your bottom line. But first, you must get your foot in the […]
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What Makes Texas the Nation’s Most Resilient Restaurant Market?
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 […]
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Win the FIFA World Cup™ Guest Experience
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 […]
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The Secret Sauce Behind Today’s Winning Menus
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 […]
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4 Reasons Chefs Love All-Induction Kitchens
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 […]
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Three Mistakes New Operators Make When Purchasing Dinnerware
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 […]
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Sustainable Solutions for Outdoor Hospitality
As traditional gathering spots like shopping malls decline, more and more, restaurants are stepping in as the primary hubs for social gatherings. This shift is most visible in the increasing demand for outdoor dining spaces. To turn your restaurant into a gathering spot for repeat customers, the outdoor environment needs to match the quality of […]
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AI Has Already Tasted Your Next Flavor Obsession
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 […]
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Will the Plastic Bag Ban Affect Your Restaurant?
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 […]
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BHM: Six Entrepreneurs Building a New Legacy
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 | […]
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Wasserstrom Acquires High-Caliber Foodservice Equipment & Design Firm
We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Breckenridge Kitchen Equipment & Design, located in Huron, OH by The Wasserstrom Company. This move strengthens our equipment project management capabilities and furthers our ability to offer advanced kitchen design while broadening our market reach to a more expansive customer base. Brad Wasserstrom, President of The Wasserstrom Company, noted: “From our first conversation, it was clear that Breckenridge shares our commitment to excellence in foodservice […]
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New Hot Pepper Hybrids for Chefs & Mixologists
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 […]
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Why Your Espresso Martini Needs Three Beans (And Only Three)
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 […]
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4 Ways to Use a Cloche to Enhance Food Presentation
From a culinary perspective, the cloche understands that anticipation is a flavor unto itself. At its simplest, a cloche keeps food warm and free from contamination en route between kitchen and table. However, its uses extend far beyond a protective layer. Here are four exemplary ways to use a cloche in modern dining. 1. Aromatic […]
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Give Your Bar a Dry January Refresh
Now that the holiday circuit is officially over, it’s time to exhale and recalibrate. With Dry January becoming a norm, the prestige of a drink now lies in its complexity rather than its proof. Guests are looking for the same depth of flavor and ritual they find in a vintage cognac, just without the ethanol. […]
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Consistency Is the True Recipe for Return Customers
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 […]
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Tableware Design That Defines Your Brand
Outstanding restaurants express their commitment to artistry through flavor, technique, and presentation. Every element on the table is a deliberate choice that adds or takes away from a restaurant’s narrative, down to the texture of the tablecloth or the transparency of a wine glass. Yet, no choice makes more of a mark than the vessel […]
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The Future Of Flavors 2026
Flavor is a complex, multi-dimensional experience that fosters deeper connections between brands and consumers. In this report highlights, we share with you the where we are now with flavors, and our predictions on the future of flavors in 2 years, 3 years and 5 years. -
Global Drinks Industry Forecast: Trends, Challenges & Innovations
This article distils the latest global drinks industry trends, consumer behaviours and emerging opportunities, powered by Mintel’s expert analysis and proprietary data. -
You Heard It Here First: 7 Mintel Predictions Realized at Expo West 2026
Expo West 2026 offered a clear reflection of several long-running shifts Mintel has been tracking across health, nutrition, and consumer expectations. What stood out most this year was less about flavor innovation and more about a reorientation toward how the body feels—physically, emotionally, and even metabolically. Many of the dominant themes at the show mapped […] -
5 Food and Drink Mega‑Trends for 2026/27
Consumer behaviour in food and drink is shifting fast. Health optimisation, new functional expectations, changing flavour cues and cultural influence are reshaping what consumers want, and how categories will grow. -
What’s Driving Cheese Industry Innovation Across Global Markets?
Are Consumers Still Buying Cheese as a Staple Product? Cheese remains a global staple, but how firmly it holds that position varies across markets. In the US, UK, and Germany, cheese is deeply woven into everyday eating habits, with some of the world’s highest per-capita consumption with strong per-capita spending. Even so, inflation has reshaped […] -
2026 Global Food & Drink Predictions
Learn the three Food & Drink Predictions that will define the next era of the F&D industry. Insights to empower you to anticipate change, inspire action and lead the industry into the future. -
The Health Paradox: How the CPG Sector is Confronting UPFs, Obesity and More
For leaders in the CPG sector, a big question in health today is this: why is the nation getting less and less healthy, despite knowing more about diet and lifestyle than ever before? Since the 1970s, obesity has been rising steadily. We now have endless products, advice, and tools for healthier living. Yet the nation […] -
The Future of Dinner
Discover the 10 battlegrounds shaping the future of dinner in the U.S., from children’s meals to gourmet homemade. -
The Rise of Fiber: How Brands Can Win with the Next ‘Must-Have’ Nutrient
For years, protein has dominated the nutrition spotlight, appearing on everything from breakfast cereals to beverages. Mintel’s GNPD reveals that the percentage of global food and drink products with a high or added protein claim has doubled in the past ten years (client-access only), whereas high or added fiber claims have remained relatively flat. While […] -
The Future of Biscuits and Cookies in India
India’s biscuits and cookies market is evolving. Once seen primarily as indulgent treats, today’s consumers are demanding more—from luxurious melt-in-the-mouth textures to healthier ingredients that balance indulgence with wellness. -
The Future of Spirits and Liqueurs
Black Swan have dropped a new report on how Gen Z is reshaping the world of spirits and liqueurs and it’s not what the category’s been preparing for. Shots are out. Savoury is in. And gut health? That’s the new luxury. -
99% of Aussies Are Snacking: Are You Ready for 2025?
99% of Australians snack regularly*, blending health-conscious choices with indulgent cravings. Discover how chocolate, chips, fruits, and vegetables coexist in this market—and what your brand needs to succeed. -
Cambro Expands East Coast Operations with New 380,000 Sq. Ft. Distribution Center in North Carolina
Cambro has officially opened Holt Distribution Center, a new 380,000-square-foot facility in Mebane, North Carolina, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment in its East Coast operations. Located next door to Cambro’s nearly 500,000 sq.ft. manufacturing facility, the new building allows for a seamless connection between production and distribution. Together, the two facilities […]
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How Tender Greens Took Root
Standing in a buzzing taqueria line in San Francisco, Erik Oberholtzer had a revelation: could chef-driven cuisine be served as quickly and affordably as street food? The idea became Tender Greens, a concept built to deliver “good food, really healthy fresh food, to a lot of people at a price point they could all absorb.” […]
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From Surplus to Solution: How La Soupe Is Revolutionizing Hunger Relief in Cincinnati
A Culinary Mission Born from Compassion In the heart of Cincinnati, La Soupe is tackling food waste and hunger with a bold, chef-driven approach. Founded by Chef Suzy DeYoung, the nonprofit began when Susie learned that many students in local schools had nothing to eat on weekends. Armed with culinary know-how and a passion for […]
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Rogue Island’s Game-Changing Makeover: How a $50K Shelving and Storage Upgrade Transformed One Rhode Island Restaurant
Running a successful two-tier restaurant in a historic downtown building is no small feat—just ask Chef-Owner Ryan Bassett of Rogue Island. Opened in 2013, Rogue Island pays homage to Rhode Island’s storied culinary influences, from French Canadian to Italian and Irish. Yet despite the restaurant’s vibrant menu and loyal following, the space itself posed unique […]
The post Rogue Island’s Game-Changing Makeover: How a $50K Shelving and Storage Upgrade Transformed One Rhode Island Restaurant appeared first on the CAMBRO blog.
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The Authenticity ‘The Bear’ Captures About the Restaurant Industry
While movies like Chef, Burnt and Waiting… have spotlighted the fast-paced, high-pressure world of the foodservice industry, only one television show stands out in its realistic depiction of this environment: The Bear. This series has captured the hearts and minds of both food enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, thanks to its authentic portrayal of kitchen […]
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Cambro Manufacturing Breaks Ground on New 380,000 Sq. Ft. Facility in North Carolina
Cambro Manufacturing held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, June 12, for their new 380,000 sq. ft. distribution facility in Mebane, North Carolina. The new building will be across from their current 500,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility that opened less than 10 years ago. Cambro is thrilled to expand its operations to better serve its customers […]
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How Wolf Connection Provides Soul Food for Visitors
In the shadowy wilderness, wolves emerge as enigmatic and often misunderstood creatures, captivating the human imagination with their mysterious presence. Far removed from the sinister portrayals that have permeated folklore and popular culture, these majestic beings embody a complex tapestry of intelligence, family bonds and ecological significance. When it comes to wolves and humans, a […]
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5 Ways Cambro Products Will Help Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions
We’re going to help you make your 2024 mantra “New Year, New Me,” for real this time. Let’s be honest, we’ve all set goals that were more fleeting than a New Year’s Eve party hat. But fear not, fellow resolution renegades, because we’re serving up a buffet of tips and tricks to help you stick […]
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The Best of Cambro Blogs: Top 2023 Reads
As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, it’s time to reflect on the insightful, innovative and downright captivating content that graced the digital pages of the Cambro Blog. In the ever-evolving landscape of culinary excellence, foodservice trends and cutting-edge industry solutions, our blog has been a beacon of knowledge, keeping readers abreast of the […]
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Baking Bread and Breaking Stereotypes: The Extraordinary Bakery Redefining Special Abilities
They say it takes a village, and that’s exactly what The Village Bakery proves. Dana Bellefeuille, her husband and their two kids with special needs had a lot of experience being around kids with many different abilities. As part of one of her kids’ education, they worked at a local hospital focusing on job and […]
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