The industry might experience its own version of spring cleaning this month. It’s out with the old and in with the new as consumers start to kick soy to the curb and legislators try to find ways to get rid of the gender wage gap.
Some cafes are trading espresso grounds for herbs and spices with healing properties. Chicago’s Oromo Cafe created the Golden Mylk Latte (above) with almond milk and ashwagandha, an herb with stress-relieving claims, and California chain M Cafe added a turmeric latte.
Soy is now falling from favor as a meat substitute, according to Technomic’s Seafood & Vegetarian Consumer Trend Report. Only 39% of consumers prefer the option as a protein substitute, compared to 45% last year.
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh passed bills barring employers from asking about potential hires’ past wages in an effort to legislate more equitable pay for women. This follows similar legislation in Massachusetts.
The Bottom Line: A combination of rising costs and weakening sales, and more expensive debt, has caused real problems for restaurant chains. But the industry is also really difficult.
The sandwich giant closed more than 400 U.S. restaurants last year, continuing a long string of net closures. It also generated a lot more revenue from suppliers in 2023.
Taste Tracker: Lucille’s Smokehouse cooks up BBQ feasts; baked falafel comes to Taziki’s; borracho beans return to Fuzzy’s; Panera celebrates Derby Day and Jimmy John’s has a gift for moms.