Sysco makes a big move to pave the way for AI

The distribution giant is revising its board to facilitate adoption of the technology, a key part of its plan to cut costs by $100 million.

Weekly Takeaway: AI’s ripple effects, 2027 industry forecast and more

Following up on Go2MarketEdge and AI, 2027’s less-than-rosy FAFH forecast and more industry news.

Retail Foodservice Roundup: California Pizza Kitchen kiosks, 7 Brew grocery debut and more

The news you may have missed from the world of c-store and grocery store foodservice.

August 21: 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.

Office workers are returning to their desks at a faster rate, study finds

But the rate of return varies widely by geography and day of the week, the Placer.ai data show.

Pete Suerken resigns as Wendy’s U.S. chief to head its purchasing co-op again

He has led the burger giant’s domestic operations for just over a year.

Report: High fuel prices are taking the gas out of FAFH spending

Pain at the pump is forcing consumers to change their food-and-beverage spending habits, according to new Association research.

Gen Alpha is becoming a food-away-from-home force

Restaurant brands and food manufacturers are starting to pay attention to the youngest group of consumers.

Nigel Travis has some advice for navigating today’s challenging FAFH environment

At Presidents Conference, the current chairman of Jersey Mike’s and past CEO of Dunkin’ will share insights from his long career for fostering the culture to deal with the new realities.

G2ME attendees learn how tech ideas turn into AI giants

Tech incubator Plug and Play showed how it supports startups with know-how, office space and investments of as little as $50,000.

G2ME attendees got a peek of AI’s advanced capabilities for FAFH

The conference included a review of how the technology is currently being used in the business, from simple steps to sales cultivation.

Executive Summary Go2MarketEdge 2026

Here’s a look at what happened over the three days of Go2MarketEdge 2026

Retail Foodservice Roundup: Good news for 2027, H-E-B upgrades and more

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

The Weekly Takeaway: Proposed GRAS rule and what it means for food away from home

Special guest Dr. Joy Dubost discusses the latest developments around Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) ingredients.

August 14: 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.

2027 Forecast: Pressured consumer continues to strain FAFH

But there are some bright spots ahead, particularly in retail foodservice, according to the Association’s latest IFMA Scope® data.

G2ME attendees added a new term to their tech vocabularies: MCP

The technology allows a user’s AI system to talk with virtually all outside data sources, using plain language and the usual prompt process.

Fearful of AI? Then start small, G2ME speakers agreed

Attendees were given a glimpse of how much the technology can do. But they were advised to think in terms of singles and doubles, not homeruns.

Here’s how Google keeps meetings from interrupting productivity

The king of search has strict limits on the sessions’ length, content and preparation expectations. The SOPs are facilitators for innovating on AI.

Retail Foodservice Roundup: Grocery meal solutions, GLP-1 impact, 7-Eleven back to school

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

FDA releases its GRAS plan

The long-awaited proposed rule would require food manufacturers to notify the agency when they use Generally Recognized as Safe ingredients.

August 7: 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.

With AI’s use spreading, the new search concern is GEO

Search Engine Optimization is a prime goal when buyers use traditional search methods. But with product research now being done through AI, how do suppliers keep their brands front-and-center? Here are some tips.

Why a compass may be better than a map in pursuing your AI goals

The effort may require some changes in a user’s business approach. And above all else, just keep swimming.

The Weekly Takeaway: Go2MarketEdge, ingredient regulations, beverage news

Go2MarketEdge event, ingredient regulations, beverage innovation and more stories impacting the food-away-from-home industry.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MAHA asks hospitals to promise healthier patient meals

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

July 1 brings major changes for FAFH operators

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

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.

Kroger wants to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65B

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

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.

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.

Allen to retire as IFDA chief

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.