National Restaurant Association: Food Costs & Wholesale Food Prices Rose for the Third Time in Four Months
The Producer Price Index for All Foods rose 0.4% from April to May, marking the third increase in four months and pushing the overall food price index nearly 3% higher over that period. Sharp gains in dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fats and oils drove the latest uptick. On a 12‑month basis the index is only 0.1% higher, but it remains 35% above its February 2020 pre‑pandemic level. Commodity‑specific movements vary widely, with fresh vegetables up over 120% YoY while eggs fell 86.5%.
RestaurantData.com’s Pre&Opening Alerts. Week Ending – 06/10/2026
RestaurantData.com’s weekly Pre&Opening Alerts highlight six new restaurant locations slated to open between June and July 2026. The list includes Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen in Temple, TX; Just Salad in Odessa, FL; Mountain Mike’s Pizza in Murphy, TX; Playa Bowls in...
National Restaurant Association Quarterly Consumer Insights Survey Q2 2026
The National Restaurant Association’s Q2 2026 Consumer Insights Survey shows a split financial sentiment among Americans, with two‑thirds feeling positive but rising caution. Thirty‑five percent regularly spend more than they earn, and 36 % are cutting back on restaurant spending, especially younger...
Sample Pre&Opening Alerts From the Last Week. Week Ending – 06/02/2026
Buffalo Wild Wings will open a new sports‑bar restaurant in Houston, Texas, in October 2026, taking over a former Fuddruckers site. Cava is adding two fast‑casual Mediterranean locations in Austin (summer) and New Braunfels (July) as part of its 389‑unit...
New and Cool at the Show: Drinks, Spices, Alternative Beef Win the Day
At the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, exhibitors spotlighted THC‑infused low‑calorie drinks, sugar‑free mocktail syrups, award‑winning black truffle crumbles, plant‑based beef alternatives, and a Dubai‑chocolate pistachio phyllo dessert. Over 53,000 industry professionals attended, confirming strong interest in functional,...
GLP&1 and Restaurants: Shifting Habits, Not Shrinking Demand
A recent National Restaurant Association survey finds roughly one in eight U.S. adults are using GLP‑1 medications, a figure that could climb to 40% as affordability improves. Despite appetite‑suppressing effects, GLP‑1 users dine out more frequently—averaging 7.6 visits per week...
Culinary Institute of America and Prosper Company Team Up to Support F&B Leaders in Advancing Personal and Planetary Health
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) announced a pilot partnership with Prosper Company to integrate the institute’s health and sustainability initiatives into Prosper’s quick‑service and fast‑casual restaurant membership. The collaboration kicks off at the Prosper Accelerator Mixer on May 15 during...
Ford's Garage Signs Three&Unit Franchise Agreement for Delaware Expansion
Ford's Garage has signed a three‑unit development agreement with Carson's Garage, LLC to launch its 1920s‑garage‑themed restaurant brand in Delaware for the first time. The first location is slated for Millsboro, Kent County, with a planned opening in early 2027,...
Love & Honey Fried Chicken Signs 20&Unit Franchise Agreement in Florida
Love & Honey Fried Chicken, a Philadelphia‑based fast‑casual brand, has signed a 20‑unit development agreement to launch its first locations in Southeast Florida and south of Orlando. The deal marks the chain’s entry into the Florida market and reflects its...
Swig Signs 10&Unit Franchise Agreement for Colorado Springs
Swig has inked a multi‑unit franchise agreement with Alex and Alan Knox to launch ten locations in Colorado Springs, marking the brand’s first foray into the Colorado market. The first outlet is projected to open by the end of 2026....
Weekly Expansion Signals Report & New Restaurant Alerts From Week Ending May 9 2026
Six restaurant and entertainment brands announced new locations for the week ending May 9, 2026, spanning Texas, Florida, New York, and Oklahoma. Hopdoddy Burger Bar and Ike's Love and Sandwiches are opening in Pflugerville, while Jimmy John's adds two Florida sites, Main...
The PG&E Corporation Foundation Funds Restaurants Care Resilience Grants
The PG&E Corporation Foundation is contributing nearly $1.3 million to the California Restaurant Foundation’s Restaurants Care Resilience Fund, its largest annual donation to date. The money will fund $5,000 grants for 213 independent restaurants and caterers in PG&E’s service area, pushing the...
Chicken Salad Chick Opens New Restaurant in Boerne, Texas
Chicken Salad Chick opened its fifth Texas restaurant in Boerne, featuring a drive‑thru, dine‑in, take‑out, delivery, and catering. The grand opening on May 20 offers the first 100 guests a year‑long supply of free chicken salad, with additional daily giveaways for...
Cousins Maine Lobster Founders to Launch Cousins Fried Seafood Food Truck Concept
Cousins Fried Seafood, a spin‑off from Cousins Maine Lobster, will launch its first food‑truck in Louisville, Kentucky on May 16, 2026. The truck, located at 3039 Breckenridge Lane, will serve New England‑style fried seafood platters, a signature fried fish sandwich, and customizable options. Co‑founders...
Pappas Restaurants Acquires On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina
Pappas Restaurants, Inc. completed the purchase of On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, adding the Tex‑Mex chain to its portfolio of Texas‑origin concepts. The deal follows a menu overhaul aimed at higher food quality, streamlined operations, and an upgraded...