The $18 Million DoorDash Settlement: Implications for the Food Service Industry
The $18 million settlement between DoorDash and the City of Chicago marks a major milestone for restaurants, cafés, bars, and owner-operators who rely on third-party delivery. Beyond the headlines, this case will create a shift in the expectations for delivery platforms. DoorDash’s Influence on the Industry Founded in 2013, DoorDash quickly grew into one of […]
Bean-Free Coffee: A Bold Brew for the Future
For centuries, coffee has been defined by one thing — the bean. But what happens when the bean becomes the problem? From droughts and disease to climate-fueled price spikes, the world’s favorite stimulant is feeling the heat. Arabica prices hit record highs in late 2024, squeezing roasters and retailers already battling higher freight and labor […]
Beer Under Pressure: Navigating an Unsteady Landscape
Beer’s Broader Challenges Volume Decline and Market Saturation After decades of reliable growth, beer consumption in mature markets has contracted. In the U.S., total beer shipments have declined roughly 2–3% annually over the last few years, and 2024 saw one of the sharpest drops in craft output since the pandemic [1][2]. A combination of factors […]
Save 25% on Hot Beverage Machine Maintenance
National Coffee Day Special: 25% Off Preventative Maintenance on all Hot Beverage Machines National Coffee Day is coming… and so is the panic when your espresso machine goes down mid-rush. Good news: we’ve got your back before that happens. From Sept 15 – Oct 31, we’re celebrating with 25% off for Preventative Maintenance on all […]
The Functional Beverage Boom: From Start-Ups to Soda Giants
How Poppi’s viral rise and PepsiCo’s push into prebiotic colas signal a new era where wellness, flavor, and functionality converge in every can The beverage industry has always been quick to evolve with consumer tastes, but few shifts have felt as pronounced—or as fast-moving—as the current boom in functional drinks. What started as a niche […]
Coke’s Cane Sugar Conundrum: Health Trends vs. Economic Reality
A potential shift from high-fructose corn syrup to cane sugar could satisfy wellness-focused consumers—but at a billion-dollar price tag. Few products are as iconic—or as scrutinized—as Coca-Cola. For decades, its familiar formula has been the subject of debates around sugar, sweeteners, and health. Now, new reports suggest that Coca-Cola is exploring a shift from high-fructose […]
Riding the Dirty Soda Wave: A Profitable Pour for Operators
“Dirty soda”—customized sodas mixed with syrups, cream, and inclusions—is gaining market traction as a high-margin beverage innovation that boosts check averages and customer engagement. Beverage giants are leaning into this trend with customizable offerings that appeal to Gen Z and social media culture. For operators, dirty sodas represent a dynamic, premium pricing opportunity that leverages visual appeal and personalization.
McDonald’s Cool Strategy: Brewing Growth Through Beverages
As McDonald’s and other fast-food chains wrestle with rising costs, shifting consumer tastes, and sagging foot traffic, they’re turning their attention to an often-overlooked profit engine: revenue growth through beverages. Barron’s recently detailed the strategy. High-margin, high-appeal drinks are emerging as a strategic focal point for brands like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, and Taco Bell. […]
Mastering Your Beverage Program: How to Get the Best Return on Hot and Cold Dispensed Drinks
Hot and cold beverages are reliable revenue generators for coffee shops, convenience stores, and restaurants. With consistently high profit margins, your beverage machines may be your greatest asset—if managed effectively. Are you getting the most out of them? Cleanliness is Next to… One frequently overlooked factor isn’t simply in the quality of the drink ingredients, […]
Brewing Tensions: How Tariffs Are Squeezing Beverage Margins in 2025
Tariffs are biting into the economy as well as the bottom line of the beverage industry. Starting August 1, the U.S. is imposing a 50% tariff on Brazilian coffee, a move that already has traders rushing to import beans before the deadline [1]. Coffee prices, previously driven by a 70% shortage-based surge, are poised to […]