How to Calculate the Right Menu Price for Each Item
Learn how to calculate menu price by analyzing ingredient costs, labor, overhead, demand, and contribution margin for stronger restaurant profits.
Jun 17, 2026
Learn how to calculate menu price by analyzing ingredient costs, labor, overhead, demand, and contribution margin for stronger restaurant profits.
Jun 17, 2026
Explore best Areas in Chicago to open a restaurant by matching neighborhood demand, concept type, costs, traffic, and customer behavior.
Jun 17, 2026
BJ's Restaurants has appointed Monika Saxena as brand president, bringing over two decades of experience from LongHorn Steakhouse and Darden Restaurants, where she helped drive 20 consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales growth.
Jun 17, 2026
Blue Bottle Coffee has introduced Kyoto-Style Espresso, a slow-drip cold espresso made without machines, launching across its 152 global locations on June 16 with seven new cold drinks designed specifically for the way modern customers order coffee.
Jun 17, 2026
Hungry Howie's has appointed Jimmy Simonte as Executive Vice President of Marketing, bringing more than 25 years of Domino's experience to the Michigan-born pizza brand as it undergoes a major technology overhaul and prepares to launch a new loyalty programme.
Jun 17, 2026
Starbucks CFO Cathy Smith is transferring her principal accounting officer role to Val Bauduin, who will continue serving as SVP of corporate finance and development while reporting to Smith amid the chain's ongoing turnaround.
Jun 17, 2026
Yum Brands has agreed to sell Pizza Hut through two separate transactions totalling $2.7 billion, with Long Range Capital acquiring the global business for $1.5 billion and Yum China Holdings purchasing the China operations for $1.2 billion.
Jun 16, 2026
Scooter's Coffee is running a buy-one-get-one drink offer from June 19 to 21, available exclusively through its mobile app after 11 a.m.- giving customers three days to treat dad to a free drink this Father's Day weekend.
Jun 16, 2026
A group of Twin Peaks franchisees has been named strategic advisor to the chain's new owners following its sale out of bankruptcy, with a clear path to acquiring the brand outright within the next 12 to 16 months.
Jun 16, 2026
Denny's is launching The Clock's Off Menu on June 24, combining breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites available any time of day, alongside new Slammin' Meal Deals Under $10 and exciting rewards for new members.
Jun 16, 2026
Explore the top menu innovations, celebrity collaborations, and industry challenges in the restaurant scene of 2024. Learn how operators are adapting to changing consumer preferences and leveraging cultural trends.
Photo by Louis Hansel
Photo by Louis Hansel
In 2024, the restaurant industry witnessed a surge in menu innovation as operators sought to entice customers in an increasingly competitive market. With declining foot traffic and evolving consumer preferences, menus across the nation underwent significant transformations. From fast-food chains to upscale dining establishments, a diverse array of new menu items were introduced to capture the attention and taste buds of customers.
One notable trend that dominated the restaurant scene in 2024 was the strategic use of celebrity collaborations and influencer endorsements to drive menu visibility and appeal. By partnering with well-known figures like Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie for specialty drink menus, brands like Sonic Drive-In capitalized on nostalgia and pop culture to attract customers. Such collaborations not only bring star power to menus but also create buzz and social media traction, enhancing brand recognition and engagement.
Menus in 2024 were not just about food; they also reflected cultural moments and milestones. Operators leveraged events like the anniversaries of iconic shows such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Barbie to introduce themed menu items that resonated with customers. By tapping into nostalgia and shared experiences, restaurants connected with diners on a deeper level, creating memorable dining experiences that went beyond just the food served.

Photo by Louis Hansel
Despite the wave of menu innovation and creative partnerships, the restaurant industry in 2024 faced significant financial challenges, leading to a notable increase in bankruptcies. With a record number of establishments filing for Chapter 11, both well-established chains and emerging concepts felt the impact of economic uncertainties. Brands like Red Lobster, TGI Fridays, and others grappled with financial difficulties, highlighting the harsh realities of operating in a competitive and ever-changing market.
To navigate the complexities of the current restaurant landscape, operators in 2024 focused on adapting to changing consumer preferences. Conscious of budget constraints and shorter attention spans, menus were tailored to offer value, convenience, and variety. By staying attuned to shifting demographics and dining behaviors, restaurants aimed to remain relevant and appealing to a diverse customer base amidst industry-wide challenges.