Types of Restaurant Ordering Technology
Explore the main types of ordering technology restaurants use to improve accuracy, speed, payments, customer convenience, and operational efficiency daily.
Aug 17, 2026
Explore the main types of ordering technology restaurants use to improve accuracy, speed, payments, customer convenience, and operational efficiency daily.
Aug 17, 2026
Learn the eight essential steps of the restaurant payroll process, from tracking hours and calculating wages to payments and recordkeeping.
Aug 17, 2026
Panera Bread welcomes Andrew Rebhun as its new CMO to spearhead strategic brand growth and transformation, bolstering its vision for 2028.
Aug 17, 2026
Discover how restaurant SMS marketing works, from building subscriber lists and creating campaigns to improving engagement and measuring marketing performance.
Aug 14, 2026
The transition of Pizza Hut's CEO, Aaron Powell, marks a pivotal moment for the chain and offers valuable leadership lessons for restaurant owners. Here’s what this executive change could mean for your business.
Aug 17, 2026
Learn how to manage cash flow in your restaurant by tracking finances, controlling costs, forecasting needs, and building cash reserves.
Aug 14, 2026
Increase online orders by simplifying checkout, optimizing menus, improving Google visibility, promoting ordering channels, and encouraging customers to order again.
Aug 12, 2026
Streamline restaurant back office operations by standardizing workflows, automating repetitive tasks, integrating systems, centralizing data, and improving accountability and efficiency.
Aug 12, 2026
McDonald’s USA has appointed Patrick Gerber as chief restaurant officer, leveraging his decades of global experience to boost operations, food quality, and customer satisfaction in the U.S. market.
Aug 11, 2026
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers promotes Rick Petralia to Executive Chef & VP of Training & Innovation, signaling a strategic focus on culinary excellence and franchisee support.
Aug 12, 2026
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Explore the evolving landscape of beverage innovation in the restaurant industry with the emergence of dirty sodas and premium crafted drinks.
Photo by Claudio Schwarz
The emergence of dirty sodas, a trend that gained momentum in the 2010s, has transformed beverage menus in the restaurant industry. Initially popularized in Utah by concepts like Swig, dirty sodas are a fusion of traditional sodas with unique additives such as syrups and creamers, offering consumers a customizable and indulgent experience.
As social media drives consumer demand for premium and Instagrammable drinks, major soda makers like Coca-Cola and Pepsi are adapting their beverage lineups. This shift reflects a growing trend where consumers seek innovative and personalized beverage options beyond the traditional offerings.
Photo by Claudio Schwarz
Restaurant operators view dirty sodas as a strategic way to introduce limited-time offerings that set them apart from competitors. By leveraging such innovative beverages, restaurants can drive higher check averages and attract customers looking for unique flavor experiences, thereby enhancing overall sales performance.
Both Coca-Cola and Pepsi are investing in premium crafted drinks to cater to the evolving preferences of consumers, especially the Gen Z demographic. Offering customization and a mixology experience, these brands aim to create unique beverages based on classic products while incorporating new flavors and ingredients to elevate the drinking experience.
Photo by Claudio Schwarz
Despite the visually striking appearance of dirty sodas, flavors that resonate with consumers' palates continue to drive sales growth. Classic flavors like Blue Raspberry and Mango, coupled with innovative ingredient combinations, have proven to be popular choices. Beverage companies are experimenting with new syrups and flavors to create exciting variations, mirroring the success of established favorites.
With the rising popularity of premium beverages, quick-service restaurant chains are diversifying their drink menus to include unique offerings. From lemonades to freezes and refreshers, brands like McDonald’s, KFC, and Taco Bell are exploring novel beverage concepts to stay competitive and capture the interest of discerning consumers.