Restaurant Chains Chase Snack Shoppers to Grocery Aisles
With snacking trends shifting toward grocery retail, more restaurant brands are moving into supermarket shelves to stay competitive and top-of-mind. Companies like Dutch Bros, Zaxbys, and Hooters are following in the footsteps of legacy brands like Starbucks and P.F. Chang’s by launching consumer packaged goods (CPG) to diversify revenue and boost brand visibility. Technomic data shows a steady increase in retail snack purchases and a dip in restaurant-based snacking, largely driven by affordability, convenience, and variety. In response, restaurants are either enhancing in-house snack offerings or embracing retail expansion as a key strategy to meet consumers where they already shop.
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Talking Tech: How Voice AI Is Reshaping Restaurant Operations
Voice AI continues to evolve in the restaurant industry, expanding beyond the drive-thru and into omnichannel ordering, with major players like Soundhound debuting fully automated platforms. Newer entrants like Kea and Foreva.AI (Eva) are catering to smaller brands and emphasizing ease of use or human-in-the-loop functionality for more nuanced service. Meanwhile, supply chain automation is gaining ground, with Choco and Grubmarket rolling out AI tools to streamline distributor operations and improve order efficiency. As voice and AI tech grow more advanced, accessibility and customization are becoming key to adoption across all levels of the industry.
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Authenticity Wins: Why B2B Influencer Marketing Is Taking Off
As foodservice purchasing shifts online, B2B influencer marketing is emerging as a powerful tool for reaching today’s digitally savvy buyers. With 70% of the buyer journey happening before sales contact and 84% of execs using social media for decisions, brands are partnering with creators to deliver authentic, practical content that resonates. Influencers like Danny Kim and Nate Llorin emphasize value-driven, long-term collaborations that showcase real-world product applications. As buyers seek relatable solutions over technical specs, brands that embrace storytelling and trusted voices will gain a competitive edge.
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More Than a Logo: The Ongoing Art of Restaurant Branding
Restaurant branding shouldn’t stop at opening day — it’s a continuous process that evolves alongside guest expectations and industry trends. From menu design to music and social media presence, every detail contributes to a brand’s identity and long-term success. Real-world examples like Elijah’s and Rare Roots Hospitality show that refining branding over time leads to higher engagement and stronger customer connections. By conducting regular brand audits and staying flexible, operators can ensure their brand remains fresh, relevant, and memorable.
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What Influencers Really Want from Restaurant Partnerships
As influencer marketing matures, restaurant brands are being urged to treat creators as professional partners — not just free publicity. Influencers now expect fair pay, creative freedom, and transparency, with compensation based on deliverables, reach, and impact. Insights have shown that creators value long-term, respectful relationships and want to be involved in brand storytelling authentically. As influencer marketing becomes a more serious and strategic channel, restaurants must align their budgets and expectations accordingly to stay competitive.
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