Bret Thorn

Senior Food Editor
Nation's Restaurant News

Bret Thorn is responsible for reporting on culinary trends in foodservice. He joined Nation’s Restaurant News in 1999, after spending about five years as a journalist in Thailand, where he wrote business and food stories. His columns in NRN won the 2006 Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Award for best staff-written editorial or opinion column. A magna cum laude graduate of Tufts University in Medford, Mass., with a bachelor’s degree in history, Mr. Thorn also studied at Le Cordon Bleu Ecole de Cuisine in Paris.

Articles by Bret Thorn
Lobster
High prices push lobster off restaurant menus
Late winter storms are shrinking the supply and driving up prices
The latest chefs on the move
Senior food editor Bret Thorn tracks the latest chefs on the move, including Marie Grimm, Kim Letzia and David Sears
Bret Thorn
Stay informed about what you're serving 
NRN's Bret Thorn looks at the increasing trend of consumer concern over sourcing
Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill’s Fresh Diamond Margarita
Chains boost sales with innovative cocktails, beers 
Restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe, California Pizza Kitchen and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers are increasing profits with new alcoholic beverages
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Consumer Picks 2013: Happy hours help keep Fine Dining top of mind 
Executives reported post-workday specials are helping Fine Dining brands boost sales between special-occasion visits
Butternut squash soup
Prospect restaurant in Brooklyn serves a version of this classic soup with espresso marshmallows and root beer cream
The New England Aquarium
Massachusetts restaurants highlight sustainable seafood
Chefs team up with the New England Aquarium to offer ocean-friendly dishes
Wine stock image
Popularity of Chardonnay declines
A survey of wine experts shows that Malbec and Spanish varietals are on the rise
Beer sales decline on St. Patrick's Day weekend
Consumers order more wine and spirits, less beer than in previous year
Bret Thorn, Nancy Kruse debate menu customization
Menu experts Bret Thorn and Nancy Kruse share differing opinions on whether excessive customer choice is a good thing.
Muffaletta burger
Black Deck restaurant chef Paul Sussman says this burger is inspired by the New Orleans Italian sandwich.
5 restaurant trends to watch this spring
Senior food editor Bret Thorn predicts the season's trends at chains and independents
Menu Tracker: New items from Arby's, Smashburger
Fazoli’s, Einstein, Baskin-Robbins, Corner Bakery, Mama Fu’s and Texas Steakhouse also introduce new items
Dan Casey
1200° Chophouse mitigates beef costs, health care
Owner Dan Casey discusses the strategies behind opening his new restaurant
Temple Bar duck wings
Operators experiment with chicken-wing alternatives 
Restaurants are meeting demand for pricey chicken wings with alternative proteins
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