Top of mind: Crops in crisisTop of mind: Crops in crisis

By Steve Coomes

The following story is part of “Top of Mind,” a special report covering today’s largest concerns among the restaurant operator community. This report was created in anticipation of MUFSO, taking place Sept. 30-Oct. 2, where hundreds of operators gather to share ideas and best practices. Find MUFSO coverage at NRN at the Show.


With this summer’s drought pushing corn and soybean costs past historical averages by 65 percent and 35 percent, respectively, restaurant operators are readying for further fallout as those hikes work their way through the commodities system.


But even as restaurateurs deliberate whether price hikes are in their future, market analysts and consultants are advising restaurant clients to hedge supplies w...