This week's top story was, Menu Tracker: New items from Arby’s, Panera Bread and Burger King. Panera Bread has a new Asian citrus salad and the first of what the chain says is a whole calendar of new soups. The new Thai Chicken Soup will be followed by Mexican Street Corn Chowder this summer followed by Cajun Shrimp & Andouille Sausage, Greek Lemon Chicken & Farro and Cuban Black Bean & Poblano.
In other news, NRN has revealed its 2022 Power List, a list of 50 influential people who are shaping the future of foodservice.The report showcases 50 leaders from all corners of the industry with big ideas — and the drive to act on them.
“The 2022 Power List looks beyond traditional representations of power — a corner office, thousands of employees or billions of dollars in sales — to recognize influence and the ability to rethink the restaurant paradigm,” said Sam Oches, editor-in-chief of Nation’s Restaurant News. “You’ll find Bryce Fluellen and Christine Hasircoglu, who are providing leadership and entrepreneurship opportunities to members of historically disempowered communities; Lucas Bradbury, who is changing the perception of fast food; Kira Druyan, who is working to expunge the criminal records of employees; Chris Williams, who started a farm to offer fresh vegetables and hands-on training to his community; and so many more inspiring innovators.”
Also, commodity costs and inflation have hit the restaurant industry hard, causing brands like Domino’s Pizza to make tough decisions to raise prices or change menu items. Domino’s will be changing its iconic $7.99 carryout deal from 10 wings to eight wings in anticipation of continued wage inflation and increased food costs, CEO Ritch Allison said Tuesday at the virtual ICR conference.
