Food for thought

Some of the smartest menu innovation doesn’t come from adding more ingredients. It comes from finding new ways to use the ones you already have.

Research across the industry points to a combination of value, convenience, quality, differentiation, and relevance as the factors driving traffic in today’s environment.

Consumers are redefining what “value” actually looks like in today’s foodservice environment, and it’s not always what operators expect.

The quick-service restaurant industry continues to grow, with total U.S. sales surpassing $400 billion and rising year over year. But beneath that growth, a clearer divide is emerging.

To celebrate National BBQ Month, OLM Food Solutions is excited to introduce a bold lineup of Hot Stuff Kitchen® BBQ Wrap’r LTOs, bringing craveable barbecue flavors to the convenience channel just in time for peak outdoor‑eating season. Launching later this month (May 2026), the new HSK BBQ Wrap’rs combine snackable convenience with globally inspired flavor, designed for today’s on‑the‑go consumer and built for easy execution behind the counter. The lineup includes: Korean BBQ Chicken Wrap’r

According to recent reporting, the foodservice landscape is becoming more fragmented than ever. As restaurant loyalty continues to erode, grocery and convenience stores are gaining dining occasions once dominated by fast‑food and fast‑casual brands. With budgets tightening, consumers are prioritizing food quality, convenience, and speed, and they’re willing to switch brands quickly when the experience no longer feels worth it. For operators across channels, this shift presents both challenge and opportunity. Here are three key