Menu Transformation: Beverages Move from Add-Ons to Restaurant Growth Drivers

Beverages are becoming one of the most dynamic and innovative growth drivers in the restaurant industry, according to the National Restaurant Association 2026 Restaurant Beverage Trends(Opens in a new window) report. The research reveals that restaurants are increasingly serving as destinations for beverage discovery, while consumers – especially Gen Z and millennials – are fueling demand for new flavors, expanded menus and beverage-centric experiences.

The report, powered by presenting sponsor The Coca-Cola Company, highlights the growing role beverages play in driving consumer engagement and restaurant traffic. An overwhelming...

National Restaurant Association Celebrates 250 Years of Shaping America's Workforce Leaders

The National Restaurant Association celebrated the restaurant industry's leading role as one of the nation's most powerful leadership incubators at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago.

In a keynote address titled, "America's Leaders Are Made in Restaurants," National Restaurant Association President & CEO Michelle Korsmo highlighted how restaurants are centers of connection, culture, and community, bringing people together while serving as training grounds where leadership skills are built through real world experience. From resilience and accountability to teamwork and adaptability, the industry has helped generations of people develop skills that extend far beyond the workplace.

Seafood Spotlight, Brand Revamps and Store Closures Signal Shifts in Foodservice

Over the past two weeks, significant developments have shaped the foodservice and grocery industries. In this recap, Expana has curated the stories that resonated most with our customers — from major policy initiatives and Lent promotions to product innovation and high-profile closures. Here are the key headlines from the latter half of the month.

National Restaurant Association Release Federal Policy Priorities

The National Restaurant Association released its federal policy priorities aimed at stabilizing the workforce, supporting employment growth, reducing operator costs...

What Restaurants Need to Succeed: Immigration Reform, Competitive Swipe Fees, & Strong Trade Policy

The National Restaurant Association today released ambitious federal policy priorities that when achieved, will help stabilize the industry workforce, support industry employment growth, cut costs for restaurant operators, and preserve the global supply chain. The priorities include:

• Comprehensive immigration reform
• Bringing down operator costs through passage of Credit Card Competition Act
• Favorable renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA)

The restaurant and foodservice industry is the nation's second-largest private employer, with more than 15.7 million people...

Persistent Cost Increases and Enduring Demand Will Shape the Restaurant Industry in 2026

National Restaurant Association report highlights industry growth tempered by margin pressures

America’s restaurant industry is poised for a year of measured growth, though a cooling labor market, persistent cost pressures, and cautious household spending will continue to challenge operator margins. According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2026 State of the Restaurant Industry report, total restaurant and foodservice sales are projected to reach $1.55 trillion and restaurant operators are forecast to add more than 100,000 jobs.

This projected growth reflects an industry...