You have all the food safety manuals, posted the handwashing signs, and held the mandatory annual staff training. So, why do you still catch a line cook wiping their hands on their apron after handling raw chicken? Why does a server grab a glass by the rim? Unfortunately, it’s because a true food safety culture is built on ownership– not simply checklists and posters. It happens when every single person on your team, from the dishwasher to the general manager, feels personally responsible for the safety of the food you serve. If you want to instill this sense of ownership in every person on your team, creating more rules and red tape isn’t the answer. Instead, you need to create an environment where people want to follow the rules because they understand the “why” behind them. You need to shift your staff’s mindsets from "I have to do this" to "I am proud to do this." It’s not a feel-good goal you’re after here, either. Food safety violations have real consequences; aside from the legal and health-related issues, there’s also your reputation at stake. 75% of customers won’t visit a restaurant with negative reviews about its cleanliness alone, let alone foodborne illness outbreaks. While it’s not something that happens overnight, here are some small but mighty ways you can start making that mindset shift happen. Make Food Safety a Team Sport, Not a Top-Down Mandate Nobody likes being lectured, so if your food safety training feels like a scolding from the principal's office, you’ve already lost. To get genuine buy-in, you need to reframe food safety as a collective goal, not a list of chores. As Stephanie Russell, head of Trust20 says, “Knowing the entire staff is on the same team creates a culture where everyone is comfortable asking questions and asking for help. This is one of the key success criteria in a positive food safety culture - not being afraid to ask for help from anyone!” Your team is defending its goal line, and every single person is a player. The new host who notices a spill and cleans it up is just as valuable as the executive chef who tempers the soup. Each action, big or small, contributes to the win. It might seem like building this sense of team spirit happens organically, but you can take small, impactful steps to get the ball rolling. First, start by making your training interactive. Instead of just reading from a slide deck, present real-world scenarios. For example, "A customer at table five says they have a severe shellfish allergy. The order is for a Caesar salad. What are the next five steps you take, and who do you talk to?" Have your team walk through the process together, as this exercise will turn a passive listening session into an active problem-solving exercise. Given practice, your team members will feel empowered to think critically, knowing that everyone is in this together. Show, Don't Just Tell: Leading by Example If you want your team to care about food safety, your leadership team has to care about it, visibly and consistently. Sadly, this is where many restaurants stumble. A manager who walks through the kitchen and steps over a piece of lettuce on the floor without picking it up sends a clear message to the rest of the team: "That's not my job." And that single action can undo hours of training in mere seconds. Ownership starts at the top. When your chef-owner is the first to grab a broom, when the general manager stops to wash their hands before entering the kitchen, and when a supervisor praises an employee for correctly rotating stock, it demonstrates that these aren't just rules for frontline staff: they are standards for everyone, and it is just the culture. As such, you should encourage your leaders to be proactive participants. During a pre-shift meeting, have a manager share a story about a time when following a safety protocol prevented a potential issue. For instance, "Yesterday, Sarah noticed the walk-in wasn't holding temp and told me immediately. Because she spoke up, we saved thousands of dollars in product and prevented a major health risk. Great job!" This public praise rewards good behavior while showing the entire team that leadership is paying attention, and perhaps more importantly, values their diligence. Connecting the Dots From Abstract Rules to Actual Impact For many employees, food safety rules can feel arbitrary. "Why do I have to use a different cutting board for vegetables? Who cares?" Because bacteria and viruses are invisible, not front of mind until a foodborne illness outbreak strikes, your team members just don't see the direct line between their small actions and a potential catastrophe. Your job is to draw that line for them in vivid detail. You can use storytelling to make the consequences tangible. Don't just say, "Cross-contamination is bad." Instead, share a real (or at the very least, realistic) story. Perhaps you could talk about a restaurant that had to shut down or a customer who ended up in the hospital because of a simple mistake. You don't need to be overly graphic or use scare tactics here, but you do need to be direct. You could say, "A family comes in to celebrate their daughter's birthday, and she has a severe peanut allergy. A cook uses the same knife to make her sandwich that they just used to spread peanut butter. For us, it's a small mistake. For her, it could mean an ambulance ride. Here’s why.” When you explain things like this, drawing in real-life examples whenever possible, the rule about separate utensils suddenly isn't just a corporate policy but a personal responsibility to protect someone's well-being. An abstract concept now has a face. Embolden Your Team to Be Food Safety Champions Your team members are your eyes and ears on the ground, often spotting potential issues long before a manager does. You need to create a culture where they feel comfortable, and even obligated, to speak up without fear of reprisal. Russell recommends that owners or managers, “Create a culture where your team is used to complimenting and recognizing great work. Having a system where team members get small rewards for everyday actions can be a way to instill in their mind that every little task matters. Build off that to make sure there is a culture of recognition for people to continue to strive for excellence.” Establish a clear, no-blame system for reporting concerns, one that doesn’t discriminate based on authority or position. For instance, if a new prep cook sees a veteran chef skipping a step, they should feel comfortable voicing their concern. It sounds simple, but often, this uncertainty is the biggest cultural hurdle to overcome, especially for new or junior staff. You can foster this open environment by creating "food safety champions" on each shift who aren't managers but are respected peers trained to serve as a resource for their colleagues. You might, for example, appoint your most amicable or diligent line cook as the dinner shift’s “food safety champion.” Give them a little extra training, and maybe even a pin for their uniform. Now, when the new server has a question about a sanitizing solution, they can ask their peer instead of feeling intimidated by a manager. Make Training Continuous, Not a One-Time Event Food safety isn't a topic you can gloss over once a year with a training manual or 15-minute video, and then forget about. A strong culture can only be maintained through consistent reinforcement, meaning food safety needs to be woven into your daily operations. Instead of one long annual seminar, try five-minute "safety huddles" during your pre-shift meetings, focusing on one small topic each day. On Monday, you can review proper glove usage. On Tuesday, you can do a quick quiz on internal cooking temperatures. On Wednesday, you can talk about the proper way to store chemicals. These quick, regular reminders keep food safety top of mind and help you stay consistent, since it's now part of the daily conversation rather than an annual obligation. This approach also allows you to address issues as they arise rather than waiting until six months later, when the problem has been forgotten and the information is stale. If you noticed a problem with food labeling yesterday, you can cover it in the huddle today. This makes your training timely, relevant, and far more effective than a generic yearly presentation. Research shows that mandatory food safety certification training can help reduce violations during inspections, but only if it’s consistent and effective. That’s where Trust20 can help. Their interactive training products can make food safety a source of pride and accountability for your entire team, rather than just a box to check. When your entire team understands the importance of their roles and feels driven to uphold your standards, you create an environment that protects your customers, reputation, and business. And that’s something to be proud of. Stephanie Russell, Head of Trust20 Driven by more than a decade’s experience in human-centered design, Stephanie Russell has used her expertise in design thinking and strategy to lead Trust20 since 2021. Trust20 is a Relish Works venture committed to advancing the culture of food safety in the United States. Before Trust20, Russell was a Design Strategy Lead focused on design research, strategy, and UX design for other Relish Works ventures and initiatives. She has been with Relish Works for over six years and previously was a design strategy consultant for healthcare, insurance, banking, and non-profit organizations.

The fast-casual segment has reshaped the restaurant industry over the past decade. Operators across the country have demonstrated that success in this category depends on more than menu innovation. Growth increasingly comes from experience design, digital ordering, community engagement, and strong brand identity. For restaurant owners and multi-unit operators, the lessons from the fast-casual sector offer a valuable blueprint for building sustainable guest loyalty and increasing restaurant profitability. According to the National Restaurant Association, fast-casual restaurants continue to outperform several other segments of the industry because they combine the convenience of quick service with the elevated quality and guest experience typically associated with casual dining. At the same time, industry research from Technomic shows that customization, digital ordering, and brand authenticity are among the strongest drivers of consumer preference in modern restaurants. For operators looking to remain competitive, these insights highlight a broader shift: today’s guests evaluate restaurants based on the total experience—not just the food. Creating Restaurants That Function as Community Spaces One of the most powerful strategies used by successful modern restaurant concepts is designing restaurants that function as community gathering spaces rather than simply food service outlets. Restaurants that create comfortable environments for guests to socialize, relax, and spend time naturally increase dwell time and average guest spending. These environments also encourage repeat visits and word-of-mouth marketing. Industry coverage in QSR Magazine regularly highlights the growing importance of hospitality-driven design in fast-casual and casual dining concepts. Dining rooms are increasingly built around comfort, accessibility, and social interaction. For operators, this means thinking beyond the traditional transactional model of restaurant service. Community Partnerships as a Growth Strategy Community engagement is another critical strategy that high-performing restaurant brands use to strengthen their market presence. According to Nation’s Restaurant News, restaurants that actively participate in community initiatives—such as charity partnerships, fundraising programs, and collaborations with local culinary talent—often generate stronger brand awareness and deeper guest loyalty. These partnerships can include charity fundraising initiatives, limited-time menu items tied to local events or organizations, collaborations with local chefs or food creators, and sponsorship of community programs. Leveraging Technology to Improve the Guest Experience Technology has become a central driver of restaurant growth across all segments of the industry. Digital ordering platforms, mobile apps, and integrated point-of-sale systems allow restaurants to deliver more convenient and personalized guest experiences. According to Technomic’s Digital Consumer Trend Report, digital ordering continues to increase across all restaurant segments, and customers who order through digital channels frequently spend more per transaction due to increased customization options. Technology can improve both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency by supporting online ordering, menu customization, loyalty programs, and reduced wait times. Building Strong Brand Identity and Guest Relationships Beyond food quality and technology, successful restaurant brands focus heavily on brand identity and emotional connection with guests. Today’s diners want to understand what a restaurant stands for—whether that means supporting local suppliers, promoting sustainability, celebrating hospitality culture, or highlighting the people behind the food. Restaurants can strengthen their brand identity through social media storytelling, highlighting team members and culinary leaders, featuring loyal guests, and celebrating community achievements. Supporting the People Behind the Restaurant The restaurant industry has increasingly recognized that employee engagement plays a direct role in guest experience and operational success. Restaurants that invest in their team members often see improvements in service quality, guest satisfaction, and staff retention. Recognition programs, career development opportunities, and positive workplace culture all contribute to stronger hospitality delivery. Final Takeaway for Restaurant Operators The restaurant industry continues to evolve as consumer expectations change and technology reshapes how guests interact with brands. Successful restaurant concepts increasingly focus on three core pillars: community engagement, digital guest experience, and strong brand culture. Operators who invest in these areas position their restaurants for long-term growth in an increasingly competitive market. Ready to turn community, digital experience, and brand culture into measurable growth—reach out to Goliath Consulting at getresults@goliathconsulting.com to start building a plan that drives loyalty and profitability.

Restaurant operators often associate food trends with viral social media moments. A dish explodes on TikTok, a drink spreads across Instagram, and operators feel pressure to add it to their menus immediately. However, social media rarely creates trends. It accelerates trends that already exist in consumer behavior. According to research highlighted in National Restaurant Association reports and Technomic consumer insights, menu trends typically begin with broader cultural and consumer shifts long before they appear online. Social platforms simply amplify these signals. For restaurant operators, timing is critical. By the time a dish goes viral, the trend may already be peaking. The key is recognizing early signals so menus can evolve before competitors catch on. Watch Consumer Identity Shifts Consumer identity is often the earliest signal of an emerging food trend. What people believe about themselves strongly influences what they choose to eat. Technomic research consistently shows consumers aligning their dining choices with values such as sustainability, health, authenticity, and local sourcing. Examples include: Environmentally conscious diners seeking sustainable seafood and responsibly sourced proteins Health‑focused guests preferring plant-forward dishes and functional ingredients Community-driven diners responding to local sourcing and regional menu storytelling When operators pay attention to how guests describe themselves, they often see trend signals early. Words like healthy, local, affordable, indulgent, or sustainable frequently appear before those concepts become widespread menu trends. Use Operational Data Before Social Media Does While viral food content appears spontaneous, most trends can be identified early in restaurant operational data. Leading operators analyze: POS sales trends Repeat guest orders Items frequently photographed or shared Google or social media search trends Delivery platform ordering patterns Restaurant Business Magazine frequently notes that operators who analyze internal data often identify trends months before they appear widely in media coverage. If a particular ingredient or menu item repeatedly sells out or appears across multiple menu categories, it may signal growing consumer demand. In many cases, guest purchasing behavior reveals trends before the internet labels them. Monitor Economic and Cultural Signals Food trends are also shaped by economic conditions and cultural sentiment. Industry coverage from Nation’s Restaurant News highlights several patterns: Economic uncertainty increases demand for value-focused menus and comfort food Wellness movements drive interest in plant-based dishes and lighter menu options Stressful cultural periods often bring back nostalgic and familiar foods Understanding the emotional and financial mindset of guests allows operators to shape menus and promotions before those preferences become widespread trends. Turn Early Signals Into Menu Innovation The most successful restaurant brands do not simply react to trends—they test them. Operators frequently experiment through: Limited-time offers (LTOs) Seasonal menu additions Chef-driven specials Beverage innovation and cocktail programs The National Restaurant Association notes that limited-time menu items are one of the most effective ways to introduce innovation while minimizing operational risk. Food trends do not begin with social media. They begin with people. Consumer identity, operational data, and broader cultural shifts ultimately determine what becomes the next viral menu item. Restaurant operators who monitor these signals closely gain a major competitive advantage. They can introduce menu innovations before competitors recognize a trend is forming. By paying attention to consumer identity shifts, analyzing internal sales data, and understanding the economic and cultural climate, restaurant leaders can move beyond reacting to trends—and start helping create them. Want help turning these signals into seasonal menu strategies? Email getresults@goliathconsulting.com to learn more or schedule a consultation on your next menu refresh.

For restaurant operators seeking sustainable growth, meaningful community engagement remains one of the most effective drivers of long-term success. Strategic restaurant partnerships strengthen local brand presence, increase visibility, drive incremental revenue, and build long-term customer relationships. For restaurant owners and hospitality leaders, partnership-driven marketing represents a scalable restaurant growth strategy that delivers measurable results. However, successful restaurant partnerships require careful alignment, clear objectives, and measurable outcomes. This framework provides restaurant operators with a structured approach to building high-impact local partnerships. Define Your Restaurant Concept and Market Positioning Before pursuing partnerships, restaurant owners must evaluate their concept, service model, and brand positioning. Whether operating a fast casual restaurant, casual dining concept, or upscale dining establishment, partnership opportunities must align with the overall guest experience. Upscale restaurants may prioritize collaborations with premium service providers, luxury retailers, or high-end event vendors. Fast casual restaurants benefit from partnerships that emphasize convenience, accessibility, and high-volume guest traffic. Casual dining restaurants often focus on family-oriented or community-centered partnerships. Alignment between brand identity and partnership strategy strengthens authenticity, improves guest perception, and enhances operational effectiveness. Understand Your Restaurant Target Audience A clear understanding of restaurant guest demographics and behavior is essential when identifying partnership opportunities. Operators should analyze customer data, sales trends, and guest traffic patterns to determine their core audience. Restaurants that frequently host private dining or large parties may benefit from partnerships with corporations, event planners, or entertainment providers. Restaurants attracting health-conscious guests may collaborate with nearby gyms, wellness brands, or fitness studios. Restaurants with strong weekday traffic may partner with corporate offices or business districts. Successful restaurant partnerships occur when both businesses serve similar customer segments or provide complementary value. Leverage Location-Based Marketing and Proximity Location-based marketing plays a critical role in partnership success. Businesses within walking distance or close proximity reduce friction for guests and increase engagement. High-value local partnership opportunities include: Corporate offices that generate recurring catering demand Residential communities that drive consistent dining traffic Fitness centers that provide pre- or post-workout guest flow Universities and campuses that create seasonal demand spikes Convenience significantly increases promotional redemption rates, event participation, and customer acquisition. Capitalize on Seasonal Promotions and Restaurant Events Seasonal demand and major holidays provide strong opportunities for restaurant marketing partnerships. Strategic collaborations during high-traffic periods enhance guest experience while increasing revenue. Graduation Season — Partner with universities or student organizations to offer group dining packages and customized celebration experiences.0 Mother’s Day — Collaborate with spas, salons, or wellness providers to create bundled experiences or promotional offers. Winter Holidays — Host pop-up retail experiences with local artisans or specialty retailers to increase foot traffic. Cultural Heritage Months — Partner with artists, performers, or culturally aligned businesses to create themed dining experiences and limited-time menus. These initiatives position restaurants as active community participants while enhancing brand differentiation. Ensure Mutual Value Creation The most effective restaurant partnerships generate measurable value for all parties involved. A balanced collaboration provides shared exposure, customer acquisition opportunities, and revenue growth. Operators should establish mutual marketing commitments: Cross-promotion through social media marketing Email marketing campaigns Shared in-store promotions Joint community events Equitable partnerships strengthen long-term collaboration and maximize return on investment. Establish Clear Operational Expectations Formalizing partnership details improves execution and minimizes operational risk. Restaurant owners should define: Campaign objectives and success metrics Promotional responsibilities Partnership duration Operational and staffing requirements Clear expectations improve accountability and ensure professional implementation. Measure Partnership Performance and ROI Performance tracking is essential for evaluating restaurant marketing strategies. Operators should monitor: Guest traffic and sales performance Promotional redemption rates Catering inquiries and private event bookings Customer engagement metrics Data-driven evaluation enables continuous optimization and improves future partnership outcomes. Conclusion: Restaurant Partnerships as a Long-Term Growth Strategy Strategic restaurant partnerships represent a powerful restaurant business strategy for increasing revenue, strengthening community engagement, and building brand visibility. When partnerships align with restaurant positioning, target audience, and local market conditions, they create meaningful guest engagement and long-term value. By implementing structured planning, clear objectives, and performance measurement, restaurant operators can position their brands as integral contributors to the local business ecosystem while achieving sustainable growth in a competitive hospitality environment. Schedule a free 15‑minute consult with Goliath Consulting to discuss local marketing strategies that boost traffic, revenue, and community engagement.

Running multi-unit restaurants demands more than exceptional food and service—it requires sophisticated financial leadership to ensure long-term success. While a full-time Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides valuable expertise, many restaurant groups find that a fractional CFO offers a more cost-effective solution without compromising on financial guidance. Understanding the Fractional CFO Role A fractional CFO is a seasoned financial expert who partners with businesses on a part-time or contract basis. They complement existing teams by filling critical gaps identified during initial assessments. Think of successful business navigation like driving a vehicle—you need clear views from all windows. While many restaurants have the "rear-view mirror" covered with staff accountants handling day-to-day transactions, bank reconciliations, or payroll, they often lack the strategic finance "co-pilot" who helps owners and other senior management focus on high-impact decisions that create future value. The most effective fractional CFOs excel at: • Strategic Financial Planning: Developing comprehensive financial roadmaps that align financial strategies with marketing, branding, and operational goals and growth objectives while identifying potential risks and opportunities. • Advanced Financial Analysis: Creating sophisticated tools for budgeting, cash flow projection, and profitability analysis that drive informed decision-making across all aspects of the business. • Capital Structure Optimization: Guiding decisions about debt and equity procurement to ensure sustainable growth while maintaining optimal financial health. Why Restaurants Need Fractional CFO Leadership The restaurant industry faces unique challenges that demand specialized financial expertise: Integration of Business Functions A skilled fractional CFO bridges the gap between marketing, operations, and menu development by providing financial insights that inform strategic decisions. This integration ensures all business functions work cohesively toward profitability goals. Enhanced Cost Control Through detailed analysis of menu costs, labor expenses, and operational inefficiencies, fractional CFOs help restaurants optimize their pricing strategies and resource allocation. They work closely with management to implement data-driven solutions that boost bottom-line performance. Strategic Cash Flow Management Restaurants often grapple with cash flow challenges due to seasonality, fluctuating customer demand, and variable/fixed costs. Fractional CFOs implement robust forecasting systems and management strategies to maintain healthy liquidity while supporting growth initiatives and mitigating risk. Technology and Systems Optimization By evaluating and enhancing the restaurant's technology stack, fractional CFOs help streamline financial operations and improve data accuracy. This optimization enables better decision-making at both the unit and corporate levels. Financial Strategy Development Drawing on industry expertise and analytical insights, fractional CFOs help restaurants: • Navigate seasonal fluctuations with strategic planning • Develop expansion strategies based on sound financial analysis of viable options to achieve • Structure optimal financing arrangements – debt and/or equity • Create effective pricing strategies that balance profitability with market demands Making the Right Choice for Your Restaurant Group A fractional CFO provides sophisticated financial leadership without the overhead of a full-time executive. For restaurant owners focused on scaling operations, improving margins, and building sustainable growth, a fractional CFO can be transformative. They bring the strategic financial expertise needed to navigate challenges while maximizing profitability—offering a flexible, cost-effective solution for evolving restaurant groups. ________________________________________ About the Author Chris Fields is a Partner with Goliath Consulting Group and leads the Group's financial consulting services practice. With nearly three decades of experience serving as both full-time and fractional CFO/COO in the restaurant, retail, and food service industries, Chris brings tailored expertise and unique solutions to help restaurant groups optimize their performance. For more information on how Chris and Goliath Consulting Group can support your restaurant's financial strategy, please visit [website] or contact Chris directly at chris.fields@goliathconsulting.com.

For restaurant owners, the guest experience begins long before the first dish hits the table. The moment a guest walks through the door, the physical environment sets expectations, reinforces the brand, and influences how long they stay, how much they spend, and whether they return. Interior design is not a cosmetic afterthought—it is a strategic business decision that directly impacts revenue, perception, and loyalty. Lighting Sets Mood and Pace Lighting has a measurable effect on guest comfort and behavior. Warm, ambient lighting creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to linger, while targeted lighting—such as illumination over an open kitchen, bar, or service counter—adds transparency and authenticity. Color Influences Emotion and Appetite Color psychology plays a subtle but powerful role in dining environments. Warm hues such as reds and oranges are commonly associated with energy and appetite stimulation, making them effective in high-volume or social dining concepts. Texture and Pattern Create Identity Texture and pattern add depth, character, and storytelling to a space. Materials such as tile, wood, wallpaper, or hand-painted art prevent a restaurant from feeling generic. Layout Drives Comfort and Flow A well-designed layout quietly supports the guest experience. Booths offer privacy and comfort for longer visits, while open seating promotes energy and social interaction. Details Are What Guests Remember Often, it’s the small design details that leave the biggest impression. Carefully selected fixtures, greenery, tactile surfaces, and cohesive decor signal intention and professionalism. Sound Completes the Experience Music is a critical but often underestimated design component. The tempo, volume, and genre of music influence energy levels and guest behavior. Design as a Business Strategy Investing in intentional interior design does more than create visual appeal. It strengthens brand identity, builds emotional connection, and supports operational goals such as dwell time, throughput, and guest satisfaction. Ready to turn your dining space into a revenue-driving experience; reach out to us at getresults@goliathconsulting.com to start designing an interior that tells your brand’s story and keeps guests coming back.

The Rise of Protein Across Fast Casual and Fast Food For years, carbs and indulgence ruled restaurant menus. Extra cheese, loaded fries, and oversized portions were the selling points. But something has shifted. Protein is now one of the most prominent nutrients shaping the fast-casual and fast-food industries. Across the country, restaurants are reworking menus, rolling out protein-focused drinks, bowls, and entrees. What once felt niche is now mainstream, driven by social media and a growing emphasis on health, fitness, and wellness. Why Protein Is Everywhere Right Now Gen Z, millennials, and Gen Alpha are immersed in wellness culture, fitness influencers, and nutrition content. Social media constantly reinforces the message: protein builds muscle, keeps you fuller longer, and supports overall health. The result? Consumers are actively seeking out high-protein meals, not just for post-workout, but for everyday eating. Some Americans are also prioritizing satiety and energy over indulgence. People want meals that feel filling without feeling too heavy. Protein delivers exactly that. It helps regulate appetite, supports muscle maintenance, and offers longer-lasting fullness compared to carb-heavy meals. The rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Zepbound is another major driver. These drugs suppress appetite and slow digestion, pushing people toward smaller, nutrient-dense meals. As they become more common, restaurants are adapting with protein-forward options that still feel satisfying. What Protein Trends Look Like on Menus Menu boards, online ordering platforms, and promotions increasingly spotlight grams of protein just as prominently as calories or price. Chipotle : Introduced a high-protein menu featuring bowls and entrees that range from 15 to 81 grams of protein. The brand leans heavily into customization, allowing customers to build meals that meet specific fitness or health goals. Subway : Reintroduced its Fresh Fit menu and launched Protein Pockets, offering sandwiches with 20-35 grams of protein in a six-inch to foot-long portion, all under 1000 calories. Dunkin ’: Introduced protein-infused drinks made with fortified milk, with 15 grams of protein per medium beverage. This taps into the growing demand for drinkable nutrition, especially for busy consumers looking for quick breakfasts or post/pre-workout options. Sweetgreen : Added a macro tracking tool on their app that allows customers to view protein, carb, and fat breakdowns for every menu item. Nine of its entrees now feature over 30 grams of protein, introducing a world of wellness and convenience into the brand. Papa John’s : Experimented with a protein-infused pizza crust that was offered for a limited time at an Atlanta location. Their menu consisted of The Veggie pizza, with 49 grams of protein, and The Meats pizza, with 55 grams of protein. Shake Shack : Introduced their Good Fit menu, offering high-protein, gluten-free, vegetarian, and GLP-1-friendly options. Why Restaurants Are Leaning In Protein-focused dishes often carry higher price points, boosting ticket sizes. Customers willingly pay more for items they perceive as healthier, more filling, and higher quality. These menu additions also help brands stand out in a crowded market. Consumers tend to show higher brand loyalty when they find restaurants that align with their wellness goals. Offering enhanced protein options gives brands a way to build deeper relationships with customers who prioritize nutrition. Protein also serves as a powerful marketing tool. Highlighting grams of protein instantly communicates value, functionality, and health benefits, especially to newer businesses that closely track their intake. The Future of Protein in Restaurants As wellness culture continues to shape consumer behavior, restaurants will likely expand protein-focused offerings across all categories, from beverages and breakfast to desserts and snacks. High-protein items will increasingly blend with convenience, personalization, and digital ordering tools, letting customers build meals around their specific goals. How Restaurants Can Incorporate Protein More Effectively Fast casual restaurants can jump into the protein movement in creative, approachable ways: adding protein boosts to existing menu items, offering customizable bowls and plates, developing high-protein snacks and drinks, and clearly labeling protein content across menus and digital platforms. Smaller portion sizes paired with higher protein density appeal to wellness-focused diners without alienating those who still crave indulgence. Limited-time protein launches, such as specialty crusts or seasonal bowls also create buzz while testing customer interest. At its core, the rise of protein reflects a deeper cultural shift: People want food that supports their lifestyle, not works against it. As restaurants continue to adapt, protein is reshaping not only what we eat, but how we think about fast food altogether. Looking for ways to leverage creative protein options for your restaurant's menu? Goliath Consulting Group has decades of experience evaluating menus and developing current, innovative LTOs and Menu Items. Email GetResults@GoliathConsulting.com to get started today.

From rolled ice cream and unicorn drinks to galaxy-inspired baked goods, restaurants can invite guests to take a bite out of the past. At the beginning of the year, TikTok saw the rise of a phrase that quickly took over feeds: “2026 is the new 2016.” Across the platform-- and now beyond-- users are beginning to revive and reminisce on old dances, sounds, outfits, and aesthetics that instantly transport them back to a more carefree time online. However, the trends in 2016 did not stop at fashion or music. Food culture played a huge role in defining 2016, with viral menu items creating real buzz and community, such as Starbucks’ Unicorn Drink and Burger King’s Whopperito. Some fast-casual brands on Instagram have also already started tapping into this trend, sharing posts with 2016-inspired filters and visuals that evoke the era’s playful, colorful vibe. So why is 2016 coming back now? After years of increasing burnout and fear, people are craving something that feels normal again. 2016 felt lighter, more playful, and less heavy. Revisiting that era offers comfort and a sense of escapism from today’s society. For restaurants, it presents a chance to tap into a shared cultural memory that still holds emotional weight. Now that we are officially teleporting back to 2016 in 2026, how can restaurants incorporate this trend in a way that feels intentional and current? Many of the most recognizable food trends from 2016 can be reintroduced with a more health-conscious approach that aligns with today’s consumer priorities. Galaxy and space-themed foods Galaxy-inspired items can return through naturally colored glazes, butterfly pea flower drinks, or layered smoothies made with plant-based pigments. These visuals still deliver the wow factor that made them viral, while aligning with cleaner ingredient expectations. Edible glitter Once everywhere, edible glitter can now be sourced from plant-based or mineral alternatives and used sparingly on desserts or beverages. A subtle shimmer keeps the nostalgic look without overwhelming the product or the guest experience. Activated charcoal Activated charcoal was a big trend in 2016, appearing in ice cream, buns, and drinks. If you bring it back, use it sparingly to add visual interest without overwhelming the dish. Overloaded milkshakes Even overloaded milkshakes can make a comeback in a more refined form. Smaller portions, higher-quality toppings, and optional plant-based or lower-sugar bases allow indulgence without excess. Beyond the visuals, these foods mattered in 2016 because they brought people together. Viral menu items gave guests a reason to gather, share photos, talk about what they tried, and feel part of something happening in real time. That sense of shared excitement is what many people are missing today, and something restaurants are uniquely positioned to recreate. At a time where the United States feels increasingly divided, food remains one of the few ways for people to connect back together. Sharing a nostalgic menu item or offering a limited-time experience and items gives people something to bond over. It creates space for conversation, shared memories, and moments of connection that wipe out politics. In that way, revisiting familiar food trends is not just about nostalgia, but about bringing people back to the same table, even if it’s only for a moment. Introducing these items as limited-time offerings keeps them exciting and prevents the trend from feeling overdone. Limited runs also mirror how these foods originally went viral, creating urgency, shareability, and organic social buzz. Restaurants can also lean into nostalgia by reviving discontinued menu items that guests still talk about. Bringing back a fan favorite instantly sparks conversation and media interest. These returns feel personal to customers and reinforce brand history rather than chasing something new for the sake of it. Beyond the menu, the 2016 revival can extend into restaurant operations and marketing. Hosting a 2016-themed night with a DJ, throwback playlist, or special dish lineup turns nostalgia into an experience. Social media can reflect the era as well, whether that means sharing photos of past dishes, leaning into grainy filters, or recreating the bright, slightly chaotic visual style that defined Instagram in 2016. The return of 2016 is not about recreating the past exactly as it was. It is about capturing the feeling. When restaurants balance nostalgia with modern expectations around health, quality, and intention, they give guests something familiar that still feels fresh. And in a crowded food landscape, that emotional connection can be just as powerful as the food itself.

2026 restaurant menu trends