Menu Trend Analysis: How to Read the Market and Apply It to Your Menu
A practical framework for tracking food trends, evaluating which ones matter for your concept, and integrating them without chasing fads.
A practical framework for tracking food trends, evaluating which ones matter for your concept, and integrating them without chasing fads.
How to build a profitable happy hour program with the right menu structure, pricing mechanics, timing strategy, and awareness of legal restrictions that vary by jurisdiction.
How to curate, price, and present a wine program that achieves strong margins while matching what your guests are willing to spend — from markup structure to by-the-glass economics.
A six-step method for accurately costing cocktails — from calculating per-ounce spirit costs to applying shrinkage variance and setting prices that hit your target pour cost.
How to build a dessert program that consistently hits 65%+ margins through smart item selection, shareable formats, dietary inclusivity, and waste-reduction menu design.
Brunch is no longer just eggs and mimosas — it is a strategically important daypart that can dramatically lift weekend revenue when built around the right menu structure, beverage program, and service format.
The financial case for adding or expanding breakfast service, and how to build a morning menu that performs.
How color choices and typography in your menu actively influence what customers order and how much they spend.
A complete framework for pricing catering menus profitably, including cost-plus, margin-based, and market-based models with benchmarks for food cost, labor, and bar service.
If your restaurant chain has 20 or more locations, federal law requires calorie counts on your menus. Here is exactly what the FDA requires, what is exempt, and how to build compliance into your menu design.
How to design a kids menu that wins over parents, keeps children engaged, and drives family dining revenue through smart nutrition choices and thoughtful design.
How understanding flavor relationships helps you build better dishes, more cohesive menus, and more compelling tasting experiences.