Sustainability
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Starbucks to improve sustainable coffee sourcing, reducing its largest carbon culprit
In a show of priorities, the company said it would take actions that make green coffee carbon neutral instead of tackling emissions from transportation, packaging and roasting operations.
By A.B. Brown • March 24, 2021 -
Chipotle will tie 10% of executive incentives to environmental, diversity goals
The company aims to source 37 million pounds of organic, locally grown produce this year and promote more women and people of color above the restaurant level.
By Julie Littman • UPDATED: March 4, 2021 at 1:04 p.m. -
McDonald's, Yum Brands sign global partnerships with Beyond Meat
The word "exclusive" doesn't appear in either announcement, which could mean the door is open for other plant-based partnerships as the chains ramp up their offerings in the category.
By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 26, 2021 -
Packaging manufacturers compete for raw materials as takeout shakes up foodservice
There has been "an increased use of tamper-evident and tamper-resistant packaging, designed to protect food and beverage when it’s on the go," said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute.
By Jen A. Miller • Feb. 26, 2021 -
Retrieved from Just Salad on February 23, 2021
Just Salad takes its reusable bowl program to go
While sales of its dine-in reusable program grew 100% in 2019, the pandemic caused more customers to order carryout, which pushed the fast casual chain to offer the bowls for off-premise.
By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 23, 2021 -
Sponsored by California Walnut Commission
A surprising ingredient for clean, plant-forward dairy alternatives
Walnuts can be used as a creamy option to thicken soups and sauces, and for dairy-free desserts, without sacrificing flavor or texture.
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Starbucks builds energy-efficient, modular store in 6 days
Designed to reduce energy needs for heating and cooling compared to standard construction, the store was built with insulated panels coated with a proprietary cement alternative.
By Jenn Goodman • Feb. 04, 2021 -
Retrieved from Starbucks on June 23, 2020
Starbucks is testing 100% plant-based menu at a Seattle location
The chain develops plant-based products at its R&D lab before testing them at the store, CEO Kevin Johnson said during the company's Q1 earnings call.
By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 03, 2021 -
Burger King prioritizes digital with first rebrand in more than 20 years
With its all-encompassing visual update, the QSR chain also seeks to demonstrate its improvements to food quality and sustainability.
By Chris Kelly • Jan. 07, 2021 -
Retrieved from Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. on October 26, 2020
Chipotle lets diners track environmental impact of burritos as restaurants prioritize sustainability
The Real Foodprint tracker, which mirrors a recent move by Panera to label eco-conscious menu items, is explained by Bill Nye in TikTok videos.
By Peter Adams • Oct. 26, 2020 -
Jack in the Box serves up plant-based, 'unchicken' sandwich
The chain is the latest QSR to add an alternative protein item to their menu, which appeals to the growing flexitarian trend and can help drive diner interest and traffic.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 16, 2020 -
McDonald's selects TerraCycle's Loop for reusable cup pilot across UK locations
The new partnership is the latest sign of major brands taking greater interest in circular solutions. It also marks an expansion beyond grocery for the ambitious reuse platform.
By Karine Vann • Sept. 11, 2020 -
Chipotle debuts branded apparel dyed with recycled avocados
Available at a microsite, the line supports sustainability at a time when fast fashion is often associated with negatively impacting the environment.
By Dianna Christie • Aug. 04, 2020 -
Retrieved from Burger King on July 14, 2020
Burger King explains dangers of cow farts in video starring viral yodeling kid
An educational spot promotes new low-methane emission beef burgers from the chain that's steadily introduced more meatless options.
By Peter Adams • July 14, 2020 -
New McDonald's flagship runs 100% on renewable energy
The new restaurant, located near Disney's All-Star Resorts in Orlando, Florida, is part of the brand's push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 36% by 2030.
By Alicia Kelso • July 13, 2020 -
Retrieved from Starbucks on June 23, 2020
Starbucks continues plant-based push with Impossible breakfast sandwich
As consumer interest in meat alternatives surges, the coffee chain joins Burger King and Dunkin' in adding these items to its morning menu.
By Julie Littman • June 23, 2020 -
COVID-19 puts BYO coffee cups on hold, but sanitized reusable systems could fill the void
Major brands like Starbucks and Dunkin' have banned the use of personal to-go containers in recent weeks over coronavirus fears, raising new questions in a wider debate around packaging safety.
By Karine Vann • March 27, 2020 -
Impossible slashes prices by 15% for distributors
The reduction is a competitive incentive for restaurants looking to capitalize on the plant-based trend without further eroding thin margins.
By Emma Liem Beckett • March 03, 2020 -
Taco Bell CEO says chain will 'definitely' add plant-based protein
Mark King told Nation's Restaurant News he's met with Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods and the restaurant could launch new products by year's end.
By Lauren Manning • Feb. 25, 2020 -
NextGen Cup Challenge, driven by McDonald's and Starbucks, rolls out reusable cup pilot in California
The programs — set to debut at independent coffee shops around San Francisco and Palo Alto — could pave the way for major chains to make the switch as they seek to meet environmental goals.
By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 20, 2020 -
Sponsored by Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
Fin to gill: How restaurant chefs can make the most of whole fish for delicious sustainable dining
Take a second look at what you once saw as trash, and change how your restaurant operates.
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Yum Brands adds KFC's Beyond Fried Chicken to 2 new markets
This marks the second time this week the holding company announced a test of plant-based protein, with Habit Burger putting the Impossible Burger on menus.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 29, 2020 -
Plant-based burger craze will plateau, but no expiration date in sight
Tim Hortons rolled back select Beyond Meat products and Burger King's Impossible Whopper sales are sliding, but analysts predict that meat analogues have long-term staying power.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 27, 2020 -
Starbucks ramps up waste reduction goals, focusing on reusable and recyclable cups
The coffee giant's new "resource positive" goals seek 50% reduction in waste sent to landfills by 2030. Its emphasis on changing cup design for recyclability, versus shifting toward compostables, is different than some competitors.
By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 24, 2020 -
Starbucks sets course for resource positive supply chain
The operational and procurement changes would touch every corner of the company's operation from food sourcing to building construction.
By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 23, 2020