Sustainability

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

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

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 Stine • 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. 

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

Taco Bell wants compostable, recyclable packaging by 2025

The chain will also remove harmful chemicals like PFAs, Phthalates and BP from its consumer packaging as part of its larger sustainability initiatives.

By Lauren Stine • Jan. 13, 2020

Burger King launches Impossible sausage breakfast sandwich

The Impossible Croissan'wich will be available at participating restaurants in five regions and is part of Burger King's plant-based menu expansion plans.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 07, 2020

Deep Dive

5 restaurant trends that will define 2020

Analysts predict that ghost restaurants and lifestyle brand campaigns will continue to evolve and shape the market, but Gen Z's influence and interest in micro chains could disrupt the ecosystem.

By Julie Littman , Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 06, 2020

British invasion: How LEON plans to dominate — and change — American fast food

The London-based QSR's fresh, quality ingredients have pitted it against U.S. fast casuals, but the chain's founder wants to "reinvent McDonald's" so that it's healthy, sustainable and fun. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 20, 2019

Blue Bottle, aiming for 'zero waste' in 2020, could eliminate to-go coffee cups

The upscale coffee chain's goals mirror a larger shift as more and more companies target their waste footprints. The no cup pilot will begin in two California locations.

By E.A. Crunden • Dec. 13, 2019

McDonald's could sell 250M Beyond Meat burgers annually in US, report says

Though the fast food giant is only selling 20 to 30 plant-based burgers per day in its Canadian test, UBS predicts the product would eventually drive strong sales if sold in America.

By Lauren Stine • Dec. 11, 2019

Ford will upcycle McDonald's coffee waste into car parts

The fast food chain's latest partnership is part of its long-standing sustainability initiatives, which includes reducing plastic packaging waste and its 2020 goal of sourcing coffee from 100% sustainable sources.  

By Lauren Stine • Dec. 06, 2019

Sponsored by Beef. It's What's For Dinner.

Beef Quality Assurance: raising beef the right way

For more than 30 years, the beef community has participated in a voluntary Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program to ensure U.S. beef is produced under stringent animal care standards, resulting in high-quality beef.

McDonald's invests in solar, wind projects

The QSR joins Starbucks as one of the only restaurant brands investing in renewable energy projects as part of long-standing sustainability initiatives. 

By Lauren Stine , Julie Littman • Nov. 08, 2019