Aramark Sports + Entertainment has introduced special menu and beverage options for the NHL and NBA playoffs, including the Boy Aquarium Cocktail, inspired by a social media trend. NHL teams are serving unique versions of the cocktail, and NBA venues are featuring the interactive Pot-a-Tot menu item and signature dishes in partnership with local chefs.

Chipotle Mexican Grill has released the first Real Foodprint results, estimating the environmental impact of ingredient sourcing standards across all digital orders for 2025. The company avoided 10,060 metric tons of carbon emissions, saved more than 616 million gallons of water and supported more than 2,200 acres of organic land.

The catering market has experienced robust expansion among traditional dine-in chains, with companies like Cracker Barrel and IHOP positioning catering as a vital revenue stream. In 2025, 9% of orders at top US chains were large-group, off-site orders, and IHOP now attributes 10% of its business to catering. These large-scale orders have prompted investments in online ordering, specialized packaging and franchisee training, as brands seek to capture this lucrative and growing segment. Cracker Barrel has invested in delivery vans and technology to improve quality control, while IHOP has developed an online ordering platform and specialized packaging.

Ice cream can be part of a diabetes-friendly diet when consumed in moderation and paired with protein to slow digestion and minimize blood sugar spikes. Registered dietitian Josten Fish advises choosing ice creams with lower carbohydrates and added sugars and suggests mindful portion control. "Ice cream can certainly be included in a healthy diet, including for someone with diabetes, by practicing good portion control and making smart choices on the type of ice cream you consume," says Fish.

Whole milk has returned to some Pennsylvania school cafeterias for the first time in nearly 15 years, following the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act signed in January. The Cambria Heights School District has started offering whole milk at lunch, though federal regulations still prevent it from being served at breakfast.

The chobster dish at Cafe Boulud at Maison Barnes is a signature creation by Chef Daniel Boulud and Executive Chef Romain Paumier. Inspired by the classic Lyonnaise recipe Poularde aux Ecrevisses, the dish features a whole roast chicken from Pennsylvania, seasoned with herbs and garlic, and stuffed with lobster parts. The lobster is gently poached, then finished with the chicken, resulting in a presentation where both proteins are served together, complemented by an aromatic sauce Americaine. The dish is theatrically presented to diners before being carved and served, offering a harmonious blend of delicate chicken and lobster in every bite.

Pull-apart breads offer restaurants a way to connect with consumers through interactive experiences, bridging the gap between convenience and handcrafted hospitality. Styles such as rip-and-dip soft rolls, pull-apart breads, Hasselback sub loaves and Korean-style cream cheese garlic bread rolls provide unique flavor combinations and operational efficiency. Their visually appealing, shareable nature makes them ideal for social gatherings, while their versatility allows operators to introduce new flavor experiences and enhance menu creativity.