HomePlate is a meal delivery service launched by George Mason University student Zachary Suh, aimed at providing culturally relevant meals to seniors. Inspired by his grandmother's comfort with traditional Korean food during her struggle with Alzheimer's, Suh noticed a gap in the market for meal services tailored to seniors' cultural preferences. After winning funding through a business pitch competition in 2024, Suh partnered with Kitchen of Purpose in Arlington and a registered dietitian to deliver fresh, from-scratch meals, initially focusing on Korean dishes but planning to expand offerings.

The National Restaurant Association Show kicks off tomorrow at McCormick Place in Chicago, drawing more than 53,000 professionals and 2,000 vendors. Highlights will include a fireside chat with tennis legend Andre Agassi and Association President and CEO Michelle Korsmo, and the MenuMasters Awards Gala. The show boasts diverse features tailored to industry professionals, from new exhibitor pavilions like Lakeside, which spotlights emerging food and beverage trends, to expanded seating and hydration stations for attendee comfort. The event also emphasizes hands-on experiences, with interactive exhibits, product tastings and technology showcases, including robotics and automation.

Papa Johns is launching a pilot program in Charlotte, N.C., to deliver its new oven toasted sandwiches via Wing drones, marking the first direct partnership between Wing, a Google subsidiary, and a national restaurant. This initiative is part of Papa Johns' ongoing collaboration with Google, which began with migrating its data centers to Google Cloud in 2021. The partnership aims to enhance customer interactions through digital platforms, integrating Wing's drone network with Papa Johns' app and AI assistant Lou.

The Make America Healthy Again initiative has introduced new dietary guidelines that emphasize nutrient-dense proteins and minimize processed foods, raising concerns among school districts about increased meal preparation costs. The Great Valley School District in Pennsylvania is working to adapt by making more meals from scratch, but the district is worried about the financial impact and the need for additional funding. The School Nutrition Association reports that nearly 95% of school nutrition directors are worried about the financial sustainability of their operations.

Restaurant salads, often perceived as a more healthful menu option, can be surprisingly high in calories due to ingredients like crispy chicken, bacon, cheese and heavy dressings, says registered dietitian Theresa Link. Some salads can contain as many calories as a double cheeseburger, with portions and dressings contributing significantly. To maintain a nutritious balance, Link suggests focusing on non-starchy vegetables and controlling dressing portions by requesting them on the side.

Gluten-free baking continues to gain momentum worldwide, with renowned chefs and authors driving the trend toward more inclusive and health-conscious pastries. In celebration of International Celiac Day in 2026, several new books highlight innovative approaches to gluten-free baking, offering recipes and techniques that allow home bakers and professionals alike to create delicious goods without wheat. From breads and cakes to cookies and international classics, these resources demonstrate that gluten-free baking can be both accessible and full of flavor.

Known for their nostalgic atmospheres, regional specialties and unique local flair, Food & Wine editors highlight their list of iconic American diners. From apple cider doughnuts in Connecticut to whimsical decor in Baltimore, each diner featured serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic American comfort food and welcoming service.

Pizza Studio Tamaki, a new Japanese restaurant in New York City's East Village, is garnering acclaim for its unique approach to pizza. Chef Tsubasa Tamaki uses proprietary flour, a 30-hour fermentation process, and Okinawan salt to create distinct flavors in his pizzas. The restaurant's standout pies include the Romana, Arrabbiata and 5 Formaggi.