ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
Plus, bananas gain appeal as a versatile menu ingredient
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September 10, 2026
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ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
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Center of the Plate
 
NFL stadiums debut bold new menus for the 2026 season
 
Denver, United States – August 30, 2025: Birds Eye View Above Empower Field at Mile High Stadium. Home of the Denver Broncos
(Wirestock/Getty Images)
NFL stadiums have introduced a variety of creative and indulgent food and drink options for the new season. Highlights include oversized, shareable creations like the Beast in a Blanket at Denver's Empower Field, football-shaped loaded tater tots at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Chef Sonia's Southern Mac Bowl at Reliant Stadium in Houston, the Broad Street Beast at Philly's Lincoln Financial Field and the Bear-ia Burrito at Soldier Field in Chicago. Stadiums are also offering unique beverages, such as Gameday Matchup Cocktails at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Full Story: FoodService Director (9/9)
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Avoid these 5 costly grocery mishaps
Poor restocking choices lead to revenue loss through overstocking, spoilage, and stockouts. Optimize your strategy by mastering efficient replenishment. Download the guide »
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Foodservice News
 
How Chipotle built a local supply chain in S. Korea
Chipotle Mexican Grill's debut in Seoul generated remarkable consumer buzz, with South Koreans lining up for hours and sharing their experiences widely on social media. To support its entry into the market, Chipotle and local partner Sangmidang Holdings developed a supply chain tailored to meet the brand's global food quality standards. Leveraging suppliers and farms already vetted for reliability, as well as Sangmidang's sourcing and processing capabilities, the joint venture established a robust local infrastructure, ensuring that Chipotle can maintain consistency and quality as it seeks to build a scalable model for its broader Asia expansion.
Full Story: CNBC (9/8)
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Nashville restaurants face challenges amid rapid growth
Nashville's restaurant scene is experiencing significant challenges as the city undergoes rapid growth, with nearly 100 new residents moving in daily. Local operators are struggling with higher property values and taxes, with some seeing rent increases of up to 300%. The influx of well-financed outside businesses has intensified competition, forcing local restaurants to find innovative ways to stay afloat. Some new businesses, like Perenn Bakery and Curry Boys BBQ, have successfully integrated into the community by actively participating in local events and supporting other businesses.
Full Story: StarChefs (9/7)
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Consistent, premium pre-cooked bacon.
With Smithfield Select, you can serve up premium bacon without the prep that satisfies both the front and back of house. Chefs won't leave a mess. Patrons won't leave a crumb. Learn More.
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Nourish: Health, Nutrition and Wellness News
 
RDs: Chia seeds top list for brain and heart health
Chia seeds are highly recommended by registered dietitians for supporting brain, heart and gut health due to their fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and antioxidants. RDs Carrie Gabriel and Kat Garcia-Benson highlight their benefits, including cholesterol regulation and digestive support. They advise incorporating chia seeds into moist foods or liquids to avoid the risks associated with consuming them dry. Flaxseeds are also noted as a beneficial alternative, providing similar health advantages.
Full Story: Real Simple (9/8)
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The Hidden Cost of Warehouse Blind Spots
From intake to fulfillment, retail inventory errors quietly drain your budget. When operational leaders lack real-time visibility, hidden touchpoint mistakes trigger costly delays. Close the gap and stop paying for what your team can't see. Download the Whitepaper
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Culinary Trends and Innovations
 
Augustine's Salumeria builds menu around Longhorn beef 
Augustine's Salumeria in Mamaroneck has built its menu around pasture-raised Texas Longhorn beef, sourced directly from a heritage herd in Oklahoma. Chef Marc Taxiera emphasizes the breed's robust, old-school flavor and leanness, noting that Longhorns, raised on open pasture without growth hormones or antibiotics, yield meat that's naturally less fatty and more nutritious than conventional beef. Each animal is hand-selected and contributes to distinctive menu items like tartare, Mafalda pasta and steak, all showcasing the unique qualities of pasture-raised Longhorn beef.
Full Story: Westchester Magazine online (Rye, N.Y.) (9/9)
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Bananas gain appeal as a versatile menu ingredient
 
A colorful breakfast plate with banana toast, blueberries, nuts, cream, and a savory egg dish is served alongside iced coffee. Bright natural light and reflective plates create a fresh, abundant brunch concept.
(Tatiana Maksimova/Getty Images)
Bananas are gaining popularity as a versatile ingredient in food and beverages, with operators incorporating them into a variety of dishes and drinks. From banana pudding and Bananas Foster to banana bread lattes and banana matcha, the fruit is being used in creative ways to attract customers.
Full Story: Flavor & The Menu (9/2)
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