Smallcakes, a cupcake business, has expanded significantly in the past three years. Some of their innovative methods include a cupcake infused ice cream and the cupcake smash which mashes cupcake infused ice cream with cupcakes. The company has expanded to over 160 locations including international markets like Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Smallcakes was one of the top 50 fastest growing companies in 2015 and was founded in 2008 by Jeff Martin of Kansas City. It has fans nationwide.

Key Takeaways:

• Smallcakes growth can be directly attributed to its unique and marketable product.
• Part of the success of the company may come from allowing store owners to contribute ideas to the company.
• The appeal of Smallcakes appears to come from variety on the menu as well as a different take on a traditional dessert item.

“With 30 new stores in production for this year in the US and internationally, Smallcakes really is trying to accomplish its # tag of “Baking over the World”

Read more: http://www.restaurantnews.com/smallcakes-growth-is-influenced-by-its-creative-menu-offering/

Coffee and beer bars are becoming more popular, with more establishments opening all over the country. The establishments offer services to different crowds of people that can come all day long, creating steady business. The bars are often a unique attraction that caters to the neighborhood they are in offering quality beverages and service. Patrons can also come and hang out with friends or hold business meetings while remote workers can drink coffee all day then grab a beer after work. These bars are fun and practical, which us why they are doing so well.

Key Takeaways:

• The craft beer trend and US consumption of coffee makes coffee-and-beer bars a great match.
• The sense of community is what makes coffee-and-beer bars extremely attractive.
• Success is aided by the fact many neighborhoods do not have these bar concepts already.

“Why they pair well and why they’re going together is because of the quality and varieties of the coffee and beer.”

Read more: http://www.restaurant-hospitality.com/drink-trends/operators-brew-business-coffee-and-beer-bars

For many years people have enjoyed the customization options at fast casual restaurants, from sandwich shops to tacos. This approach was the topic of the educational event Disrupting Fast Casual. Attendees were tasked with finding new ideas to refresh old tried and true concepts. Some of them said that the customization was past its prime and consumers wanted dishes that are already made to taste great. Others felt that the customization at fast casual restaurants needed some new ideas, like guidance from servers so customers know what pairs up good. For some brands it works fine but for others it could make the experience long, confusing, and daunting for many customers. Many brands are trying to reduce their menus in an effort to cut cost, this in turn can change what part of the dish will be diy. This is where fast casual restaurants can come in and find the middle ground to make it a great experience and also be efficient as possible.

Key Takeaways:

• The trend of most guests wanting customization is fading according to many Chefs.
• Customization is key to allowing the food experience be controlled by the guest.
• Customization has allowed many business to flourish and bring in new guests.

“When customization enters the realm of complex and more plentiful menu items, it may become more difficult for guests to make decisions”

Read more: https://www.qsrmagazine.com/fast-casual/could-customization-disappear-fast-casual

Do you want to do something unique with your dinner? How about a themed meal? Many people are adding themes to their meals, and the results are absolutely phenomenal. If you want to capture the essence of your dinner and take it to the next level, why not plan a themed meal, too? You can get started with your adventures in themed meals with the eight meals listed here. These are great themes and dinners that everyone will love.

Key Takeaways:

• By adding a theme to any meal you can create an environment of excitement.
• Creativity is a crucial in food selection to match your theme.
• Not only can themes be fun, they can be cultural to bring attention to a different region of the world and cuisine.

“Students at Raynham Middle School in Raynham, Mass., got to experience international dishes during the school’s weeklong Around the World in Five Lunches event, which offered a different ethnic cuisine daily.”

Read more: http://www.foodservicedirector.com/ideas-innovation/emerging-trends/articles/8-themed-meals-capture-diners