With an industry that is constantly evolving, it’s important to anticipate the needs of business owners. Many companies serving the industry have already begun to do so. Trends like off-premise food service and extracting consumer data have influenced tech companies to leap into the business of providing solutions. Foodable spoke to some of these companies at the 2017 NRA show to see how they’re improving customer service.

With labor costs increasing due to things like minimum wage discussions and new legislation, many companies are turning to automation to offset costs. While economists often cite job losses as a negative effect of automation, proponents defend the movement arguing they enhance the day-to-day operations of workers, while improving customer service and restaurants’ bottom lines. Foodable went on a hunt at National Restaurant Association Show to find some of these technologies and look at how they fit into the industry.

The seven-year journey to menu labeling is once again hitting another hurdle. Initially proposed in 2010 along with the Affordable Care Act, this federal mandate, which would enforce that all food establishments of 20 locations or more would be required to list calorie information on menu boards and menus, was supposed to take effect this Friday.

However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has postponed it again — for the third time. Original deadlines for 2015 and 2016 were pushed off the plate, but the new deadline for food businesses to be transparent with calorie information is May 7, 2018. 

Prior to the delay announcement earlier this Monday, the National Restaurant Association encouraged the successful implementation of this law, seeing the federal requirement as the final say among a mix of conflicting regional rules and as a protection to small businesses.

After last week’s announcement that investment company JAB Holdings would buy Panera Bread for $7.5 billion, rumors have been going around that Warren Buffett backed 3G Capital might be interested in placing a rival bid. First reported to the New York Post by "sources close to the deal," the news has still not been confirmed by 3G nor Panera.

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Since Bloomberg first reported the rumors that JAB Holdings might be buying the fast-casual giant, Panera’s stocks have spiked. Now that the bid from JAB has been formally announced, the deal is the second-largest restaurant deal ever made in North America according to the Associated Press. It is second only to the buyout of Tim Horton's by the parent company of Burger King in 2014.

In the Form 8-K filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, should Panera decide to take a higher bid from another part, JAB Holdings will receive a $215 million termination fee.

This latest purchase for JAB adds to their already strong portfolio including Krispy Kreme and Green Mountain Coffee.

Stay tuned to Foodable for the latest on this story and other industry news!

Thousands of prep, cooking, storage, and table service products are on display for operators, dealers and consultants every other year at the National Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers' Equipment and Supply Show. This year's show, held in Orlando, Fla., entertained attendees with new products, interactive demonstrations, and lots of delicious bites!

Chefs, looking to heat things up in the kitchen? Here were the hottest finds we found for you after walking up and down every aisle.

On this episode of "On Foodable Weekly: Industry Pulse," we continue last month's conversation around the NAFEM 2017 show. The National Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers holds its Equipment and Supply show every other year for members to showcase their newest products to thousands of buyers in the foodservice industry. On the last Industry Pulse, we looked at some of the best chef products showcased at NAFEM 2017. This week, we're taking a closer look at the coolest products we saw available to operators. You won’t want to miss these!

“Twenty-three percent of 14 million restaurant workers are immigrants and so this industry depends on them. At this time, it feels more important than ever to stand with diverse communities and pledge to protect their liberties, dignities, and freedom[s],” says Della Heiman, who put up a sign at her Wynwood restaurant, Della Test Kitchen, that reads: "Sanctuary Restaurant: A place at the table for everyone."

“...We wanted to be a part of this legally compliant movement to support the safety and diversity of our employees. Some of the core values of Della Test Kitchen and The Wynwood Yard are community and diversity. The Wynwood Yard is a hub where we feel that many of Miami’s different communities overlap and come together,” explained Heiman.

The Bocuse d’Or began as a culinary competition that first took place at the 1987 SIRHA Culinary Sector Exhibition and Trade Show to highlight the most promising chefs. Named after famed French chef Paul Bocuse, the 2017 Bocuse d’Or once again brought together the world's best chefs to square off in an intense two-day culinary competition. 

The prestigious Bocuse d'Or competition in Lyon, France, is heated as 24 chefs from around the globe come to test their chops. They have five hours and 35 minutes on the dot to conceptualize their best dishes and bring something new to the table with the ingredients given to the teams the day of the competition. A jury made up of the greatest culinary minds judges what the competitors have cooked up.   

In his first 14 days in office, President Trump has signed seven executive orders, many of which have come under fire like the "7-Nation Ban." Despite the continued protests have continued, Trump seems to be following the platform he set during his campaign.

On Friday afternoon, President Donald Trump was sworn into office as the 45th President of the United States. On this episode of "On Foodable Weekly: Washington Report," we discuss the political dissent that has blanketed the country since election day, and how some policies may affect those in foodservice.

As this new administration settles in, we will continue to keep you up to date on legislation affecting your business, here with On Foodable Weekly’s Washington Report. Be sure to watch and share!