NOW, MORE THAN EVER: The National Restaurant Show is a Launchpad for Your Future in Foodservice

 

In an age of inflation-fatigued consumers, rising operational costs, and rapidly evolving consumer preferences, there's never been a more critical time for convenience store operators, supermarket deli managers, and restaurant innovators to future-proof their foodservice strategy according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solution®. The 2025 National Restaurant Association Show—May 17–20 at McCormick Place in Chicago—isn’t just a trade event. It’s the incubator of your next big growth phase.

Whether you’re a corner C-store testing new meal solutions, a deli eyeing premium grab-and-go, or a regional grocery banner ramping up fresh prepared foods, this year’s show is your chance to turn possibilities into profits. As the Grocerant Guru®, I’m here to tell you: now is the time to empower your vision of foodservice, because the insights, innovations, and connections available at this show are exactly what you need to boost top-line sales and bottom-line performance.

Do You Want to Grow

Sell More and Make Larger Profits

Then Think About Garnering A

Larger Share of Stomach

 

WHY THIS SHOW MATTERS FOR FOOD RETAILERS

The National Restaurant Association Show is the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, but size isn’t its only asset. What matters most is its relevance to your business today. Supermarkets and food retailers are uniquely positioned to meet consumer demand for restaurant-quality experiences at home—at a better price point. That means prepared foods, fresh meals, and smart technology matter more than ever.

This show delivers all that and more:

·       Over 2,200 exhibitors across 900+ product categories

·       Firsthand access to tech-driven solutions (think ventless ovens, AI-enhanced tools, and self-serve kiosks)

·       Flavor and format innovations that align with changing tastes and convenience demands

·       Packaging and sustainability solutions to help balance cost, operations, and ESG priorities

As Stacy Hodge, the show’s senior director of programming, put it, “It’s not just about hearing what’s new—it’s about tasting, testing, and making direct supplier connections.” For food retailers, it’s about immersion in what’s next—and how to bring that future back to your own aisles.

 

HOW TO TURN INSIGHTS INTO ACTIONABLE WINS

Food retailers should approach the show with one goal: leave with ideas you can implement next quarter—not next year. Here’s how to get the most out of your experience:

1.       Taste What Sells: Live culinary demos, beverage innovation zones, and flavor trend showcases will let you evaluate what resonates with consumers before making an investment.

2.       See the Tech in Action: From AI-enhanced prep systems to compact, efficient cooking tools, the TECH Pavilion offers hands-on comparisons to guide your next kitchen upgrade.

3.       Source Smarter: Explore emerging brands in the reimagined Pavilion for disruptive product ideas, and tap into the Global Food Expo for authentic, international flavor inspiration.

4.       Learn from Leaders: Must-attend sessions like “Lessons from the Winners” and Technomic-led trend briefings offer data-backed blueprints from the most successful players in the industry.

5.       Connect with Peers: Dedicated networking opportunities and informal retailer meetups give you the chance to share best practices with other progressive operators in your channel.

 

NOW IS THE TIME TO COMMIT TO GROWTH

With Carla Hall headlining as the keynote on May 18, and special guests like Courtney Storer (culinary producer for FX’s The Bear) offering behind-the-scenes insights on consumer expectations and culinary creativity, this year’s show goes beyond operations. It’s about vision, culture, and passion.

More than 100 sessions across six education tracks—including Culinary Insights, Operations Solutions, and Technology Strategies—equip you to lead your team into the next era of food retail.

And don’t overlook the FABI & KI Innovation Showcases. These aren’t just awards—they’re your curated preview of solutions that can simplify back-of-house execution while elevating your menu.

 

FROM CONCEPT TO CART: WHY RETAILERS NEED TO ACT NOW

Foodservice within retail is no longer an add-on—it’s a growth engine. And with consumer demand for convenience, value, and fresh-driven quality higher than ever, the right insights can translate to increased basket size, customer loyalty, and operational resilience.

Retailers who attend the National Restaurant Show will walk away with more than a notebook of ideas. They’ll gain the tools to execute, the partners to support them, and the inspiration to lead.

So whether you run a single store or manage 100, don’t just show up—show up with purpose. The future of foodservice is waiting on the show floor. It’s time to meet it.

Success Leaves Clues—Are You Ready to Find Yours?

One key insight that continues to drive success is this: "The consumer is dynamic, not static." This principle is the foundation of our work at Foodservice Solutions®, where Steven Johnson, the Grocerant Guru®, has been helping brands stay relevant in an ever-evolving market.

Want to strengthen your brand’s connection with today’s consumers? Let’s talk. Call 253-759-7869 for more information.

Stay Ahead of the Competition with Fresh Ideas

Is your food marketing keeping up with tomorrow’s trends—or stuck in yesterday’s playbook? If you're ready for fresh ideations that set your brand apart, we’re here to help.

At Foodservice Solutions®, we specialize in consumer-driven retail food strategies that enhance convenience, differentiation, and individualization—key factors in driving growth.

👉 Email us at Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us
👉 Connect with us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter

Food Industry Success: Mastering the Price, Value, Service Equilibrium

 

As economic pressures mount with inflation and fluctuating gas prices, today's consumers have never been more "meal price transactional," a term coined by Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA-based Foodservice Solutions®. Consumers scrutinize every dollar spent, balancing the price, value, and service they receive — all while seeking convenience and quality.

This delicate dance between price, value, and service — what Johnson calls the "Equilibrium" — has become the defining factor for success across grocery, convenience stores, and the restaurant sector.

Let's explore six companies winning the equilibrium battle with updated food industry facts:

Time to Build a Larger

Share of Stomach

 

1. McDonald’s: Still Dominating the Value Landscape

McDonald’s once again proves its mastery of Price, Value, and Service. After revitalizing its Value Menu in 2023 with the $5 Meal Deal (sandwich, fries, drink, plus a bonus item), McDonald's experienced a 7.5% increase in U.S. same-store sales (Q4 2024 earnings report).

McDonald's success lies not only in price but in service improvements: with 60% of sales now digital (thanks to revamped kiosks and loyalty app growth), the brand enhances speed and order accuracy — creating a frictionless customer experience that matches consumers' heightened value expectations.

2. Wendy’s: Strategic Bundles and Breakfast Boom

Wendy’s has leaned heavily into "bundle value" — launching a $3 Biggie Bundle breakfast (bacon or sausage croissant + seasoned potatoes). As a result, Wendy’s breakfast sales surged 8% year-over-year (Wendy’s 2024 Investor Call).

CEO Kirk Tanner emphasized that "value-focused consumers are driving breakfast visits," while Wendy’s digital ordering — now 45% of total transactions — ensures smooth, fast service that strengthens loyalty.

3. Subway: Menu Innovation + Subscription Deals

Subway has pulled off a remarkable turnaround, moving beyond just cheap sandwiches. Its Footlong Pass Subscription ($15 per month for discounted footlongs) boosted traffic by 20% among loyalty members (Subway 2024 Annual Report).

In addition, Subway's "Fresh Forward" stores — modernized for faster throughput — have cut wait times by 30% compared to older formats, aligning service quality with perceived value.

4. Taco Bell: Limited-Time Offers That Crush Price Sensitivity

Taco Bell remains a pioneer in "LTO-driven value." Their new $2 Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco (introduced Q3 2024) generated over 40 million units sold within six weeks — another triumph of delivering perceived premium value at a low cost.

Moreover, Taco Bell’s app-exclusive "Tuesday Deals" created digital engagement spikes, with mobile order frequency growing 15% year-over-year, increasing service convenience while locking in loyalty.

5. Costco: Disrupting Traditional Restaurants with Value Meals

Costco’s food courts have become a meal destination, not just a shopping pit stop. Their $1.50 hot dog + drink combo remains inflation-proof for 40 years — an iconic example of "trusted value."

In 2024, Costco expanded its food court menu, offering $6.99 rotisserie chicken caesar salads and $3.99 chicken bakes, pushing meal transaction volumes up 10% year-over-year (Costco Financials 2024). The simplicity of service (fast, minimal wait) and unbeatable price points keep disrupting traditional restaurant sectors.

6. IKEA: The "Restaurant Inside a Retailer" Model

IKEA’s Swedish Food Markets and in-store restaurants are booming: in 2024, IKEA sold over 45 million meatball meals globally. Their Ready-2-Eat model — $6.99 Swedish meatball plates — emphasizes quality, affordability, and quick service.

By offering Take-Home Frozen Meal Kits at low price points (e.g., $12 family meals for 4), IKEA has captured weekday dinner traffic from casual dining chains, tapping into "value-motivated" customers seeking flexibility and affordability.

Think About This: The Future Belongs to Brands Who Master Equilibrium

The competitive lines between grocery stores, convenience stores, and traditional restaurants are blurred permanently. Companies that harmonize price transparency, menu innovation, speed of service, and emotional value are winning the new foodservice economy.

Key Takeaways:

·       Customers are not just buying meals; they are buying experience and perceived value.

·       Subscription models and digital bundles are proving powerful.

·       Convenience + pricing equilibrium will increasingly define brand survival.

·       Non-traditional food providers (Costco, IKEA) are redefining “where” meals are sourced.

Is your brand future-proof?
If you're still running yesterday’s business model, it’s time for a reset.
Contact Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at www.FoodserviceSolutions.us and evolve with the consumer.

What Customers Value: A View from Restaurants, Convenience Stores, and Grocery Service Delis

 

In today’s evolving foodservice landscape, the definition of value has expanded far beyond just price. Consumers navigating restaurants, convenience stores, and grocery store delis are increasingly driven by a combination of fiscal mindfulness, time-saving solutions, and meal satisfaction. Yet the lens through which each customer base views value is shaped by both the location and lifestyle context of the purchase.

1. The Restaurant Customer: Value Beyond the Menu

From a restaurant customer’s viewpoint, value begins with affordability but doesn’t end there. The National Restaurant Association’s 2025 Off-Premises Report reveals a compelling shift in consumer mindset: although operators might assume convenience is king, 82% of delivery customers cite value offers—like deals and discounts—as a primary decision driver, ahead of loyalty programs or tech convenience.

Despite digital ordering surging in popularity, price dissatisfaction remains high: only 67% of delivery customers are satisfied with pricing. That disconnect points to a harsh reality—value perception erodes when third-party delivery fees or inflated menu pricing undercut the meal’s worth.

From the Grocerant Guru’s perspective, restaurants must reframe off-premises occasions as at-home meal experiences. Success lies in:

·       Offering limited-time offers (LTOs) and BOGO promotions.

·       Introducing discounted time-sensitive deals to capture off-peak traffic.

·       Enhancing perceived value with bundle meals that appeal to families or groups.

Consumers will wait. They’ll drive. But they won’t overpay. That’s the new restaurant value equation.

 

2. The Convenience Store Customer: Value is Fast, Flavorful, and Flexible

Convenience store customers, long stereotyped as speed-seeking impulse buyers, now crave quality bundled with affordability. In the grocerant space, value here means fast access to fresh, flavorful, mix-and-match meal components at a reasonable price.

The Grocerant Guru® has long tracked how C-stores are stealing share from fast-food chains by meeting customers where they are—both physically and psychologically. These customers define value through:

·       Speed with satisfaction—the meal must be ready in minutes but taste like it came from a kitchen.

·       Daily combo deals that rotate to avoid menu fatigue.

·       Portability and portion control, especially during lunch and snacking occasions.

Consider Wawa’s hot hoagie bundles, or Casey’s pizza-meal deals. Both leverage everyday value pricing with freshly made foods, drawing traffic during both peak and off-peak hours.

According to the Grocerant Guru®: “When convenience stores blur the line between fresh meals and fast service, they become the new local dining solution.”

 

3. The Grocery Service Deli Customer: Value is Familiarity, Freshness, and Family-Centric

The grocery deli consumer is often budget-conscious, time-strapped, and seeking meal anchors they can trust. These customers often enter the store knowing dinner must be solved—and solved fast.

Value in this channel means:

·       Meal component bundling—pairing protein, starch, and vegetable sides into ready-to-serve kits.

·       Transparent pricing that compares favorably to dining out.

·       Seasonal or event-specific deals like Sunday roasts, game-day platters, or holiday “family happy meals.”

The National Restaurant Association found that four in five off-premises customers would shift their order time if a discount were offered during non-peak hours. Grocery delis, with established shopper traffic patterns, are uniquely positioned to drive incremental purchases through:

·       Real-time markdowns on hot bar items near closing time.

·       Daily deal boards featuring rotating deli staples.

·       Cross-merchandising (e.g., a rotisserie chicken + side salad + artisan bread for $9.99).

As the Grocerant Guru® puts it, “The grocery deli isn’t about price alone—it’s about saving dinner without compromising tradition or taste.”

 

Consumer Value in 2025: Final Thoughts

Across all segments, value isn’t a static dollar amount—it’s a dynamic relationship between price, product, and perceived effort saved. Whether it’s:

·       A restaurant offering a weekday bundle for under $12,

·       A convenience store discounting pizza slices after 7 PM,

·       Or a grocery deli bundling lunch for four under $20—

Consumers are looking for value that aligns with their reality: one where time is short, money is tighter, and meals must still bring comfort.

 

Three Value Recommendations from The Grocerant Guru®

1.       Offer Dynamic Deals: Use time-sensitive discounts or real-time digital coupons to tap into off-peak ordering habits.

2.       Bundle Smarter: Bundle meals with drinks or desserts to increase the check average while reinforcing value.

3.       Empower Family Meals: Position value offerings as family-saving solutions—budget-friendly, fresh, and flavorful alternatives to fast food.

Want to discuss how to refine your value positioning in today’s foodscape? Let’s talk strategy with the Grocerant Guru®.

Gain a Competitive Edge with a Grocerant ScoreCard

Unlock new opportunities with a Grocerant ScoreCard, designed to optimize product positioning, placement, and consumer engagement.

Since 1991, Foodservice Solutions® has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche—helping brands identify high-growth strategies that resonate with modern consumers.

📞 Call 253-759-7869 or 📩 Email Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us

Who is Eating What When?

 

The food and beverage retail world is undergoing a significant transformation according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. Consumers are reshaping their eating habits, with a remarkable return to home-prepared meals—a trend not seen at this level since 2000.

That said, let’s see look at some of what The Food Industry Association found as it edifies the findings of the Grocerant Guru® six in ten food shoppers now prepare dinner at home at least five times a week, a shift that is redefining the grocery landscape. But this is not just a return to traditional home cooking; instead, it’s an evolution driven by convenience, innovation, and the blending of restaurant-quality meals into everyday home dining.

The Rise of Home Dining

A staggering 86% of all eating occasions now happen at home. Breakfast leads the way at 87%, followed by dinner at 81%, while lunch—often influenced by workplace trends—accounts for 76% of in-home consumption. This shift isn’t just about savings; it’s about accessibility, convenience, and the growing appeal of premium at-home dining experiences.

Heat-and-Eat: The New Home Chef’s Best Friend

Consumers are seeking shortcuts without sacrificing quality, and the grocerant niche filled Ready-2-Eat and Heat-N-Eat segment is booming. A notable 36% of dinners now incorporate a Grocerant niche Heat-N-Eat item, with prepared meats surging by 12.8% and fresh pizza up by 8.0%. The ability to quickly prepare a high-quality meal at home is reshaping grocery store aisles, where fresh and frozen prepared foods are taking center stage.

Frozen Foods: The Power Players

The frozen food aisle has never been more relevant. Shoppers are flocking to versatile frozen options, including Birds Eye Meal Starters, Bertolli Toasted Ravioli, and air-fryer-ready snacks. The appeal? These products offer convenience, portion control, and extended shelf life—all while aligning with the broader trend of recreating restaurant experiences at home. Sales of air fryer–friendly frozen foods alone hit a staggering $6.1 billion for the year ended October 10, 2024, according to Conagra Brands.

Fast Food at Home

Consumers are channeling their favorite fast-food cravings into home-cooked alternatives. Sales of refrigerated pizza are up 18.3%, frozen processed chicken has climbed 7.4%, and frozen onion rings have increased by 4.8%. The message is clear: people want the indulgence of quick-service favorites without the drive-thru.

The Premium & Specialty Boom

While convenience is king, quality is equally crucial. Specialty food sales are projected to hit $231.3 billion in 2025, with high-protein and gourmet meal solutions gaining traction. As more consumers seek restaurant-quality ingredients and meals at home, grocers are responding with an expanded selection of premium options, from organic meats to globally inspired Ready-2-Eat dishes.

The Bigger Picture: Retail vs. Foodservice

The U.S. is witnessing an overall increase in eating occasions—up 17% versus 2019, according to Circana data. In the third quarter of 2024, 60.2% of U.S. food dollars were spent on retail and in-home consumption, while 39.8% went to foodservice and away-from-home dining. This dynamic suggests that while dining out remains popular, grocery retailers have a firm grasp on the consumer wallet. Looking ahead to 2025, Circana forecasts grocery retail unit sales growth of 0%–1%, with dollar sales expected to rise 2.5%–3.5%.

What’s Next? The Future of Food at Home

The modern consumer wants it all: convenience, quality, and variety. Retailers and brands that deliver on these evolving expectations—through innovative frozen offerings, elevated prepared meals, and premium specialty options—will thrive in this changing landscape. The battle for food dollars is shifting toward home, and those who understand who is eating what when will be best positioned for success in 2025 and beyond.

The Grocerant Guru® sees the future of food retail as dynamic, blending tradition with innovation. Those who stay ahead of these trends—offering convenience without compromise—will lead the way in the evolving food and beverage retail world.

Stay Ahead of the Competition with Fresh Ideas

Is your food marketing keeping up with tomorrow’s trends—or stuck in yesterday’s playbook? If you're ready for fresh ideations that set your brand apart, we’re here to help.

At Foodservice Solutions®, we specialize in consumer-driven retail food strategies that enhance convenience, differentiation, and individualization—key factors in driving growth.

👉 Email us at Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us
👉 Connect with us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter