Commodity forecasting highlights from CommodityONE

This snapshot report is released every week. To learn more about the FULL report, click here. 

Designed to support purchasing and forecasting teams in managing price risks, CommodityONE provides powerful tools like commodity forecasting and item-specific food cost modeling to help you plan smarter and maximize profitability. Learn how you can receive even more in-depth insights delivered daily from CommodityONE to elevate your strategy.

Learn More

Expert insights curated weekly.

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Produce

Avocados ended their 11-week price drop with a slight uptick. Roma tomatoes continued their descent but at a slower pace. Prices for most other core items held relatively steady.

Outlook: Avocados are entering their most volatile seasonal window. Consider forward contracts or price protections to avoid sharp spot market increases in July and August. Tomato pricing may see short-term stabilization, but long-term relief isn’t expected until September.

Grains

Grain markets paused last week. Wheat pricing climbed due to harvest delays and global unrest, but the rally appears short-lived. U.S. winter wheat harvest is far behind schedule, particularly in Oklahoma and Illinois.

Outlook: Expect wheat prices to correct as weather improves and harvest resumes. Monitor supplier updates closely and reassess futures-based procurement strategies heading into Q3.

Dairy

Butter and cheese prices softened slightly last week, with CME blocks and barrels both at $1.69/lb. Butter demand remains strong domestically and abroad. Milk production is adequate despite regional tightening.

Outlook: Watch for modest pressure on dairy through summer due to tight cream supplies and sustained retail demand. Multi-unit operators should explore volume leverage on cheese and butter contracts now to prepare for potential Q3 firming.

Beef

Beef cutouts climbed sharply, with Choice up 4% and Select up 3%. Key cuts like tenderloins, striploins, and top sirloins hit or approached record highs. Ground beef also surged, with 50% trim hitting a new record at $2.00/lb. Cattle futures dipped slightly, but pricing strength persisted across primals and grinds.

Outlook: With grilling season in full swing, operators should anticipate elevated pricing on both premium and value cuts through the July 4th holiday. Strategic sourcing on end cuts and ground beef will be key. Consider locking in volume pricing where possible and lean on supplier partners to identify cost-effective substitutes.

Pork

The pork complex continued to climb, with the overall cutout up 4% week-over-week and nearly 19% month-over-month. Bellies, ribs, butts, and hams all moved higher, while boneless loins remained flat. Export activity spiked, especially for pork butts.

Outlook: This may be the last opportunity for favorable pork pricing before late fall. Strong seasonal demand and tightening availability could put upward pressure on key cuts. Multi-unit concepts should align purchasing timelines across locations to lock in pricing ahead of Independence Day volume surges.

Poultry

Weekly chicken harvests rose 1.4% YoY. Boneless breasts dropped $0.04 to $2.65/lb, while tenderloins increased $0.06 to $2.59/lb. Wing prices rose slightly but remain well below historical norms. Thigh meat prices were steady, with B/S thighs up 31% YoY. Turkey breasts rose 6% week-over-week. Egg prices ticked up 1% but are still down 20% month-over-month.

Outlook: While overall poultry markets are entering a typical seasonal decline, expect continued demand pressure on white meat. Multi-unit operators should evaluate pre-orders and contract positions on tenderloins and thighs to manage margin exposure, especially as summer menus lean heavier on chicken.

Seafood

Salmon prices declined 6.9% m/m—finally returning to seasonal norms after months of elevated costs. The early downturn in April marked a turning point in the previously inflated market.

Outlook: Pricing should ease further into Q3. This is an ideal time for multi-unit menus to reintroduce or promote salmon offerings, particularly as margins improve. Consider locking in forward buys before fall volatility begins.

Need Help Managing Market Volatility?

Consolidated Concepts offers custom contract support, commodity tracking, and supply chain solutions to help operators thrive—no matter the market conditions. Reach out to see how we can help your business stay ahead of pricing swings and supply uncertainty.

Want the full report in your inbox everyday?

Submit the short form to learn how to get the FULL CommodityONE report delivered DAILY to your inbox: 

CommodityONE offers a diversity in format and provides definitive content that presents the trends and forecasts that align with what’s happening in the industry. Sign up for CommodityONE today to unlock the most in-depth foodservice commodities report on the market.

Expert insights curated weekly.

Powered by CommodityONE

When operators think about profitability, food and labor usually take the spotlight—but restaurant indirect costs can quietly erode margins if left unmanaged.

From cleaning chemicals and uniforms to equipment repairs and payroll tools, these non-food essentials are easy to overlook. But across multiple locations, small inefficiencies in these categories can snowball into major operational expenses. And the bigger your restaurant footprint gets, the harder they become to track and control.

Optimizing restaurant indirect costs isn’t just about cutting back. It’s about gaining visibility, standardizing spend, and unlocking new savings to improve your bottom line.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Indirect Spend (and Why It’s So Easy to Miss)?

Indirect spend covers everything your restaurant purchases that isn’t food or beverage but is still critical to operations. It’s the cleaning supplies that get reordered every week. The uniforms you lease. The lightbulbs, trash bags, pest control, fryer oil disposal, and the software your team uses to track tips or schedules.

Individually, these may seem like small line items. But across multiple locations and months of service, these “minor” expenses can quickly add up—and chip away at your profitability without you realizing it.

Where the Dollars Disappear: Key Indirect Spend Categories

Here are some common indirect spend categories where multi-unit operators frequently overspend:

• Cleaning and Janitorial Supplies – Purchased as-needed, often without volume discounts
• Uniforms and Linens – Leased or bought at inconsistent prices from multiple vendors
• Equipment and Repairs – Emergency fixes and parts that vary widely by location
• Waste and Recycling Services – Missed contract renegotiations or inefficient pickup schedules
• Office Supplies and Admin Tools – One-off purchases without preferred pricing
• HR and Payroll Platforms – Different tools used by different units, adding unnecessary licensing costs

Without a centralized procurement strategy, these costs can spiral—especially when each location is ordering independently.

The Risk of Inconsistent Vendor Pricing Across Locations

When each unit manages its own indirect purchases, pricing can vary wildly—even for identical products. One location might pay 15% more for the same hand soap or trash liners simply because they’re sourcing from a different supplier or haven’t negotiated terms. That inconsistency adds up fast across 10, 20, or 50 units.

Consolidated Concepts helps standardize purchasing across your footprint so every location benefits from preferred pricing.

The Operational Toll of Managing Too Many Vendors

Multiple vendors mean multiple invoices, contracts, service issues, and account reps. It’s a heavy administrative load for your teams—and it gets heavier as you grow. Managing indirect spend without a centralized system not only wastes money but also valuable time your staff could spend on more strategic priorities.

With Consolidated Concepts, operators can simplify vendor relationships and reduce the burden on their teams.

How to Audit Restaurant Indirect Costs (Without Overwhelming Your Team)

If you’re not sure where your indirect dollars are going, here are three ways to get started:

1. Run a Location-Level Spend Review – Pull purchasing reports from the last 3–6 months for each unit. Look at non-food categories—then compare vendors, pricing, and order frequency.
2. Identify Repeat or High-Frequency Purchases – These are the quick wins. Items like gloves, napkins, chemicals, and software licenses are ripe for standardization and bulk savings.
3. Consolidate Vendors Where Possible – Multiple vendors doing the same job = missed leverage. Streamlining vendors gives you more negotiating power and consistency.

How Consolidated Concepts Can Help You Take Back Control

At Consolidated Concepts, we help multi-unit operators uncover the restaurant indirect costs that are quietly eating into margins—and connect them to over 175,000 rebated and discounted line items that cover nearly every operational need.

Here’s how we support your business:

• Cost benchmarking to expose hidden overspending
• Vendor consolidation strategies to improve efficiency
• Access to pre-negotiated programs for everything from uniforms to waste services
• Purchasing data insights to optimize your indirect spend

Even if it’s not food, chances are—we can help you save on it.

Don’t Let the Small Stuff Slip Through the Cracks

Food and labor may get the spotlight—but indirect spend deserves a seat at the table. With the right strategy and support, you can rein in these hidden costs and boost profitability across every unit.

Let Consolidated Concepts help you uncover what you’ve been overlooking—fill out the form below and start saving smarter today.

Commodity forecasting highlights from CommodityONE

This snapshot report is released every week. To learn more about the FULL report, click here. 

Designed to support purchasing and forecasting teams in managing price risks, CommodityONE provides powerful tools like commodity forecasting and item-specific food cost modeling to help you plan smarter and maximize profitability. Learn how you can receive even more in-depth insights delivered daily from CommodityONE to elevate your strategy.

Learn More

Expert insights curated weekly.

Powered by CommodityONE

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Produce

Avocados paused their recent slide, but pricing still trends downward long-term. Roma tomatoes continue to correct and may rebound soon. Lettuce remains stable for now but could see pressure from emerging crop disease issues.

Outlook: Avocado and tomato pricing remain favorable near term. Watch lettuce closely, as disease-driven supply disruption could create a short-term price spike.

Grains

Soybean oil rallied sharply at the end of the week following the EPA’s favorable 2026–2027 RVO announcement, boosting long-term biofuel demand expectations.

Outlook: Expect continued strength in soybean oil markets as biofuel policy and supply chain dynamics create bullish momentum through the second half of the year.

Dairy

CME block and barrel cheese both dipped slightly, while butter prices held steady. Inventories are building, but cheese demand remains consistent from both retail and foodservice.

Outlook: Cheese and butter markets should remain relatively stable, though international butter demand could create upward pressure later in the season.

Beef

Choice and select cutouts moved higher again last week, driven by stronger pricing across ribs, loins, and end cuts. Ground beef and trim prices also rose, indicating tightening supply.

Outlook: With cattle futures climbing and July 4th demand building, beef markets should continue to strengthen in the short term before stabilizing post-holiday.

Pork

Primal markets surged across the board—bellies rose 9%, hams 8%, and pork butts saw a 6% jump. Trims also moved up, reflecting solid domestic demand despite slower export activity.

Outlook: Pork prices are on an upswing that’s likely to continue into July. Operators should prepare for elevated costs and secure volume early where possible.

Poultry

Boneless/skinless breast prices fell $0.09/lb to $2.69, while tenderloins rose slightly to $2.53/lb. Wings ticked up to $1.19/lb but remain significantly lower year-over-year. Thigh meat is still elevated, up 33% y/y.

Outlook: Expect gradual seasonal softening, but supply constraints and sustained demand from foodservice will likely keep white meat prices relatively firm through summer.

Seafood

Fresh yellowfin tuna dropped 27% m/m to $3.85/lb—its lowest level in years. This dramatic pricing dip is unlikely to last, as importers adjust to market conditions.

Outlook: Yellowfin pricing likely bottomed out and should trend upward over the next few months. Consider locking in value now for future needs.

Need Help Managing Market Volatility?

Consolidated Concepts offers custom contract support, commodity tracking, and supply chain solutions to help operators thrive—no matter the market conditions. Reach out to see how we can help your business stay ahead of pricing swings and supply uncertainty.

Want the full report in your inbox everyday?

Submit the short form to learn how to get the FULL CommodityONE report delivered DAILY to your inbox: 

CommodityONE offers a diversity in format and provides definitive content that presents the trends and forecasts that align with what’s happening in the industry. Sign up for CommodityONE today to unlock the most in-depth foodservice commodities report on the market.

Expert insights curated weekly.

Powered by CommodityONE

Commodity forecasting highlights from CommodityONE

This snapshot report is released every week. To learn more about the FULL report, click here. 

Designed to support purchasing and forecasting teams in managing price risks, CommodityONE provides powerful tools like commodity forecasting and item-specific food cost modeling to help you plan smarter and maximize profitability. Learn how you can receive even more in-depth insights delivered daily from CommodityONE to elevate your strategy.

Learn More

Expert insights curated weekly.

Powered by CommodityONE

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Produce

Roma tomato prices fell another 15% to $9.48/cs, now more than 33% off recent highs. Iceberg lettuce and avocados remain stable and are approaching their lowest points of the year. Transitions have gone smoothly with no major disruptions.

Outlook: Produce pricing is expected to stabilize, offering a window to optimize category spend. Review contracts and buying behaviors to take advantage of these lows.

Grains

Spring wheat continues to drive headlines amid global supply challenges, while improved U.S. winter wheat crop ratings have tempered domestic prices. Export activity remained moderate last week.

Outlook: Grains may stay under slight downward pressure. Operators should use this time to revisit long-term contracts and hedge against future volatility.

Dairy

Butter rose $0.13 to $2.49/lb, while cheese remained unchanged. Strong retail promotions and growing milk availability continue to support dairy production. Nonfat dry milk also gained to $1.29/lb.

Outlook: Expect some upward movement in butter and milk costs. Multi-unit operators should track regional pricing and align purchasing accordingly.

Beef

Despite rib segments falling, the beef market overall pushed higher with striploins reaching $11.84/lb and ground beef steady at $3.63/lb. Futures rose 3.5% on tighter supply expectations, and premium loin cuts showed notable strength.

Outlook: Market pressure will likely keep beef prices elevated. Now’s the time to review contracts and evaluate substitution opportunities for high-cost cuts.

Pork

Pork cutout values rose 3% to $108.12/cwt, with strong gains in bellies, ribs, and tenderloins. Bellies jumped to $1.98/lb while pork butts held strong. Export sales dipped, but domestic demand continues to lead.

Outlook: Pork prices are trending up through July. Multi-unit teams should review menu engineering and consider locking in pricing where volume is high.

Poultry

Chicken pricing remained firm last week, with boneless breasts at $2.77/lb and tenderloins jumping to $2.50/lb, supported by a 12% increase in retail ads. Boneless thigh meat continued its climb, now up 34% y/y. Harvest volumes increased 2.5% w/w, giving operators some breathing room.

Outlook: White and dark meat demand is holding strong. Multi-unit operators should maintain current poultry strategies while monitoring weekly shifts in tenderloin and thigh pricing.

Seafood

Snow crab prices pulled back 2.9% month-over-month following February’s spike. Import volumes are recovering, and the market is showing signs of stabilizing ahead of the summer peak season.

Outlook: Seafood costs are cooling, especially in crab. Use this pricing window to enhance premium offerings without sacrificing profitability.

Need Help Managing Market Volatility?

Consolidated Concepts offers custom contract support, commodity tracking, and supply chain solutions to help operators thrive—no matter the market conditions. Reach out to see how we can help your business stay ahead of pricing swings and supply uncertainty.

Want the full report in your inbox everyday?

Submit the short form to learn how to get the FULL CommodityONE report delivered DAILY to your inbox: 

CommodityONE offers a diversity in format and provides definitive content that presents the trends and forecasts that align with what’s happening in the industry. Sign up for CommodityONE today to unlock the most in-depth foodservice commodities report on the market.

Expert insights curated weekly.

Powered by CommodityONE

Commodity forecasting highlights from CommodityONE

This snapshot report is released every week. To learn more about the FULL report, click here. 

Designed to support purchasing and forecasting teams in managing price risks, CommodityONE provides powerful tools like commodity forecasting and item-specific food cost modeling to help you plan smarter and maximize profitability. Learn how you can receive even more in-depth insights delivered daily from CommodityONE to elevate your strategy.

Learn More

Expert insights curated weekly.

Powered by CommodityONE

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Produce

Stability continued across core produce items. Roma tomatoes saw a temporary 22% price dip but are still tracking within their normal seasonal band. Iceberg lettuce remained flat, and avocados continued their steady decline, improving year-over-year price comparisons.

Outlook: Produce costs should remain relatively flat through summer barring weather disruptions. Operators can use this period of predictability to refine spec consistency and avoid last-minute market buys.

Grains

Grain markets cooled off last week despite weaker-than-expected corn crop ratings. Tariff headlines failed to move the market significantly, and traders are now focused on June’s rainfall and yield forecasts.

Outlook: Corn and other grains are expected to stay under pressure unless weather turns adverse. Now is an opportune time to assess coverage and protect margins across high-usage grain-based products.

Dairy

Butter led the dairy category higher, increasing $0.13/lb to $2.49/lb. Cheese held steady at elevated levels, and nonfat dry milk rose to $1.29/lb. Strong domestic demand and rising exports are supporting processor activity and pricing.

Outlook: Margins on dairy-heavy items may be impacted if these trends continue. Multi-unit chains should monitor contracts closely and look for regional sourcing advantages where possible.

Beef

Beef pricing edged higher again, with the choice cutout reaching $366.09/cwt and multiple premium cuts like striploins and top sirloins gaining ground. Ground beef and trimmings were up as well, with 81% lean at $3.62/lb and 50% trim up $0.07 to $1.32/lb.

Outlook: Ongoing tight harvests are driving price support across both premium and value cuts. Operators should explore contract coverage and evaluate blended product strategies to manage cost exposure.

Pork

Pork markets moved sharply higher across several key categories. Bellies, hams, and trim all posted significant gains, with 72% trim up $0.14/lb and bellies rising 5% to $150.16/cwt. Pork butts also showed positive movement, bolstered by export activity.

Outlook: With export sales rebounding and domestic demand strong, pork values may remain firm in the short term. Multi-unit groups should assess high-volume SKUs for forward pricing opportunities.

Poultry

Poultry markets held relatively steady last week, with minor shifts in pricing across segments. Boneless breasts ticked down to $2.76/lb, while tenderloins climbed to $2.44/lb—marking an 11.5% increase for May. Boneless thigh meat was also up again, rising to $2.45/lb and showing 38% growth year-over-year.

Outlook: With consistent foodservice and retail demand, white meat pricing is expected to stay firm. Multi-unit operators should continue leveraging poultry as a reliable center-of-plate protein for cost-conscious menu planning.

Seafood

Frozen cod prices surged to a 22-month high, hitting $4.60/lb in March and holding elevated into June. Limited early-year imports are contributing to the spike, and a return to typical ranges may be slow.

Outlook: Seafood pricing may soften later this summer, but short-term costs are likely to remain high. Operators should consider adjusting portion sizes or diversifying species to manage spend effectively.

Need Help Managing Market Volatility?

Consolidated Concepts offers custom contract support, commodity tracking, and supply chain solutions to help operators thrive—no matter the market conditions. Reach out to see how we can help your business stay ahead of pricing swings and supply uncertainty.

Want the full report in your inbox everyday?

Submit the short form to learn how to get the FULL CommodityONE report delivered DAILY to your inbox: 

CommodityONE offers a diversity in format and provides definitive content that presents the trends and forecasts that align with what’s happening in the industry. Sign up for CommodityONE today to unlock the most in-depth foodservice commodities report on the market.

Expert insights curated weekly.

Powered by CommodityONE

Commodity forecasting highlights from CommodityONE

This snapshot report is released every week. To learn more about the FULL report, click here. 

Designed to support purchasing and forecasting teams in managing price risks, CommodityONE provides powerful tools like commodity forecasting and item-specific food cost modeling to help you plan smarter and maximize profitability. Learn how you can receive even more in-depth insights delivered daily from CommodityONE to elevate your strategy.

Learn More

Expert insights curated weekly.

Powered by CommodityONE

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Produce

Produce remained calm. Roma tomato pricing held steady, iceberg inched up, and avocados continued easing. Yellow onions may firm in the short term.

Outlook: Stability is expected across core produce categories. Operators can forecast with confidence through early summer.

Grains

Grains saw upward momentum, especially wheat. Increased global activity and financial uncertainty contributed to the rally.

Outlook: Procurement teams should remain alert—weather, currency, and economic signals are all influencing pricing trends.

Dairy

Cheese prices saw modest gains, while butter remained steady. Strong milk supply continues to meet retail and export demand.

Outlook: Dairy markets are well-balanced. Expect moderate pricing trends with no immediate risk indicators.

Beef

Beef markets moved sharply higher. Premium cuts like tenderloins and striploins posted notable increases, while grinds and trim also saw upward movement. Ground beef reached $3.59/lb, and 50% trim rose to $1.25/lb.

Outlook: With harvest slowdowns expected to continue, beef pricing will remain firm. Multi-unit operators should consider portion strategies or alternative cuts.

Pork

Rib and loin pricing remained elevated, while butts and bellies were flat to slightly down. Trims were mixed. Cutout support continues, driven by domestic demand more than exports.

Outlook: Pork pricing should hold steady near-term, supported by seasonal trends. Tariff and export fluctuations may impact longer-term planning.

Poultry

White meat prices strengthened again, with boneless breasts up to $2.77/lb and tenderloins reaching $2.39/lb. Boneless thighs gained $0.06 to $2.42/lb. Wings declined for a fourth straight week, down to $1.13/lb. Whole birds and drumsticks remained flat.

Outlook: Expect continued support for white meat pricing as labor-efficient proteins remain in demand and harvest volumes stay compressed.

Seafood

Pollock dropped sharply again, now near $1.40/lb. This is typically the seasonal low, with potential firming expected into Q4.

Outlook: Buyers may want to secure current pollock pricing before seasonal increases resume.

Need Help Managing Market Volatility?

Consolidated Concepts offers custom contract support, commodity tracking, and supply chain solutions to help operators thrive—no matter the market conditions. Reach out to see how we can help your business stay ahead of pricing swings and supply uncertainty.

Want the full report in your inbox everyday?

Submit the short form to learn how to get the FULL CommodityONE report delivered DAILY to your inbox: 

CommodityONE offers a diversity in format and provides definitive content that presents the trends and forecasts that align with what’s happening in the industry. Sign up for CommodityONE today to unlock the most in-depth foodservice commodities report on the market.

Expert insights curated weekly.

Powered by CommodityONE

What’s the hardest part about managing multiple restaurants—keeping up with costs, suppliers, or simply finding enough hours in the day?

Running one restaurant takes grit. Running five, ten, or even twenty? That’s a balancing act on a tightrope—with supply chain delays, rising costs, and labor shortages all trying to knock you off. 

As a multi-unit operator, your days are filled with spreadsheets, supplier calls, and staffing curveballs. There’s barely time to look up, let alone step back and build the long-term strategy your concept deserves. 

That’s where Consolidated Concepts comes in. We help multi-unit restaurant groups simplify operations, reduce costs, and gain the visibility and support needed to scale with confidence—whether you’re running a BBQ chain, a fast-growing pizza concept, an upscale fine dining group, or multi-location Mexican or Asian restaurants. 

Tired of Constant Product Shortages and Supply Chain Fires? 

The problem: You’re always chasing product availability, scrambling for last-minute substitutions, and fielding calls about inconsistent deliveries. It’s draining—and worse, it hurts the guest experience. 

Where We Help: 

• Tap into our extensive supplier network to reduce stockouts and ensure consistent deliveries. 
• Get expert support sourcing high-quality substitutions when shortages hit. 
• Rely on our produce category management team for fresh, dependable supply. 

Margins Are Tight—And Prices Keep Climbing 

The problem: Fluctuating food prices and rising indirect costs are squeezing your bottom line. You’re under pressure to maintain quality while cutting costs—without cutting corners. 

Where We Help: 

• Leverage our custom contracts and market insight to negotiate better pricing. 
• Access over 175,000 rebated line items to reduce spend on core purchases. 
• Identify opportunities to optimize spend across locations with zero disruption. 

Vendor Management Is Eating Up Your Time 

The problem: You’re juggling dozens of vendor relationships, contract terms, and pricing details—and still chasing compliance. It’s a full-time job (on top of your actual job). 

Where We Help:  

• Streamline your supplier list with strategic vendor consolidation. 
• Get hands-on contract and rebate compliance support. 
• Let our team handle vendor communication and issue resolution—fast. 

You Can’t Fix What You Can’t See 

The problem: Without centralized data, it’s tough to track purchasing trends, monitor compliance, or find operational inefficiencies hiding in plain sight. 

Where We Help: 

• Integrate with your current systems to provide real-time analytics. 
• Monitor inventory, pricing, and spend across all locations. 
• Use data insights to drive smarter, more profitable decisions. 

You’re Too Busy to Be Strategic—We Get It 

The problem: You didn’t get into this business to spend your days buried in spreadsheets and putting out fires. But when operations get messy, strategy takes a back seat. 

Where We Help: 

• Our team becomes an extension of yours, managing procurement and operations. 
• We handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on growth. 
• You gain time back to lead, innovate, and build a stronger brand. 

Let’s Simplify the Chaos—And Grow Your Business 

You don’t have to do it all alone. Consolidated Concepts helps multi-unit operators like you run smarter, leaner, and stronger. 

We know the challenges you’re up against—and we’re here to help you solve them with strategic support, industry expertise, and real results. 

Ready to simplify operations, cut costs, and focus on growth? Let’s talk.  Fill out the form below and join Consolidated Concepts today! 

Menu development isn’t just about adding new dishes—it’s about creating smart, profitable offerings that resonate with your guests and strengthen your brand.

Menu innovation is no longer optional—it’s essential. Diners are constantly looking for new flavors, unique experiences, and better value. Whether it’s the rise of plant-based eating, globally inspired dishes, or elevated comfort foods, consumer preferences are shifting fast. Staying relevant means keeping up—but not at the expense of your bottom line.

For multi-unit restaurant operators, the challenge isn’t if you should evolve your menu—it’s how to do it profitably.

The stakes are high:

• Rising ingredient costs squeeze margins.
• Labor challenges limit operational capacity.
• Supply chain volatility disrupts consistency.
• Competitive pressure demands constant differentiation.

So how do you create exciting new menu items and protect your margins?

That’s where Consolidated Concepts comes in.

At Consolidated Concepts, we help you walk that fine line between creativity and cost control. Through data-driven insights, strategic supplier partnerships, and smart technology solutions, we give you the tools to innovate confidently—without compromising profitability.

From ideation to execution, we help you turn bold menu development ideas into scalable, margin-friendly reality.

Menu Development That Makes Business Sense

• Understand What Your Guests Really Want: Trends come and go, but data-backed insights last. We analyze customer preferences to help you introduce items that resonate—whether it’s plant-based alternatives, global flavors, or twists on classic favorites. It’s not about adding trendy dishes for the sake of it—it’s about strategic innovation that drives traffic and loyalty.
• Engineer Menus for Profitability: New menu items shouldn’t come at the expense of your margins. We work with your team to optimize portion sizes, streamline ingredient usage, and set strategic pricing that protects profitability. Our menu engineering expertise ensures every dish is designed to deliver both guest satisfaction and financial performance.

Technology That Simplifies Menu Development

• Real-Time Recipe Costing: No more guessing games. With recipe costing tools, you gain visibility into actual dish costs, empowering smarter decisions on menu adjustments, pricing strategies, and ingredient sourcing—all in real time.
• Inventory and Ordering Optimization: Managing inventory across multiple locations can drain resources. Our technology solutions automate ordering and streamline inventory management, reducing waste, controlling spend, and ensuring consistency across your entire operation.

Operational Support That Drives Growth

• Stronger Supplier Partnerships: Expanding your menu shouldn’t mean inflating your costs. We connect you with supplier partners that offer competitive pricing on high-quality ingredients. Through our network, you’ll tap into exclusive deals that protect your bottom line while enhancing your offerings.
• Tailored Solutions, Scalable Success: Every restaurant concept is different. That’s why we don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. From menu development to supply chain optimization, we collaborate with you to create strategies that fit your brand’s unique needs and growth goals.

Let’s Bring Your Menu Ideas to Life—Profitably

When done right, menu innovation fuels customer excitement and business growth. Consolidated Concepts gives you the insights, tools, and partnerships to make it happen—without sacrificing your margins.

Ready to innovate smarter? Fill out the form below or click here to contact Consolidated Concepts to see how we help multi-unit operators scale success with fresh, profitable ideas. 

Staying competitive this year means more than just reacting to the latest fads—it means identifying menu trends with staying power and scaling them across your operations in a way that drives ROI. Multi-unit restaurant operators that embrace strategic innovation can strengthen their brand identity, deepen guest loyalty, and capture new market share. 

The National Restaurant Association’s What’s Hot 2025 Culinary Forecast highlights the menu trends shaping guest preferences this year. From global flavor exploration to value-forward offerings, these insights reveal what diners want—and how your operation can deliver. 

Here’s what’s hot for 2025—and how Consolidated Concepts helps multi-unit brands stay ahead of the curve: 

Sustainability That Scales 

From packaging to sourcing, sustainable practices are becoming a brand differentiator. But implementing them across locations? That takes strategy. Guests want to support restaurants that reflect their values, and investing in eco-conscious operations is key. 

Cold Brew, Evolved 

Coffee innovation continues—think nitro cold brews, flavor infusions, and coffee cocktails. These beverages can boost ticket averages from breakfast to late night and offer a high-margin addition to your beverage program. 

Korean Cuisine with Broad Appeal 

Dishes like bulgogi bowls and Korean fried chicken are moving into the mainstream. They deliver on flavor and can be adapted across formats, from fast casual to polished casual concepts. 

Hot Honey Everything 

This trend shows no signs of cooling off. Menu applications are endless—from chicken sandwiches to pizza to brunch items—and it offers a simple way to elevate familiar dishes with a bold flavor punch. 

Vietnamese Flavors on the Rise 

Fresh, customizable, and packed with flavor—Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi are a smart choice for health-conscious diners and dietary flexibility across concepts. 

Hyper-Local Beer & Wine 

While harder to scale, spotlighting regional partnerships with craft brewers and winemakers can boost guest engagement and brand loyalty—especially for locations that lean into local culture. 

Fermented and Pickled Ingredients 

These ingredients bring tang, texture, and gut-health appeal. From pickled onions on burgers to kimchi sides and fermented sauces, they’re trending across cuisines and formats. 

Wellness Drinks for the Win 

Functional beverages with adaptogens, probiotics, and immunity-boosting benefits are becoming menu must-haves. Guests are looking for drinks that do more—and are willing to pay for them. 

Creative Spritzes & Low-ABV Cocktails 

With an eye on wellness, diners are gravitating toward lighter, eye-catching beverages. Think botanical spritzes, non-alcoholic mixers, and fruit-forward refreshers that look just as good as they taste. 

Value Deals that Don’t Sacrifice Quality 

Diners are budget-conscious but still crave a great experience. Family-style portions, loyalty perks, and curated combo deals can boost perceived value while maintaining profitability. 

Stay Trend-Forward with Consolidated Concepts

Incorporating new menu trends across multiple units takes more than creativity—it takes coordination, cost control, and confidence in your supply chain. Consolidated Concepts gives you the tools and support to turn trends into scalable, sustainable success: 

Strategic Sourcing 

We connect you with vetted suppliers, contract support, and product alternatives to source trendy ingredients—like fermented foods, wellness beverages, and global flavors—at the right price and quality. 

Data-Driven Insights 

Know what your guests are craving and how your competitors are adapting. We deliver industry insights and purchasing intelligence to help you act with precision and stay ahead of shifting preferences. 

Contract Management & Rebate Optimization 

Trendy doesn’t have to mean pricey. We help you maximize rebates and contract compliance to bring innovation to your menu while protecting your margins. 

Culinary & Supply Chain Expertise 

From menu ideation to implementation, we support your teams with guidance on product rollout, cost modeling, and operational alignment across locations. 

Tech-Enabled Solutions 

Consolidated Concepts leverages data and technology to streamline procurement, manage inventory, and ensure consistency—from one unit to one hundred. 

Want to turn menu trends into profits this year? Let Consolidated Concepts help you scale innovation with confidence. Fill out the form below and contact us today to start planning your trend-forward strategy. 

The restaurant industry is no stranger to challenges, and this year many operators anticipate facing the same hurdles that have defined recent years. Labor costs, food costs, and recruiting and retaining employees remain top concerns for both full-service and limited-service restaurant operators. Despite these challenges, growth is on the horizon—29% of operators plan to expand and open new locations in 2025.

So, how can multi-unit restaurant operators navigate rising costs, workforce struggles, and supply chain complexities while still driving profitability and expansion? The answer lies in leveraging strategic partnerships and advanced solutions designed to streamline operations and optimize costs. A well-planned restaurant growth strategy can help operators scale efficiently while maintaining financial health.

Rebates & Deviations: Reducing Food Costs at Scale 

Food costs continue to be a top concern for restaurant operators, and as commodity prices fluctuate, managing expenses becomes increasingly difficult. Through Consolidated Concepts, multi-unit operators gain access to powerful cost-saving programs, including rebates and deviations. 

• Rebates: By leveraging the collective purchasing power of multi-unit operators, Consolidated Concepts negotiates exclusive rebates on essential ingredients and supplies. These rebates put money back into your business, helping to offset rising costs and support your restaurant growth strategy.
• Deviations: Custom pricing agreements ensure you’re paying the most competitive prices across all your locations. This approach prevents price discrepancies and helps control costs, allowing you to expand without financial strain.

Data & Technology: Powering Smarter Growth

Having real-time access to purchasing data and analytics is crucial for making informed business decisions. Consolidated Concepts provides multi-unit operators with advanced procurement technology that delivers deep insights into spending patterns, cost trends, and supplier performance. 

• Price verification tools help ensure that you’re being charged correctly for every invoice, eliminating overcharges and improving cost accuracy. 
• Purchasing analytics provide real-time visibility into food and supply costs, allowing operators to make data-driven decisions that drive savings and operational efficiency. 
• Forecasting technology helps operators anticipate cost fluctuations, making it easier to budget for future purchases. 

Supply Chain Management: A Growth Strategy Essential

Between ongoing supply chain disruptions and increased demand for quality ingredients, managing procurement has never been more complex. Consolidated Concepts helps multi-unit restaurant operators streamline their supply chains by optimizing vendor relationships, ensuring product availability, and improving overall efficiency. 

• Strategic sourcing solutions help operators secure reliable, cost-effective ingredients while maintaining quality and consistency—an essential aspect of any restaurant growth strategy.
• Distribution management services prevent stockouts, delays, and supply chain inefficiencies that could impact operations. 
• Customized procurement strategies help multi-unit operators source the best products while balancing cost and quality. 

Produce Management: Elevating Freshness in Your Growth Plan

Consumers continue to demand fresh, high-quality ingredients, making produce management a top priority for restaurants. Consolidated Concepts provides operators with expert produce procurement services to help maintain consistency and reduce waste. 

• Sourcing from a trusted network of suppliers ensures that operators receive the freshest, highest-quality produce year-round. 
• Quality assurance support helps ensure that every shipment meets your restaurant’s standards. 
• Price benchmarking tools allow operators to compare pricing across multiple vendors to ensure they’re getting the best deal—a key component of a cost-efficient restaurant growth strategy.

Custom Contracts: Aligning Pricing with Growth Goals

Every restaurant brand has unique needs, and off-the-shelf supplier agreements don’t always align with business goals. That’s why Consolidated Concepts works with multi-unit operators to create customized contracts that align with their purchasing priorities. 

• Negotiated agreements help operators secure exclusive pricing and terms that align with their long-term growth strategies. 
• Category management support ensures that operators are optimizing their purchasing in key areas like proteins, beverages, and disposables. 
• Flexibility in supplier selection allows restaurant brands to work with vendors that best suit their operational needs. 

Indirect Spend Savings: Reducing Costs to Scale Smarter

Food costs aren’t the only expenses putting pressure on restaurant margins—indirect spend categories like equipment, utilities, and maintenance also contribute to rising operational costs. Consolidated Concepts helps operators reduce indirect spend through exclusive programs and partnerships. 

• Discounted pricing on essential supplies including kitchen equipment, uniforms, linens, and more. 
• Technology solutions for non-food procurement streamline purchasing for facilities management, cleaning supplies, and other operational needs. 
• Energy efficiency programs help operators lower utility costs through optimized energy usage and rebate opportunities—a critical factor in sustainable restaurant growth.

Executing a Winning Restaurant Growth Strategy

With nearly a third of restaurant operators planning to expand in 2025, having a restaurant growth strategy in place is critical for success. Consolidated Concepts provides the tools, data, and supplier partnerships needed to scale efficiently while maintaining financial health. 

By leveraging rebates, data analytics, supply chain management, produce procurement, custom contracts, and indirect spend savings, multi-unit operators can address their biggest challenges while positioning their business for long-term growth.

Want to see how Consolidated Concepts can support your restaurant growth strategy? Fill out the form below and get in touch with our restaurant experts today!