Bret Thorn

Caramel mixed with umami-heavy fish sauce is not an uncommon condiment in Southeast Asia, and at Pecking House in New York City it’s combined with buttermilk fried chicken.

The casual dining chain is promoting the change with a commercial featuring gospel singer Pastor Shirley Caesar

The acquisition, slated for completion early in 2025, could allow one-app ordering for everything from high-end dinners to meal kits

Buffalo chicken, garlic bacon ranch, and pulled pork dishes are being offered in Colo., Ill., and Ohio

Plus innovation at Applebee’s, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, CC’s Coffee House, Condado Tacos, Corner Bakery Café, Fiiz Drinks, Gong Cha, Golden Krust, Graze Craze, Häagen-Dazs Shops, Huddle House, The Human Bean, IHOP, Jack in the Box, Jamba, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Joe’s Coffee, Lion’s Choice, Long John Silver’s, Main Event, Mellow Mushroom, Noodles & Company, Outback Steakhouse, Panera, Paris Baguette, Perkins, P.F. Chang’s, Pincho Burgers & Kebabs, PJ’s Coffee, Playa Bowls, Potbelly, Red Robin, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, Sweet Paris, Taziki’s, Tim Hortons, TooJay’s Deli, Velvet Taco, Wendy’s, and White Castle

The marketing company and research firm see culinary conchas and sotol as up-and-coming menu items

The sandwich chain has partnered with multiconcept franchisee Foodtastic

A surprising 95% of independent restaurants say they’re using AI in their operations, according to a report from TouchBistro.

Plus innovation at Another Broken Egg Cafe, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, Burgerville, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, East Coast Wings & Grill, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, Krispy Kreme, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Marlow’s Tavern, McAlister’s Deli, Papa Murphy’s, Potbelly, Taco Cabana, Velvet Taco, WaBa Grill, and Wahlburgers

Plus Husk’s pork, scallops with pickled cauliflower, and a date Old Fashioned