CHICAGO — For years, the restaurant industry looked to the "gasoline barometer" as a primary indicator of consumer sentiment. The logic was simple: when prices at the pump dropped, discretionary spending at the drive-thru rose. However, as of July 2026, that historical correlation has fractured. Despite a recent softening in global energy prices, the American […]

The global spirits landscape is witnessing a profound transformation in one of its most dynamic categories. For the past decade, Tequila has been the undisputed darling of the spirits world, fueled by celebrity endorsements, a cocktail renaissance, and a seemingly insatiable appetite for premiumization. However, according to the latest comprehensive data from the International Wine […]

HOUSTON, TX — In a move designed to streamline operations while maximizing the distinct strengths of its diverse portfolio, SPB Hospitality has officially launched the "SPB Playbook." Announced by CEO GJ Hart, this comprehensive operational framework marks a pivotal shift in how the hospitality giant manages its wide-reaching assets, ranging from the iconic quick-service slider […]