Chipotle Mexican Grill invested in Hyphen, a robotics foodservice platform to automate kitchen operations and Meati Foods, a producer of mushroom root-based clean, plant-based protein. Both investments are financed through Chipotle’s Cultivate Next, a $50M venture fund.
In partnership with TiNDLE, Veggie Grill launched Grilled BBQ Chick’n Sandwich and Chinese Chick’n Salad at its locations nationwide. Thirty restaurants in five markets will serve the 100% plant-based “chick’n” menu items with this new rollout.
Vegan fast-casual Native Foods introduced Chickpea Tuna Melt with Nori to feature during the month of June. This is just one of many culinary creations on tap at the fast casual restaurant chain after hiring chef Chris Bertke.
Noodles and Company debuted an Impossible Orange Chicken Lo Mein made with Panko Chicken in select markets. The partnership with Impossible Foods led to the introduction of a chicken-like protein that is made from plants. The rollout occurred at select restaurants in Colorado, Oregon, and Washington.
Vegan chain Native Foods launched Katsu Curry, a new limited-time offer. Its new dish comes with a choice of plant-based chicken or crispy cauliflower, with lemongrass broccoli. Native Foods Katsu Curry comes with rice and is dressed with gomasio.
Saladworks rolled out a Warm Braised Beef Taco Fiesta, Mexican Meatball Soup and online-order-only Braised Beef Quesadilla. The menu initiatives are part of parent WOWorks’ introduction of 12 new menu items across its brands during winter and early spring. At Frutta Bowls, the Cacao-Berry bowl, Pom-Berry Smoothie and Cran-Cacao Protein Bites launched.
Donatos partnered with Field Roast to introduce a plant-based pepperoni pizza at 170 locations nationwide. The launch of the new topping in January allows guests to substitute plant-based pepperoni for the traditional version.
Noodles and Company is featuring LEANguini Lemon Parmesan and LEANguini Shrimp Scampi as ways to try its new, low-carb pasta. Prepared to order, LEANguini noodles weigh in with 56% fewer net carbs than traditional wheat noodles. The recently-introduced pasta line also has 30% fewer total carbs and 44% higher protein.
First Watch rolled out new, seasonal menu items, including the Trailblazer Bowl and Carnitas Breakfast Burrito. In addition, the breakfast-brunch-lunch chain launched Superseed Protein Pancakes and Purple Haze juice.
Lyons Magnus, a global producer of ingredients for the foodservice industry, released its list of 2022 food and flavor trends. The growing plant trend; immunity food and beverages; comforting, familiar foods; cold coffee popularity; and spicy flavors are trends that will continue be hot as the new year starts, it predicts.
