Is Your Food Supply Chain Safe?

 

Food safety concerns once again took, center stage in 2024, fueled by the alarming listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head Provisions Co. Inc. according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. It’s important to note that while success does leave clues, the lessons we learn from missteps are equally as important.

The incident underscores the fragility of the food supply chain and the catastrophic consequences of neglecting safety protocols. Consumer trust, once broken, is incredibly hard to regain, particularly when foodborne illnesses result in fatalities. This Johnson explores the critical importance of proactive supply chain inspection and offers eight steps food retailers must take to protect both their customers and their reputations.

 

The Consumer's Perspective: Trust and Abandonment

History shows that brands facing food safety scandals suffer not just temporary setbacks but enduring reputational damage. For instance:

·         The 2015 Chipotle E. coli outbreaks led to a 30% drop in sales for quarters afterward, with the brand taking years to recover trust.

·         The infamous Peanut Corporation of America scandal in 2009, linked to salmonella-tainted peanuts, permanently shuttered the business and resulted in criminal convictions.

Consumers react strongly to brands with recurring safety issues, often abandoning them entirely. Research reveals that 47% of shoppers would stop purchasing a brand after a major recall, and an additional 21% would actively warn others about the risk.

In Boar’s Head’s case, the presence of flies, ants, and unsanitary hydraulic pumps in their Jarratt, Va., facility paints a chilling picture of neglect. It took hiring a seasoned food safety expert like Frank Yiannas and shutting down the implicated plant to begin the arduous process of rebuilding trust. However, will consumers give them a second chance?

 

Eight Critical Steps to Bolster Food Safety

Retailers can mitigate risks by establishing rigorous protocols to detect and resolve safety issues before they become public crises. Here’s a roadmap:

1. Source Traceability

Retailers must implement technology like blockchain to trace ingredients from farm to table. Every supplier's certification, inspection record, and safety protocol should be transparent and updated in real time.

2. Supplier Audits

Conduct stringent audits of suppliers annually, focusing on high-risk items like raw proteins and pre-packaged salads. Surprise visits should supplement routine inspections.

3. Temperature Monitoring

Ensure robust temperature tracking from supplier shipping to in-store storage. IoT-enabled sensors can trigger alerts if perishable goods fall outside safe ranges.

4. Frequent Product Testing

Randomized testing of perishable items, including batch-by-batch microbial and chemical assessments, can identify contaminants early.

5. Sanitation Checks

Facilities, including in-store delis and bakeries, must adhere to sanitation schedules. Retailers can adopt standardized cleanliness reporting frameworks to match USDA-inspected plants’ rigor.

6. Employee Training Programs

Staff handling food must be re-certified annually in food safety, with bonus systems rewarding vigilance and quick reporting of safety concerns.

7. Crisis Management Protocols

Create response teams to address recalls promptly. Speed is critical; slow or poorly managed responses exacerbate damage, as shown in historical crises like the 2008 Chinese melamine-tainted milk scandal.

8. Transparent Communication

Retailers must commit to rapid, transparent communication with customers regarding recalls, providing easy access to information and clear next steps.

 

Boar's Head: A Sobering Example

Boar’s Head’s liverwurst recall became a public relations nightmare because it followed USDA findings of egregious lapses—visible contamination, insect infestations, and pervasive disrepair. These failings not only impacted its bottom line but highlighted a broader issue within the food production industry: complacency.

Proactive steps such as independent third-party audits and consistent pest control monitoring could have prevented such an outcome. Hiring an interim food safety advisor and shuttering the plant were necessary measures, but such reactive steps often come too late to salvage consumer trust.

 

Building Back Consumer Confidence

Consumers value consistent, reliable quality above all. Any brand failing to meet these expectations—let alone endangering public health—risks irrelevance. Effective inspection systems, paired with a steadfast commitment to safety, are non-negotiable in today's marketplace. Food retailers must act decisively, learning from the cautionary tales of Boar's Head and others. Failure to evolve will not just be costly—it could be terminal.

Success does leave clues. One clue that time and time again continues to resurface is “the consumer is dynamic not static”.  Regular readers of this blog know that is the common refrain of Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  Our Grocerant Guru® can help your company edify your brand with relevance.  Call 253-759-7869 for more information. 

Why Restaurants and Convenience Stores Should Require Employees to Wear Body Cameras

 

In an era marked by escalating retail crime, workplace violence, and evolving customer service demands, restaurants and convenience stores should be poised to embrace a game-changing innovation: employee body cameras according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.   

Initially tested by major retailers like Walmart, body cameras are proving to be a tool not only for enhancing employee safety but also for improving operational effectiveness, particularly in the foodservice industry.

Here's why this step is necessary and why it should happen now.

 

Workplace Safety: A Dire Priority

The National Retail Federation’s recent report highlighted that shoplifting incidents have surged by 93% from 2019 to 2023, with retail violence on the rise. Violence isn't confined to big-box retailers; restaurants and convenience stores also face volatile customer interactions and security threats.

By equipping employees with body cameras, restaurants and C-stores can foster safer work environments. Recorded interactions act as deterrents against abusive behavior from customers and de-escalate conflicts before they escalate. For example:

1.       Incident Prevention: Knowing they are on camera discourages aggression or threats.

2.       Legal Protection: Recorded footage provides evidence if disputes or legal claims arise.

3.       Mental Health Support: Employees can be reassured their workplace is prioritizing safety and accountability, improving morale and retention.

This layer of safety aligns with strategies employed by Walmart and other leading retailers like TJX Companies, which have reported success with similar initiatives.

 

Enhancing Customer Service and Quality Assurance

Beyond safety, body cameras can revolutionize service standards and quality control in restaurants and C-stores by addressing critical operational weak spots:

1. Drive-Thru Decorum & Service Accuracy

Body cameras could ensure hot food remains hot, accurate, and well-presented before handing it off at the window. Errors like forgotten condiments or unsealed drinks cause unnecessary friction. Video feedback from recorded shifts can highlight inefficiencies in operations like drive-thru miscommunication or employee decorum.

2. To-Go Food Packaging Standards

With off-premise dining growing (thanks to delivery apps and hybrid lifestyles), the proper bagging of to-go orders is essential. Body cameras could help enforce rigorous standards for ensuring neatly packed, spill-proof meals that meet customer expectations.

3. Order Escalation Insights

Much like Walmart's protocol, body camera footage from “escalating” customer interactions can be logged, providing managers with critical insights into common pain points and allowing for proactive solutions.

 

Costs that Drive Long-Term Value

The investment in body cameras can appear substantial initially, but the returns in terms of improved safety, reduced shrink, and enhanced customer loyalty are significant.

1. Improved Customer Retention

Customers are more likely to return when their experiences are seamless, secure, and satisfying. Cameras not only enhance service but showcase the brand's commitment to hospitality.

2. Operational Efficiency

Footage can be used for training, identifying gaps in workflow, and improving teamwork. This reduces repetitive mistakes and costly inefficiencies in foodservice lines.

3. Employee Retention and Morale

Body cameras show workers they are valued and protected, which can reduce turnover in an industry often plagued by high attrition.

 

Why Now?

The foodservice sector has reached a tipping point. Violence and theft are no longer isolated to urban grocery aisles—they're affecting everyday workplace interactions in restaurants and C-stores. Meanwhile, rising customer expectations around service quality make these tools indispensable for staying competitive in the current market.

Retailers like Walmart have demonstrated that wearable cameras can deter threats, reduce risk, and build a better work culture. Adopting this strategy today equips foodservice players with the tools to address customer concerns, prioritize worker safety, and ensure operational excellence.

By leading with body cameras, restaurants and convenience stores aren’t just following trends—they’re setting the standard for safety, efficiency, and service in the food industry of tomorrow.

 

The Grocerant Guru's Top Recommendations for Implementation Success:

1.       Rollout as a Training Tool: Use cameras during employee onboarding and shift reviews to promote professionalism and streamline workflows.

2.       Build Employee Trust: Clearly communicate policies on how body camera footage will be used, ensuring it prioritizes safety, not micromanagement.

3.       Monitor Customer Interaction Metrics: Evaluate how these cameras reduce order complaints and improve first-time order accuracy, tying results to sales growth.

It’s time for restaurants and C-stores to redefine safety and service excellence. The next step? Press record.

Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideas look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how our Grocerant Guru® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation, and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit: us on our social media sites by clicking one of the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter

Evolution of Wendy's Breakfast Strategy as a Disruptor

 

While Wendy’s previously struggled to define itself in the early-morning crowd, the company finally broke the mold with a multi-pronged marketing and operational strategy according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  Let’s take a look:

1.       A Simple Yet Compelling Menu
Wendy’s focused on aligning its breakfast offerings with its broader brand identity—quality ingredients and freshly prepared food. Signature items like the Breakfast Baconator and Frosty-ccino bridged the gap between familiar Wendy’s lunch/dinner favorites and new, craveable breakfast options.

2.       Marketing Precision
Wendy’s spent over $90 million to promote its breakfast launch in 2020. Leveraging humor and cheeky comparisons to competitors (like McDonald’s iconic breakfast items), the campaigns resonated with younger audiences looking for an alternative.

3.       Operational Overhaul
Learning from prior breakfast failures, Wendy’s implemented standardized operations, emphasizing speed and freshness, which addressed traditional hurdles in staffing and food preparation at the crack of dawn.

Key Metrics Driving Success

In its first year, Wendy’s breakfast sales accounted for roughly 7–8% of systemwide sales, exceeding initial projections. By 2022, breakfast represented nearly 10% of its sales, putting it on a trajectory to rival established players in the breakfast arena. Furthermore:

·         Breakfast sandwiches like the Maple Bacon Croissant outperformed legacy breakfast items at competitors, with industry analysts highlighting its strong flavor profile as a disruptor.

·         Drive-thru innovations—such as app-based preorders and partnerships with delivery platforms like DoorDash—enabled breakfast to reach a wider audience amid a shift to remote work environments.

How Wendy’s Positioned Itself for Long-Term Breakfast Success

Consumer Touchpoints that Resonate:

1.       Flavor First: By positioning their breakfast offerings as bold and indulgent, Wendy’s appeals to younger consumers craving indulgence during a traditionally "simple" meal.

2.       Fresh is Best: Leveraging its “Fresh, Never Frozen” beef slogan carried over into freshly cracked eggs and made-to-order sandwiches.

3.       Value + Convenience: Offering breakfast deals, including $3 combos, effectively challenged McDonald’s value breakfast items without eroding its premium image.

4.       Tech and Delivery Focus: As consumer behaviors shifted to app ordering and delivery, Wendy’s ensured breakfast could be part of the mix, even on hybrid work-from-home schedules.

Disrupting Foodservice: Where Will Wendy’s Be in Two Years?

Wendy’s breakfast success is a key component of its overall growth strategy, but its positioning has broader implications for the foodservice sector:

1.       Elevating Breakfast’s Premium Appeal
In two years, Wendy’s could emerge as the dominant premium breakfast destination, particularly among millennial and Gen Z diners, who value flavor innovation and digital convenience.

2.       Expanding the "Brunch-ification" Trend
Wendy’s ability to blend traditional breakfast offerings with indulgent, mid-day menu items could expand its menu versatility, establishing its breakfast hour as a destination for mid-morning meals and informal brunches.

3.       Challenging Established Breakfast Leaders
By continuing to invest in marketing that plays up its competitive edge in flavor and quality, Wendy’s could threaten the dominance of McDonald’s and Dunkin’ in the breakfast space. Experts suggest Wendy’s breakfast sales could reach 15–18% of systemwide sales by 2026 if momentum persists.

Think About This

Wendy’s deliberate and data-driven entry into the breakfast daypart has not only revitalized the segment but positioned the brand as a potential foodservice disruptor. With sustained innovation, marketing muscle, and tech-driven convenience, Wendy’s breakfast could not only solidify itself as a mainstay but also define breakfast's future for the quick-service industry. The breakfast Baconator’s rise, coupled with bold marketing campaigns, highlights Wendy’s shift from contender to potential leader—and in two years, its disruptor status may turn into category dominance.

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869

The Top 7 Prepared Meal Trends for 2025

 

The food industry is evolving at a breakneck pace, with consumers craving convenience, variety, and value in their dining choices. Steven Johnson the Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®, has analyzed trends from restaurants, grocery service delis, and convenience stores to identify the top seven prepared meal trends for 2025. Each trend reflects a consumer-centric approach that enhances the Ready-2-Eat and Heat-n-Eat fresh food sector.

1. Global Flavor Mashups

Prepared meals featuring bold and unexpected combinations of global cuisines are gaining traction. Think Korean tacos, Indian butter chicken pizza, and Mediterranean sushi rolls. Restaurants like California Pizza Kitchen have embraced this trend with menu items such as Thai Chicken Pizza, while grocery deli counters offer fusion bowls that combine Asian and Latin flavors. Convenience stores are stepping up by offering mix-and-match bento-style meal kits featuring sushi, dumplings, and edamame, catering to adventurous eaters.

2. Plant-Forward Meal Options

Plant-based meals continue to dominate, but 2025 is all about plant-forward dishes rather than purely vegan options. Grocery service delis have seen success with meals like roasted cauliflower steaks paired with quinoa pilaf. Restaurants like Panera Bread and Chipotle emphasize plant-forward bowls and wraps, while convenience stores have added grab-and-go salads with protein-rich legumes and grains, offering health-conscious consumers nutritious, convenient choices.

3. Personalized Portion Control

Consumers are looking for portion sizes that align with their dietary goals. Restaurants like Sweetgreen and takeout hubs such as Noodles & Company allow customers to customize portions. Grocery delis are offering “single-serve meals” that cater to solo diners and calorie-conscious eaters. Convenience stores like Wawa and Sheetz have introduced modular meal components, enabling customers to select smaller portions of proteins, carbs, and vegetables to build their ideal meal.

4. Comfort Food Redefined

Comfort food never goes out of style, but 2025’s iteration focuses on nostalgic dishes with a modern twist. Grocery delis are leaning into reimagined classics like mac and cheese with truffle oil or mashed potatoes with cauliflower. Restaurants such as Cracker Barrel are revitalizing their menus with comfort classics like meatloaf but offering gluten-free and keto variations. Convenience stores have tapped into this trend with items like handheld pot pies and mini lasagnas that cater to busy customers.

5. All-Day Breakfast Revival

Breakfast is no longer just for mornings. The rise of all-day breakfast offerings is a testament to its universal appeal. Restaurants such as IHOP and McDonald’s continue to push breakfast all day, while grocery delis are preparing ready-to-heat breakfast burritos, frittatas, and smoothie kits. Convenience stores’ prepared food sections are showcasing breakfast sandwiches, wraps, and parfaits available around the clock, appealing to late-night snackers and early risers alike.

6. Sustainable Packaging and Ingredients

Sustainability is a non-negotiable for many consumers. Prepared meals with eco-friendly packaging and responsibly sourced ingredients are increasingly popular. Grocery delis lead with meals packed in biodegradable containers, featuring labels that highlight local and organic sourcing. Restaurants like Chipotle and Sweetgreen emphasize transparent sourcing and compostable packaging, while convenience stores are introducing recyclable and reusable containers for their ready-to-eat meals.

7. Mix-and-Match Meal Bundles

Flexibility is key, and mix-and-match meal bundles are meeting this need head-on. Grocery delis offer customizable meal combos with proteins, sides, and desserts that cater to family dinners and individual preferences. Restaurants like Panda Express allow customers to build their plates with diverse protein and side options. Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven now feature combo deals like chicken tenders paired with mac and cheese or a sandwich, salad, and beverage bundle. These customizable offerings maximize value and minimize food waste.

Final Thoughts

The prepared meal sector is poised for growth as consumers prioritize convenience and quality in their dining habits. By embracing global flavors, sustainability, and customization, restaurants, grocery delis, and convenience stores can capture customer loyalty. As the Grocerant Guru®, my recommendation is to invest in packaging innovation, explore fusion cuisine opportunities, and ensure menu flexibility to remain ahead of the curve. 2025 promises to be a transformative year for the industry, with prepared meals leading the charge in satisfying evolving consumer demands.

Foodservice Solutions® specializes in outsourced business development. We can help you identify, quantify and qualify additional food retail segment opportunities or a new menu product segment and brand and menu integration strategy.  Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma WA is the global leader in the Grocerant niche visit us on our social media sites by clicking one of the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter

Do You Want To

Build Share of Stomach

THINK