ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
Plus, SNAP cuts challenge access to school meals
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August 10, 2026
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ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
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Center of the Plate
 
Hotels revamp sports bars via upscale menus, cocktails
 
Interior of a sport cafe featuring brick walls and several TV screens
(Rilueda/Getty Images)
Hotel sports bars are elevating their food and beverage offerings to attract a broader clientele. Venues like Foundry Fieldhouse at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Honorable Mention at The Benson Hotel are moving beyond standard beer and bar food with craft cocktails, locally sourced ingredients, and exclusive partnerships such as a proprietary Tennessee Lager. Upscale menus and sophisticated drink programs, including signature cocktails and extensive wine selections, are central to the guest experience, appealing to both sports fans and those seeking a refined dining atmosphere.
Full Story: FSR magazine (8/7)
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Little Treats are Big Business
When time is tight and customer expectations are high, reach for Ready to Bake Batter from Krusteaz Professional®. Create anything you dream up, from cornbread gnocchi to brownie-topped French toast. Try all 5 flavors. Request sample.
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Foodservice News
 
Burger King reclaims No. 2 spot among burger chains
Burger King has reclaimed its spot as the second-largest burger chain in the US by systemwide sales, surpassing Wendy's after a six-year gap. The shift marks a milestone for Burger King, which has seen a resurgence following a strategic turnaround plan that improved food quality, marketing and restaurant remodeling.
Full Story: CNBC (8/7)
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Restaurant industry backs immigration reform bills
The restaurant industry is stepping up its advocacy for immigration reform, with the National Restaurant Association endorsing key bills, including the Dignity Act of 2025. The Texas Restaurant Association has joined coalitions pushing for immigration solutions, and industry executives are increasingly engaging with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. These advocacy efforts are driven by acute labor shortages and the industry's reliance on immigrant workers, making immigration policy a central business concern for restaurants nationwide.
Full Story: Restaurant Business (8/6)
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Michelin Bib Gourmand Trestle keeps menu simple, affordable
Trestle, a Michelin Bib Gourmand American restaurant in San Francisco, operates on a unique business model, offering a four-course menu for $52. The 44-seat restaurant, located on Columbus Avenue, has a tiny 400-square-foot kitchen, which necessitated the fixed menu to ensure efficiency. Inspired by memorable meals at renowned establishments like Chez Panisse, owner Ryan Cole asked executive chef Jason Halverson and head chef Danielle LeFevre to craft the prix fixe menu, which rotates every two weeks based on seasonal ingredients.
Full Story: San Francisco Chronicle (tiered subscription model) (8/6)
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Nourish: Health, Nutrition and Wellness News
 
SNAP cuts challenge access to school meals
Changes to SNAP under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act have caused 4.5 million people, including 1.5 million children, to lose food stamps, putting up to 18.3 million students at risk of losing free school meals as districts fall below Community Eligibility Provision thresholds, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the Urban Institute. SNA data show that unpaid school meal debt rose by 25% to $25.3 million last year. SNA spokesperson Diane Pratt-Heavner said the organization supports expanded access to free meals so all children can be "well nourished and ready to learn."
Full Story: CBS News (8/6)
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Comparing asparagus, green beans for blood sugar control
Asparagus and green beans are both low-glycemic, fiber-dense vegetables beneficial for blood sugar management. Asparagus offers more folate and vitamin K, making it ideal for those needing these nutrients, while green beans are better for individuals on low FODMAP diets or those needing to limit potassium. Both vegetables provide antioxidants and fiber, supporting overall health.
Full Story: Verywell Health (8/5)
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Food Safety Watch
 
Bipartisan bill seeks to amend FDA allergen labeling
The Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education and Research (FASTER) Act of 2026, introduced by Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, aims to update the FDA's allergen labeling requirements by replacing "wheat" with "gluten-containing grain" as a major food allergen. This change would mandate labeling for barley, rye, oats and related hybrids, addressing the increasing health risks of hidden gluten exposure for individuals with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. The bill also instructs the Department of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on celiac disease research, surveillance, diagnostics and prevention.
Full Story: Food Safety Magazine (8/7)
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Culinary Trends and Innovations
 
Frozen yogurt enjoys a revival as trends drive demand
Frozen yogurt is enjoying a resurgence this summer, with consumers lining up for premium offerings and established brands experiencing renewed interest. The trend is fueled by Gen Z's attraction to viral, experiential shops and a growing focus on wellness, particularly gut health and high-protein desserts. Both new and established players, such as Mimi's, Go Greek, and 16 Handles, are seeing increased demand as frozen yogurt reclaims its spot as a popular, better-for-you treat.
Full Story: Modern Retail (tiered subscription model) (8/10)
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A look at spirits that have shaped bar industry trends
This timeline highlights spirits that have become favorites in the bar industry over the past 50 years. Seagram's 7 Crown dominated the 1970s and 1980s with the 7 & 7 cocktail, while Absolut Vodka gained popularity in the late 1980s with flavored vodkas. Grey Goose redefined vodka as a luxury item in the late 1990s, and Patron Tequila elevated tequila's status in the late 1990s and 2000s. Rittenhouse Rye has been a staple since 2005 for its high proof, and Tequila Fortaleza has gained a cult following since the 2010s. Each spirit's rise, reign and sometimes decline, highlights shifting preferences and the dynamic nature of the bar industry's favorites.
Full Story: VinePair (8/6)
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Last week's most-read stories
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Leadership and Management
 
Sure, you're busy, but it could be eroding your leadership
 
Sure, you're busy, but it could be eroding your leadership
(Nuthawut Somsuk/Getty Images)
Being constantly busy, even when we're away from the office or on vacation, can keep us from considering what matters most to us, writes leadership coach and author Rob Cross, who suggests taking time to f