Ravi Sawhney

Regional burger chains like Culver's, In-N-Out Burger, and Whataburger have outpaced national giants McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King in U.S. sales growth between 2019 and 2025. Culver's sales surged 143% to $4.36 billion, while In-N-Out and Whataburger grew 91.7% and 68.6%, respectively, compared to 36.2%, 16.5%, and 8.5% for the national brands. Experts attribute the success to strong average unit volume, disciplined expansion, and differentiated brand experiences.

Beet demand is rising in the US due to its health benefits, with acreage more than doubling since 2007 and appearing more frequently on restaurant menus and in diet-tracking apps. The root vegetable is low-calorie and packed with nutrients, and several studies suggest it may help lower blood pressure and increase blood flow. Beet supplements are also surging in demand, including capsules, powders, gummies, and juice shots.

High-alcohol ready-to-drink cocktails like BuzzBallz are gaining popularity among Gen Z, raising concerns over overconsumption due to their sweet taste and appealing design. Experts warn that the combination of high alcohol content (15% ABV) and social media-friendly packaging may mask the potency, leading to risky drinking behaviors, especially in unstructured environments.