This week on the Food & Beverage Magazine (FBM) Weekly Podcast, your magazine editors dive into the latest strategic movements, brand expansions, and innovations shaping the culinary sector for hospitality industry professionals and decision-makers.

In this episode, we break down major business acquisitions, starting with an analysis of what the Culinary Media Group's acquisition of Food52 means for the broader industry. We also explore innovative luxury hospitality experiences, detailing the exclusive Christian Louboutin pop-up at Montage Deer Valley and discussing how design firms like Dunne Kozlowski are delivering unique experiential concepts from start to finish.

Looking ahead, we provide critical forecasting for decision-makers, covering the essential packaging trends you can expect to see in 2026 and unveiling our official Editors' Top Picks for specialty items in February 2026.

Finally, the program rounds out by celebrating culinary heritage and industry philanthropy. We honor Tujague's remarkable 170 years of culinary heritage, discuss the kickoff of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, and highlight impactful charitable initiatives, including Nutella's "Stacks for Giving Back" and Macy Gray's streamathon against hunger.

To read the full articles discussed in today's program, visit us at fbmagazine.com.

Steakhouse Icons, Five-Star Seas, and the Science of "Sonic Seasoning"

Join the Editors of Food & Beverage Magazine as we explore industry-shaping stories, from Bern’s Steak House celebrating 70 years of excellence to the fascinating science of "Sonic Seasoning" in Tennessee. We also dive into groundbreaking acquisitions like Wonder's purchase of Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken and the historic new five-star benchmark for dining at sea.

This Week’s Highlights:

• Bern’s Steak House: A 70-year legacy of tradition, community, and world-class wine.

• Celebrity Cruises: Le Voyage earns the first-ever Forbes Five-Star rating at sea.

• Sonic Seasoning: How specific musical frequencies are being used to enhance flavor perception.

• Strategic Growth: Inside the acquisition of the iconic Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken brand.

• Heart Health: Prioritizing wellness with Boar’s Head Brand® for American Heart Month.

Visit fbmagazine.com for the full articles and subscribe to the Food & Beverage Magazine newsletter.

#FoodAndBeverage #CulinaryInnovation #RestaurantNews #HospitalityTrends #FBMagazine

As featured in Food & Beverage Magazine (www.fbmagazine.com), the culinary and hospitality landscape of 2026 is defined by high-profile partnerships, regional revitalizations, and shifting consumer preferences in the beverage sector.

Major industry events continue to drive engagement, such as the South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF) 2026, which remains a primary draw for food enthusiasts. In the corporate sphere, McCain Foods has secured a prominent role as the official french fry partner for Team Canada, while the Georgia Restaurant Association has established its leadership for the year by unveiling its 2026 Board of Directors. Innovation is also taking center stage at the NGA Show in Las Vegas, where the industry celebrated IGA’s 100th anniversary alongside new retail inspirations.

Significant infrastructure and tourism developments are reshaping key destinations. Myrtle Beach is undergoing a "coastal glow-up" featuring new attractions and contributions from Guy Fieri, while San Juan, Puerto Rico, is seeing a massive $850 million investment with the arrival of a new Hard Rock property. On the high seas, Atlas Ocean Voyages is elevating luxury travel by unveiling a curated celebrity chef lineup for its 2026 itineraries.

The beverage industry is witnessing a "potency arms race" in the THC drink market, where 2.5mg has emerged as the preferred "sweet spot" for consumers seeking controlled experiences. Traditional beverage sectors are also evolving; Coca-Cola has expanded its portfolio with new Cherry Float and Diet Coke Cherry variants, and the wine trade is adapting to the new i2a framework introduced at ProWein Düsseldorf. Furthermore, the inaugural Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction in Louisville and the cultural intersection of craft beer and rock music demonstrate the ongoing diversification of craft spirits and brews.

Whether it is the fusion of NBA All-Star Weekend and Valentine’s romance in Beverly Hills or Mardi Gras-inspired recipes from New Orleans chefs, the industry remains vibrant and multifaceted, as documented by Food & Beverage Magazine (www.fbmagazine.com).

New dining landmarks blend cultural heritage with innovation by reimagining historical spaces and fusing diverse culinary traditions with modern business and competitive formats.

A primary example of this blend is found in San Antonio at Esencia, a restaurant led by Chef Leo Davila. This venue is characterized as a "cultural fusion masterpiece" that operates within the historic St. Anthony Hotel. By placing a modern fusion concept within a landmark hotel, the establishment honors the heritage of its location while pushing the boundaries of contemporary cuisine.

Other landmarks, such as The Atlas in Boston’s Allston neighborhood, blend cultural heritage with innovation by creating spaces tailored to specific community identities, specifically targeting "intellectuals and foodies". This approach integrates the intellectual culture of the area with a modern gastronomic landmark, turning a dining space into a cultural hub.

The sources also highlight how innovation is applied to the very nature of culinary engagement through "Food Sport". The World Food Championships represent an innovative evolution of culinary heritage, transforming traditional cooking into a high-stakes competitive event that brings global attention to host cities like Indianapolis.

Furthermore, the industry’s drive toward innovation is often led by influential figures who blend their cultural backgrounds with new industry standards. For instance, Roy Choi, a pioneer in culinary fusion, continues to influence the landmark dining scene by headlining major industry events like the Bar & Restaurant Expo, where the focus is on the anniversary of industry evolution and the future of food and beverage experiences.

While the sources mention Roy Choi's role as a headliner at the Bar & Restaurant Expo, I am drawing on my own knowledge—which you may want to independently verify—to note that Choi is widely recognized for innovating the modern food truck movement by blending Korean and Mexican cultural heritage, a concept that has paved the way for many of the "fusion masterpieces" mentioned in the sources.

Food & Beverage Magazine maintains its over twenty-year reputation as a leading resource by providing critical insights into Hospitality, Food, and Beverage news. Currently, the industry is seeing significant activity in strategic partnerships, such as DAOU Vineyards returning as the official wine partner for the 2026 Nexo Dallas Open. In the spirits sector, Jim Beam has collaborated with Kenan Thompson to launch exclusive lemonade kits designed to enhance the game-day experience for football fans.

The hospitality landscape in New York City is also evolving with the debut of Little Opus, an all-day dining venue at The Muse New York, and the opening of Tempo by Hilton Times Square, which emphasizes a lifestyle of rhythm, rest, and intention. Meanwhile, in Chicago, Chef Charlie McKenna of the Fifty/50 Group is set to expand the local culinary scene with a new sandwich shop called Butcher & Fatback.

Key leadership appointments are also shaping the industry, including:

• Jared Dayton as the new General Manager of Ko’a Kea Resort on Po’ipu Beach.
• Tetyana Mykhaylyuk and Fabian Ludwig taking on roles as Director of Restaurants and Executive Chef, respectively, at the Hard Rock Hotel New York.

Furthermore, global innovation continues to advance as Givaudan’s 7th Chefs Council recently convened in Mexico City to focus on the future of hot and spicy food trends. For the latest updates and in-depth articles, always refer to Food & Beverage Magazine at www.fbmagazine.com.

These reports from Food & Beverage Magazine highlight several significant developments within the hospitality and culinary sectors. The articles detail new property launches, such as the Tempo by Hilton in Times Square, alongside major leadership appointments at prestigious hotels and resorts. Readers can also find information regarding creative food trends and unique product releases, including unconventional holiday gift ideas. Furthermore, the sources recognize individual achievements by honoring industry professionals for their scientific and service contributions to the field. For additional insights and industry news, interested parties should visit www.fbmagazine.com. All these updates reflect the dynamic nature of modern dining and travel across the country.

These reports from Food & Beverage Magazine highlight a variety of celebrity-backed ventures and industry advancements shaping the modern hospitality landscape. Featured projects include Robert Downey Jr.’s mission-driven coffee brand, AC Barbecue's cultural initiatives, and David Dobrik’s innovative snack line, showcasing a trend toward authentic storytelling. The collection also covers major infrastructure developments, such as the expansion of Sphere Entertainment to Maryland and the opening of the wellness-focused Tempo by Hilton in Times Square. Additional segments detail leadership changes at luxury resorts, seasonal product launches like MIKE AND IKE’s Valentine’s edition, and the culinary lineup for the 2026 Taste of the NFL. Collectively, these sources illustrate a shift toward experiential dining, mental health advocacy, and operational efficiency within the global food and beverage sector.

Food and Beverage Magazine: 2026 Industry Trends and Innovations Episode 99

This collection of articles from Food and Beverage Magazine highlights the latest innovations and leadership changes within the hospitality and culinary sectors. The text covers significant industry partnerships, such as the collaboration between the Bel Group and Foodberry, alongside future market predictions for snack and dairy products heading into 2026. Readers are introduced to several new executive appointments at major resorts and high-profile restaurant openings led by celebrity chefs like Todd English and Bobby Flay. Additionally, the source features updates on beverage trends, including the rise of premium non-alcoholic wines and new celebrity-backed spirits. Strategic coverage of cultural heritage in cooking and major food festivals provides a comprehensive look at the evolving hospitality landscape.