How Much Does It Cost to Open a Coffee Shop in 2026?
Opening a coffee shop in 2026 requires careful cost planning across rent, equipment, labor, technology, menu strategy, marketing, and sustainability.
May 15, 2026
Opening a coffee shop in 2026 requires careful cost planning across rent, equipment, labor, technology, menu strategy, marketing, and sustainability.
May 15, 2026
This AI playbook covers restaurant tools for voice ordering, staffing, compliance, menu pricing, inventory, marketing, ChatGPT prompts, and SEO.
May 15, 2026
Hardee’s giant Boddie-Noell inks 31-unit Scooter’s Coffee deal for NC and VA, leveraging drive-thru growth and local roots with rollout over 12–18 months.
May 15, 2026
Wingstop turns match weeks into a multi-sensory festival, aligning bold pop-ups with World Cup energy to build brand affinity and measurable momentum.
May 15, 2026
The parent company behind Dunkin', Buffalo Wild Wings, and Arby's has filed for an IPO a move that could reshape how Wall Street views the restaurant sector.
May 15, 2026
Learn how to develop a memorable restaurant brand identity that stands out in a crowded market, attracts loyal customers, and drives repeat business with actionable strategies and affordable tools.
May 15, 2026
Dirty soda chain Swig is expanding into Colorado through a 10-unit franchise deal, riding a consumer beverage trend that's catching the attention of major QSR players nationwide.
May 15, 2026
Papa Johns has teamed up with Alphabet's Wing for drone delivery of its new sandwich lineup in parts of Charlotte marking the first partnership of its kind between Wing and a national QSR brand.
May 15, 2026
A warm, expert-led look at McDonald’s Q1 results, menu makeover, and the refranchise question shaping its growth.
May 14, 2026
A reflective look at Habit Ranch, its immersive desert activation, and what it signals for brand loyalty and mindful, experiential dining.
May 14, 2026
Unlock Exclusive Access To Webinars, Events, And The Latest News For Free!
Discover the story behind bucatini pasta, its popularity surge on restaurant menus, and how one restaurant in New York is incorporating it creatively.
Photo by Luca Bravo
Bucatini pasta, a deceptively simple-looking noodle, has been garnering attention for its unique design. Resembling spaghetti from the outside, bucatini surprises diners with its hollow center, setting it apart from traditional pasta shapes. This distinctive feature not only adds a playful element to the dining experience but also serves a functional purpose, allowing sauces to seep into the pasta's core.
After facing importation challenges in 2020 that led to a scarcity of bucatini on U.S. shelves, the pasta has seen a remarkable comeback in recent years. Thanks to a combination of factors including social media buzz on platforms like TikTok, increased curiosity from consumers seeking novel dining experiences, and the unwavering loyalty of long-time bucatini enthusiasts, this pasta has regained its popularity and secured a place on many restaurant menus.
Photo by Luca Bravo
One of the key attractions of bucatini for restaurant goers is its unique texture that allows it to hold and capture flavors exceptionally well. The hollow center of the noodle acts as a conduit for sauces, ensuring that each bite is infused with a burst of taste. This feature not only enhances the overall enjoyment of the dish but also encourages diners to explore different sauce pairings, making bucatini a versatile and flavorful choice.
Photo by Luca Bravo
According to market research by Datassential, bucatini has experienced a notable 38% growth on U.S. menus over the past four years, with a presence on approximately 2% of menus nationwide. This upward trend reflects the increasing demand for unique and distinctive pasta options among diners, as well as the creativity of chefs and restaurateurs in incorporating innovative dishes to cater to evolving culinary preferences.
Explore how one restaurant, with locations in Staten Island and Brooklyn, N.Y., is leveraging the popularity of bucatini on its menu. By showcasing creative and inspired dishes featuring bucatini, this establishment is at the forefront of embracing culinary trends and delighting customers with innovative pasta offerings. From traditional Italian preparations to fusion cuisine, the versatility of bucatini shines through in diverse and enticing presentations.