September 2026
Meet DMA's 2026 Fall Conference Keynote Speaker: Steve Lerch
DMA is excited to welcome Steve Lerch, an award-winning international keynote speaker, consultant, and former Google executive, as the keynote presenter at our 2026 Fall Conference. With nearly a decade at Google, Steve advised leading brands such as GoPro and Roku, along with organizations including the YMCA and FEMA, helping them better understand customers, embrace innovation, and navigate an increasingly digital world.
In addition to serving as a digital strategy advisor, Steve was a Culture and Innovation Evangelist at Google, helping shape the mindset and approaches that fueled the company's success. Today, as President of Story Arc Consulting, he works with organizations of all sizes to challenge conventional thinking, embrace change, and unlock new opportunities for growth.
Known for his engaging, high-energy style, Steve combines data-driven insights, compelling stories, and practical takeaways that audiences can immediately put into action. Attendees can expect fresh perspectives on innovation, customer engagement, and the trends shaping the future of business.
Interested in attending DMA's 2026 Fall Conference? Reach out to your DMA Account Manager or send an email Here to register and secure your spot today!
Navigating Change While Preparing for Growth
As the foodservice industry moves into the final months of 2026, businesses continue to balance growth opportunities with rising costs, shifting consumer expectations, and evolving operational demands. September’s headlines highlight an industry adapting through strategic expansion, technology investments, and continued attention to value, efficiency, and food safety.
From restaurant sales and new market development to supply chain cybersecurity and updated food safety guidance, this month’s stories offer a look at the trends shaping the foodservice landscape and the opportunities ahead for distributors, suppliers, and operators.
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Market of the Month
Market of the Month - Morristown, TN
Morristown is a small but fast-growing foodservice market in eastern Tennessee, supported by a strong limited-service restaurant sector, a growing travel and leisure presence, and a consumer base that favors value-oriented dining options. According to Technomic's Ignite Company market-level insights, the market includes 284 foodservice locations and generated approximately $383 million in 2025 foodservice sales, with sales projected to reach nearly $420 million in 2026. Growth is expected to accelerate to 9.6% in 2026 following a robust 7.9% increase in 2025. Morristown ranks as the 304th-largest U.S. foodservice market based on sales.
While relatively small in scale, Morristown's restaurant landscape is heavily influenced by quick-service and family-oriented dining concepts. The market over-indexes in burger, steak, chicken, and family-style restaurants, while travel and leisure foodservice locations also outperform national averages. Limited-service restaurants are expected to remain the primary growth engine, generating the largest share of projected foodservice sales through 2026.
Demographics & Market Dynamics Driving Growth
Morristown's foodservice market reflects a value-conscious consumer base concentrated in lower-to-middle household income segments. The market over-indexes among households earning $25,000-$34,999 and $35,000-$49,999 annually. These demographics help support strong demand for quick-service restaurants, family dining, and convenience-oriented foodservice offerings. The market also benefits from above-average representation in travel and leisure establishments, creating additional opportunities beyond traditional restaurant channels.
Key market insights:
Population: ~124K residents (2023)
284 foodservice locations serving the market
Generated $383 million in foodservice sales in 2025, with projected growth of 9.6% in 2026 to nearly $420 million
Chains account for 54.5% of restaurant locations, while independents represent 45.5%
Strong concentration of steak (Index 236), burger (Index 215), chicken (Index 183), and family-style restaurants (Index 154) relative to national averages
Travel & leisure foodservice locations over-index (Index 126), providing opportunities tied to tourism and road-travel traffic
Limited-service restaurants generated $215.5 million in sales in 2025 and are forecast to reach $236.8 million in 2026, representing the market's largest source of growth
These factors position Morristown as a high-growth regional market with strong demand for quick-service, family dining, and convenience-focused foodservice concepts. For distributors, the market presents opportunities driven by accelerating sales growth, a restaurant base skewed toward chain operators, and above-average concentration in several core restaurant categories.
Learn more about [Technomic Ignite Company Industry Market Size Data]
Industry News
Restaurant Sales Continue to Grow Despite Consumer and Operating Pressures
Restaurant sales continued their upward trajectory in August, with eating and drinking places recording $105.1 billion in seasonally adjusted sales, a 1.2% increase over July. The National Restaurant Association reported that this marked the fifth consecutive month of growth, even as operators contend with elevated fuel prices, a choppy labor market, and cautious consumer sentiment.
Key takeaways:
Restaurant sales increased 1.2% month over month in August.
The industry recorded five consecutive months of sales growth.
Higher gas prices and economic uncertainty continue to influence consumer behavior.
Operators remain focused on sustaining sales while managing costs.
For distributors and suppliers, continued sales growth creates opportunities to support customers with menu innovation, value-oriented offerings, and solutions that help operators manage profitability.
[National Restaurant Association]
Foodservice Distributors Highlight Cybersecurity Risks Across the Supply Chain
Cybersecurity threats are increasingly being viewed as operational risks for foodservice distribution, with potential consequences that extend beyond compromised data. At the International Foodservice Distributors Association’s 2026 Solutions Conference, industry executives discussed how attacks involving distributors and third-party partners can disrupt warehouses, transportation, customer orders, and the physical movement of freight.
Key takeaways:
Cyber incidents can affect warehouse and transportation operations.
Third-party carrier and partner vulnerabilities can create additional exposure.
Disruptions may affect order fulfillment and customer service.
Cybersecurity planning is an important part of operational continuity.
For distributors and suppliers, the discussion reinforces the value of assessing partner risk, strengthening security practices, and preparing response plans that account for physical supply chain disruptions.
Store News
Leadership changes across major brands continue to reflect where the industry is investing for the future:
Chicken Salad Chick Announces New York Market Entry
Chicken Salad Chick is preparing to enter New York with its first restaurant in Clifton Park. The September announcement marks the brand’s expansion into its 27th state, with a 25-unit franchise agreement outlining plans to develop additional locations across New York markets. Full Story
QDOBA Signs 17-Unit San Diego County Development Agreement
QDOBA Mexican Eats signed a development agreement with Hyperion Brands for 17 restaurants in San Diego County. The agreement represents another step in the brand’s franchise-led expansion strategy. Full Story
Hunt Brothers Pizza Surpasses 11,000 Locations
Hunt Brothers Pizza announced that it has surpassed 11,000 locations across 33 states, marking a significant milestone for the convenience-store-focused pizza brand. Full Story
Moe’s Southwest Grill Enters the Twin Cities Market
Moe’s Southwest Grill announced plans to open a restaurant in Woodbury, Minnesota, bringing the brand into the Twin Cities market. The planned opening is part of the chain’s ongoing geographic expansion. Full Story
Store News (Continued)
Chicago Restaurant Scene Welcomes New Concepts
September’s Chicago openings include new concepts and neighborhood additions, from an Italian beef walk-up window to international dining destinations. Eater Chicago’s roundup highlights the city’s ongoing restaurant development and the variety of formats entering the market. Full Story
WOWorks Reports 23 Restaurant Openings
WOWorks announced that it has opened 23 restaurants so far in 2026, bringing its portfolio to nearly 240 locations nationwide. The company also has 15 additional restaurants in development and is on pace for nearly 40 new stores by year-end. Its portfolio includes Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, The Simple Greek, Barberitos and Zoup! Eatery. Full Story
TGI Fridays Signs Balkan Development Agreement With Devolli Group
TGI Fridays has signed a development agreement with Devolli Group for 10 restaurants across Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia. The partnership gives Devolli exclusive sub-franchise rights in the three markets and adds to the brand’s international development pipeline. Full Story
Little Caesars Plans Four Navy Installation Locations
Little Caesars is planning four restaurant locations at U.S. Navy installations in California and other markets. The development adds to the pizza chain’s nontraditional growth strategy, bringing its offerings to military communities through new locations. Full Story
Executives on the Move
Leadership changes across major brands continue to reflect where the industry is investing for the future:
Boston's Pizza named Sergio Carvallo President of its U.S. Division, promoting the longtime company leader and former Mexico business head to oversee brand growth, franchise profitability, and operational improvements across the U.S. market. Full Story
Chipotle Mexican Grill appointed Sabir Sami to its Board of Directors, bringing the former KFC Global Chief Executive Officer aboard as the fast-casual chain continues pursuing international expansion and long-term growth opportunities. Full Story
Einstein Bros. Bagels expanded its leadership team with the appointments of Patrick Waldron Chief Development Officer, Shawna Fehrman-Lee Chief People Officer, and Will Evans Chief Financial Officer, adding three experienced executives to support the brand's planned national expansion. Full Story
Inspire Brands named Scott Murphy Interim Chief Executive Officer, with the Dunkin' president stepping into the role while CEO Paul Brown takes a medical leave of absence. Full Story
Jamba named Lucy Brady President, bringing the former McDonald's and Conagra Brands executive aboard to lead the juice chain and support growth initiatives across the brand as part of a broader leadership realignment by GoTo Foods. Full Story
KFC Global appointed Amy Ellis Durini Chief Brand Officer, bringing the former Taco Bell International Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer aboard to lead global brand strategy, loyalty, innovation, and concept development initiatives. Full Story
Mountain Mike's Pizza appointed Sheena Dougher Chief Marketing Officer, bringing the former Jack in the Box marketing executive aboard to oversee brand strategy, integrated marketing, community engagement, and growth initiatives. Full Story
Pacific Catch appointed Sam Hallak Chief Executive Officer, bringing the former Innovative Dining Group COO aboard to lead the California-based seafood chain's next phase of growth and operational development. Full Story
Skyline Chili appointed Carl Stealey Chief Executive Officer, bringing the former Honey Baked Ham Chief Commercial Officer aboard to build on the company's recent investments, innovation efforts, and expansion initiatives. Full Story
Supply Chain News
Diesel Export Restrictions Under Consideration as Fuel Prices Surge
With diesel prices climbing, officials are weighing whether restricting exports could increase domestic fuel supplies and help ease costs. The proposal has prompted debate over its potential effects on fuel availability, refinery operations, and prices. The outcome remains uncertain, and any restrictions could have broader implications for energy and transportation markets.
Key takeaways:
A potential diesel export restriction is being considered as fuel prices rise.
The proposal aims to increase domestic availability of diesel.
The effects on refinery operations and other fuel prices remain uncertain.
Any policy change could have implications for transportation and supply chain costs.
For distributors and suppliers, diesel prices are an important factor in freight and logistics expenses. Changes in fuel policy could affect transportation costs and supply chain planning.
Supply Chain Leaders Share Where AI Is Making an Impact
Supply chain leaders are reporting practical applications for artificial intelligence across logistics, planning, and operational decision-making. A September report from Business Insider highlights examples involving data processing, gate automation, demand forecasting, and potential applications in sourcing and reverse logistics.
Key takeaways:
AI is being used to streamline logistics and planning processes.
Automation can support faster processing and operational decisions.
Demand forecasting is an important area of application.
Leaders also see potential in sourcing, quoting, and reverse logistics.
For foodservice distributors and suppliers, these developments highlight opportunities to evaluate AI tools that improve visibility, reduce manual work, and support more responsive planning.
Economic Pulse
Restaurant Operators See Improving Traffic as Confidence Builds
Restaurant operators are reporting stronger traffic trends heading into the second half of 2026, providing a positive signal for the broader foodservice industry. While labor availability, food costs, and profitability remain ongoing challenges, many operators are seeing improved customer traffic and remain focused on growth, efficiency, and guest experience initiatives.
According to the 2026 State of the Restaurant Industry Mid-Year Report, nearly half of operators report traffic gains compared to earlier in the year, and a majority expect guest traffic to continue improving through the remainder of 2026. The report also highlights continued investment in technology, operational improvements, and workforce development as operators seek to drive long-term success.
Key takeaways:
49% of operators report guest traffic gains in 2026.
62% expect traffic growth during the second half of the year.
Staffing and employee retention remain key operational challenges.
Operators continue investing in technology and productivity initiatives.
For distributors and suppliers, improving traffic trends may translate into increased menu activity, product movement, and operator willingness to invest in new programs, equipment, and growth initiatives.
Regulatory Update
FDA Releases the 2026 Food Code
On September 17, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released the 2026 edition of its Food Code, a model used by state, local, tribal, and territorial regulators to help establish food safety requirements for retail and foodservice operations. The new edition includes updates addressing employee illness policies, cooling processes, allergen cross-contact, food donations, and other food safety topics.
Key takeaways:
The 2026 Food Code includes updated model food safety provisions.
Written employee illness policies must be maintained and available under the model.
An alternative cooling process for foods at retail is addressed.
The edition also covers allergen cross-contact, food donations, and additional operational topics.
For distributors and suppliers, the update is a reminder to monitor applicable food safety requirements and communicate with customers about relevant changes. Because the Food Code is a model, implementation depends on adoption by the relevant jurisdiction.
[The U.S. Food and Drug Administration]
FDA Releases Report on Food Safety Risk Factors in Retail Delis
The FDA listed a September 16 release of a report on food safety risk factors in retail delis. The report is relevant to food businesses monitoring food handling practices and risk reduction across retail food operations.
Key takeaways:
FDA has released a report focused on retail deli food safety risk factors.
Risk-factor information can help inform food safety oversight and prevention efforts.
Retail food operations should continue monitoring applicable guidance and requirements.
Distributors and suppliers can support customers through clear food safety communication and documentation.
For foodservice distributors and suppliers serving deli and prepared-food operations, the report is a prompt to stay current on food safety findings and customer requirements.
