7 Brew’s $2 protein boost goes nationwide
Originally sent (Pacific)
Plus purchasing AI, restaurant hiring, food prices and Pizza Hut’s miniature libraries.
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7 Brew takes its $2 protein boost nationwide
operations ·
7 Brew expanded Protein Boost nationwide on October 1 after an August introduction at selected Dallas–Fort Worth stands, according to the company. The $2 add-on supplies 15 grams of protein and can go into drinks ranging from coffee to energy drinks, lemonade and soda. Its ingredient is unflavored collagen derived from pigs, the company’s FAQ says.
Starbucks uses whey protein in prepared milk and cold foam; Dunkin’s fall lineup includes protein lattes. Our report examines the different ways chains add protein to drinks.
A purchasing co-op puts AI on price watch
technology ·
Sky Co-op president Tom Hannon has built 20 AI assistants using CollectivIQ, according to an October 2 Fast Casual report. One, called Morgan, flags weekly price changes above 5%. Hannon checks the findings against ArrowStream and InsideTrack, using contract status and purchase volume to evaluate them.
The co-op serves Skyline Chili and other restaurant concepts. ArrowStream and InsideTrack also offer tools for checking invoice charges against contracts and recovering overpayments.
Grain prices rise as U.S. wholesale beef eases
finance ·
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s international cereal price index rose 5.1% from August to September, according to its October 2 update. Wheat increased 6.3% and corn 5.6%. USDA’s September 30 report estimated this year’s U.S. wheat production at 1.53 billion bushels, down 23% from the revised 2025 total.
USDA’s September 25 food-price update shows U.S. wholesale beef prices fell 3% in August after a 4.1% decline in July. Our full report also covers frozen meat holdings and the latest national and regional diesel prices.
Restaurants and bars added 10,800 jobs in September
people ·
U.S. food services and drinking places added 10,800 payroll jobs in September, bringing employment to 12.393 million. The preliminary, seasonally adjusted gain followed a revised increase of 33,800 in August, according to the October 2 BLS report.
An April 2026 National Restaurant Association report describes a Red Robin operator’s use of guest counts to plan staffing. A separate 2023 account by software vendor Paradox details a McAlister’s Deli operator’s text-based interview scheduling.
Pizza Hut’s red roof becomes a neighborhood book box
marketing ·
Pizza Hut and Little Free Library are seeking local caretakers for 24 Little Hut Libraries. Applications for the sponsored U.S. book-sharing boxes are open through October 31. Each package includes the red-roof box, a post kit or stand, signs, shipping and 25 books.
Recipients must install, stock and maintain the boxes. Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT program separately rewards children who meet reading goals.