As part of Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin's ongoing efforts to protect customers and restaurant employees in light of the COVID-19 health crisis, all U.S. restaurants are limiting service to drive-thru ordering, carryout, and delivery only. These restrictions took effect March 17.   

Lower-middle-market private equity firm Huron Capital announced that its platform company Ronnoco Beverage Solutions, a manufacturer and distributor of premium quality coffee, tea and related products, has acquired Trident Beverage, a provider of high-quality beverages and dispensing products for a variety of foodservice establishments.

Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin' is ringing in the New Year with the return of two popular coffee flavors inspired by iconic Girl Scout Cookies. Under a licensing agreement with GSUSA, Dunkin' will bring back Coconut Caramel and Thin Mints inspired coffee flavors. The flavors will be available Jan. 1 through the beginning of spring 2020 at participating Dunkin' restaurants nationwide.

Chicago-based Technomic recently released its report titled “Away-from-Home Beverage Study,” which covers how consumer demands and business conditions have shifted within the past few years.

As bars and restaurants see a growing sect of consumers abstaining from alcohol beverages, operators are getting creative with their drink menus in order to encourage consumers to visit the establishment but for an alcohol-free evening.

For foodservice operators, new, specialty beverages are helping innovators deepen their offerings to consumers.

Caribou Coffee, Minneapolis, is unveiling its own twist on flavor-infused sparkling beverages with a line of ready-to-drink cans and in-store handcrafted beverages. 

The calendar and climate still say summer, but for pumpkin lovers across the country, the excitement and demand for the favorite flavor of fall already is here. Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin’ is fulfilling fans’ fall wishes by bringing back classic Pumpkin Flavored Coffees, introducing a new pumpkin espresso beverage and even rebranding eight Dunkin’ shops across the U.S. as Pumpkin’ to serve guests a first taste for free.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Los Angeles, has partnered with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the TV series “Friends.” To commemorate the milestone, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf collaborated with Warner Bros. to create special-edition Central Perk Coffee and Central Perk Tea products, named after the show's legendary coffee shop. The Friends-inspired coffee products now are available for purchase online and will be available in retail stores starting July 31 through the end of summer.

More adventurous consumers are demanding luxurious, upscale offerings or traditional favorites offered in new ways.