Americas
Starbucks’s sales turn positive, breaking a two-year slump
Q1 marked the first time since Q2 2022 that Starbucks has grown transactions from both rewards and non-rewards customers, nearly two years ago. Q1 also showed global same-store growth of 4%, with North America and US comps up 4%. CEO Brian Niccol credited marketing, menu innovation, and an improved labor model. “Our Q1 results demonstrate our ‘Back to Starbucks’ strategy is working and we’re ahead of schedule,” said Niccol. “It’s great to see sales momentum driven by more customers choosing Starbucks more often, and this is just the beginning.”
Restaurants are abandoning trend chasing in 2026 to protect margins
According to Technomic’s latest trend outlook, restaurants are abandoning catering to short-lived trends and prioritizing proven sellers, such as breaded chicken, bold dipping sauces, and “crispy” texture-driven products, rather than short-lived fads. Overall, the firm said the restaurant landscape in 2026 will favor operationally practical innovation: fewer novelty launches and more scalable formats rooted in familiarity and global flavor influences.
Asia Pacific
Emirates and Marriott International open world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Australia
Emirates and Marriott International have signed an agreement to open Emirates Wolgan Valley, the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge, on a 7,000-acre conservancy in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains. Emirates has invested $150 million in the resort since 2026, including restoration of historical landmarks and conservation programs such as planting over one million native trees.
Proposed consumption tax reduction raises concern for Japan’s restaurant industry
Concerns are growing for Japan’s restaurant businesses as proposals by major parties in the upcoming Lower House election seek to exempt food items from consumption tax. If the rate on supermarkets and convenience stores is reduced to zero while dine-in meals remain subject to a 10% tax, the move could drive customers away from dining in restaurants. Given that much of the restaurant sector comprises small and medium-sized businesses, any tax policy will need to address its potentially significant impact on these operators’ competitiveness and survival.
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Delivery growth powers UK restaurant sales in December
December 2025 delivery sales at Britain’s top restaurant groups rose 4.1% on a like-for-like basis, while takeaway and click-and-collect orders fell 8.4%, the third-largest drop of 2025, according to the NIQ Hospitality at Home Tracker powered by CGA Intelligence. At-home sales outpaced the UK’s inflation rate in only two months during 2025, with like-for-like at-home sales rising just 0.3% in December compared to December 2024. Including new restaurant openings and locations offering delivery for the first time, December 2025 sales grew 9.5% year-on-year. Looking ahead, restaurant groups will focus on managing costs, food quality, and relationships with third-party delivery platforms as they work to revive real-terms growth in 2026.
Restructuring wipes 34% of Prezzo Italia estate to save margins
Brava Hospitality Group Limited, formerly Prezzo Investco Limited, has reported a total comprehensive loss attributable to the owners of £4.79m, after a year of restructuring and increased investment in marketing, digital capabilities, and refurbishments that will modernize the business for growth. In May 2025, Prezzo rebranded as Prezzo Italian and launched a significant refurbishment program, which will see over 40 restaurants refurbished in 2026. The impact of the operational changes and investments made during 2025 is expected to result in markedly boosted profitability in 2026.
Lauren Hurrell
