Menu for Success 2026: Foodservice Industry Trends, Technologies & Forecasts

Provided by Frontier Energy, Food Service Tech Center, PG&E and California Energy Wise (CEW)
3 CEUs available

The foodservice industry continues to evolve rapidly, shaped by regulatory changes, workforce challenges, shifting consumer behavior, and rising operational costs. In 2026, California operators must remain agile — embracing energy-efficient technologies, smarter kitchen design, and innovative business strategies to stay competitive and profitable.

Join industry leaders Richard Young (Frontier Energy), Robin Ashton (Ashton Foodservice Consulting & The Ashton Report), and Jot Condie (California Restaurant Association) as they break down the newest trends, economic drivers, emerging technologies, and market forces that will define the future of foodservice. This session will help operators and industry professionals plan strategically for the year ahead.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

• Identify key national and California-specific trends influencing equipment choices, operational strategies, and business models in 2026.
• Explain how economic, market, and consumer behavior shifts — both domestic and global — are shaping the foodservice industry’s direction.
• Leverage available utility programs, incentives, and services to support the adoption of high-efficiency equipment and reduce operating costs.

Agenda:

10:00am                          Class Starts
10:00am – 10:10am         Welcome/Safety/CEW/IR
10:10am – 10:30am         2026 Foodservice Trends & Market                                                                                      Forces
10-30am – 10:50am         Economic & Regulatory Impacts in                                                                                     California
10:50am – 11:10am         Updates on Decarbonization &                                                                                             Electrification
11:15am – 11:45am         Panel Discussion: Strategies for Success                                                                              in 2026
11:45am – 12:00pm         Audience Q&A & Key Takeaways
12:00pm – 12:45pm         Adjourn
1:00pm – 2:00pm             Lunch/Equipment Demonstration (in-                                                                                               person)

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