Chick-fil-A’s Pineapple Dragonfruit Beverages: A New Era of Drink Innovation in Fast Food

Fast-food chains are going all in on fun beverages to attract younger consumers. Chick-fil-A, known for its straightforward menu of fried chicken and waffle fries, is selling seasonal Pineapple Dragonfruit drinks. Yum Brands’ Taco Bell installed a beverage concept called Live Mas Café inside one of its California locations. McDonald’s is in its second year of testing its drinks-focused spinoff, CosMc’s.

Restaurant operators are betting that drinks with exotic flavors, bright colors, and high caffeine and sugar counts will mean higher sales – and better margins. Fast-food chains are increasingly adding beverage options and widening the number of items within that segment. Refreshers and agua frescas are increasingly showing up on menus, while fast-food chains expand their specialty iced coffee, hot chocolate, and energy drink options, according to market research firm Datassential.

Fast-food chains’ recent focus on drinks mirrors the broader restaurant industry as the number of beverage-focused concepts climbs. More regional coffee shops are coming for Starbucks’ crown. Plus, consumers have embraced buying drinks beyond coffee, such as bubble tea and "dirty soda," the Utah trend of adding syrups, creamers, and juice to soda that has spread nationwide.

More and more full-scale establishments are basing their entire businesses on the growing segment. Beverage chains Swig, 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee, and Gong Cha are among the 10 fastest-growing quick-service restaurant chains by sales, according to restaurant market research firm Technomic.

The trend also follows the decades-long decline in soda consumption since its peak in 2000.

"At the consumer moves away from the traditional soda, there’s an opportunity for operators and different brands to bring something signature to the table that is more in line with their brand in certain instances, but also an opportunity to potentially charge a little more," said Michael Parlapiano, managing director of the Culinary Edge, a consulting firm that has helped Noodles & Company, McDonald’s, and First Watch on menu offerings.

Attracting Gen Z

Restaurants are hoping hot chocolate and flavored lemonades can help build loyalty with Gen Z consumers.

Compared to previous generations, Gen Z is the most open to new flavors and comes from the most diverse backgrounds. Gen Z’s openness gives fast-food chains more latitude to explore more unusual offerings, such as butterfly pea or ube, according to Parlapiano. Monin, a French company best known for its flavored syrups, tapped yuzu, an East Asian citrus fruit, as its flavor of the year for 2025.

Traditionally, large fast-food chains are less likely to experiment with such audacious flavors, but even they have stepped outside of their comfort zones. For example, Wendy’s current lemonade lineup includes blueberry pomegranate and pineapple mango – two choices that have paid off for the burger giant.

"Our premium craft lemonades are also incredibly loved by our customers, and this product over-indexes with Hispanic consumers and Gen Z," Wendy’s U.S. Chief Marketing Officer Lindsay Radkoski said at a recent investor event.

Beyond the Soda Fountain

For some chains, beverages have taken center stage as an area for improvement – and future sales growth.

"We recognize that it’s not just about carbonated sodas anymore," El Pollo Loco CEO Liz Williams told CNBC. "So we did a deep dive in beverage innovation this year."

El Pollo Loco’s expanded drink offerings now include more flavors of its Aguas Frescas, which are fruit-infused waters. Future drink innovation could mean following the mashup trend, such as selling horchata coffee, Williams said.

Wendy’s also wants more of its customers to order drinks. Roughly 30% of Wendy’s customers do not add a beverage to their order, according to a recent investor presentation.

"This is an opportunity for growth when these are highly profitable," Wendy’s U.S. President Abigail Pringle told analysts.

In many cases, beverages generate higher profits and are easier to add to menus than a new food item. While a customer sees a new flavor, for the workers making the drinks, it’s just swapping out a syrup flavor or adding a new drizzle on top. With just a little more labor, restaurants can charge a lot more. Plus, syrups also usually have longer expiration dates than food items and are easier to store, according to Datassential’s Conaghan.

Conclusion

The rise of drinks with unique flavors, colors, and sugar counts is a game-changer for the fast-food industry. As consumers increasingly seek out new and exciting beverages, restaurants are stepping up their game to meet the demand. From pineapple dragonfruit to mango lassi, the possibilities are endless. With the potential for higher profits and increased customer loyalty, it’s no wonder that drinks are becoming a key area of focus for many restaurants.

FAQs

Q: What are some examples of unique flavors that fast-food chains are offering?
A: Examples include butterfly pea, ube, yuzu, and horchata.

Q: Why are fast-food chains focusing on drinks?
A: Fast-food chains are focusing on drinks as a way to attract younger consumers and increase sales.

Q: What are some popular drink trends in the fast-food industry?
A: Popular drink trends include flavored lemonades, iced coffee, and energy drinks.

Q: Why are consumers seeking out new and exciting beverages?
A: Consumers are seeking out new and exciting beverages because they offer a way to mix up their routine and try something new.

Q: What are some benefits of focusing on drinks for restaurants?
A: Focusing on drinks can lead to higher profits and increased customer loyalty.

The Evolving Landscape of Workplace Legislation

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, small businesses are no strangers to navigating the complexities of workplace legislation. With new laws and regulations emerging at an unprecedented rate, it’s crucial for small business owners to stay informed and adapt to these changes to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties. This article will delve into the impact of workplace legislation on small businesses, exploring the benefits and challenges of compliance, as well as providing practical tips for navigating this complex landscape.

The Benefits of Compliance

Compliance with workplace legislation is not only a legal requirement but also a sound business strategy. By adhering to regulations, small businesses can:

Protect Their Reputation

A reputation for compliance with workplace legislation can enhance a small business’s reputation, reassuring customers and employees that they are committed to fair and ethical practices. This can lead to increased customer loyalty, improved employee morale, and a more positive brand image.

Minimize Risks

By complying with regulations, small businesses can minimize the risk of fines, penalties, and legal action, which can be financially devastating. Compliance also helps to reduce the risk of employee disputes, complaints, and potential lawsuits.

Stay Ahead of the Competition

In a crowded market, small businesses that prioritize compliance can differentiate themselves from competitors and attract top talent. By demonstrating a commitment to regulatory compliance, small businesses can establish themselves as leaders in their industry and attract customers who value integrity and accountability.

The Challenges of Compliance

While compliance with workplace legislation is essential, it can also pose significant challenges for small businesses. Some of the most common challenges include:

Lack of Resources

Small businesses often have limited resources, including time, money, and staff, making it difficult to allocate sufficient resources to ensure compliance with complex regulations.

Complexity of Regulations

Workplace legislation can be complex and confusing, leaving small business owners struggling to understand their obligations and responsibilities.

Time-Consuming Compliance Process

The compliance process can be time-consuming, taking away from the time and resources that could be spent on core business activities.

Practical Tips for Navigating Workplace Legislation

To overcome the challenges of compliance and reap the benefits, small businesses can consider the following practical tips:

Seek Professional Advice

Small business owners should consider seeking the advice of HR professionals, lawyers, or accountants who are familiar with workplace legislation. This can help ensure compliance and provide peace of mind.

Prioritize High-Risk Areas

Identify high-risk areas of the business and focus on compliance in these areas first. This can help minimize potential risks and ensure that the business is in the best possible position to adapt to changes in the regulatory landscape.

Stay Informed and Up-to-Date

Stay informed about changes in workplace legislation and best practices by attending industry events, reading industry publications, and following regulatory bodies on social media.

Conclusion

In conclusion, workplace legislation can have a significant impact on small businesses. While compliance can be challenging, the benefits of compliance, including protecting reputation, minimizing risks, and staying ahead of the competition, make it a worthwhile investment. By prioritizing compliance and seeking professional advice, small business owners can navigate the complex landscape of workplace legislation and achieve long-term success.

FAQs

Q: What is the most critical aspect of workplace legislation for small businesses?

A: Compliance with employment laws, such as minimum wage and working hours, is a top priority for small businesses.

Q: How can small businesses stay informed about changes in workplace legislation?

A: Small businesses can stay informed by attending industry events, reading industry publications, and following regulatory bodies on social media.

Q: What are the consequences of non-compliance with workplace legislation?

A: Non-compliance can result in fines, penalties, and legal action, which can be financially devastating for small businesses.

Q: Can small businesses prioritize compliance with certain regulations over others?

A: Yes, small businesses can prioritize compliance with high-risk areas of the business first, focusing on the most critical regulations that pose the greatest risk to the business.

Compounding Pharmacies Defy FDA Ban on Copycat Versions of Weight-Loss and Diabetes Drugs

This week was supposed to mark the end of compounding pharmacies making copycat versions of Eli Lilly’s weight-loss drug Zepbound and diabetes drug Mounjaro. However, online, it doesn’t look like much has changed.

Popular websites like Amble, EllieMD, Willow, and Mochi Health are still advertising versions of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound. Some, like Ivim, have stopped taking new patients. Mochi Health, however, has no plans to stop, and neither do the four pharmacies it uses to supply patients with the medications. The company uses a network of about 500 providers to write prescriptions for weight-loss drugs, including compounded versions.

Personalization is Key

According to Mochi CEO Myra Ahmad, offering personalized versions of the drugs will keep the company out of the crosshairs. "It can be different dosing schedules … some patients prefer to go up in dosage much more slowly," she said. "Some patients like to mix a number of other medications into their compounded formulations, depending on the side effects that they’re having. Some patients have side effects with any additives and brand name formulations. Compounding really opens up the door for so much personalization."

What is Compounding?

Compounding is where pharmacies mix ingredients of a drug to create a specialized version for specific patients. Say someone is allergic to a dye in a branded medication or needs a liquid form and the main manufacturer only sells capsules. In that case, the patient can turn to a compounded version. When drugs are in short supply, they can be compounded in larger quantities to help fill the gap.

FDA Guidance

The FDA has been clear about what is and is not a copy. According to the agency, a copy is a product that has a dosage within 10% of the commercially available drug or combines two or more commercially available drugs. Mochi insists all of its prescriptions are personalized, including doses that differ from the standard Zepbound strengths. Other websites like EllieMD are advertising tirzepatide mixed with vitamin B12.

What’s Next?

The next two months will be informative. Mass compounding of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy, needs to stop by the end of May, according to the FDA. Hims & Hers Health has already said it will stop selling commercially available doses of semaglutide when the time comes. Customers who have a personalized dosing regimen will be able to continue without any change.

Conclusion

The FDA’s ban on mass compounding of tirzepatide and semaglutide has left many pharmacists and patients in a difficult position. While some pharmacies like Mochi Health have found a way to continue offering personalized versions of the drugs, others like Ivim have stopped taking new patients. The next few months will be crucial in determining the future of compounding pharmacies and their role in the healthcare industry.

FAQs

Q: What is compounding?
A: Compounding is where pharmacies mix ingredients of a drug to create a specialized version for specific patients.

Q: Why are some pharmacies still offering copycat versions of Zepbound and Mounjaro?
A: Some pharmacies believe that offering personalized versions of the drugs will keep them out of the crosshairs.

Q: What is the FDA’s stance on compounding?
A: The FDA sees copies as products that have a dosage within 10% of the commercially available drug or combine two or more commercially available drugs.

Q: What happens if pharmacies continue to offer copycat versions of tirzepatide and semaglutide?
A: Pharmacies that continue to offer copycat versions of the drugs may be putting themselves at risk of legal action from the FDA and drug manufacturers.