Bret Thorn On What’s Shaping The Future Of Restaurants

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Monday, August 10, 2026

Looking for a clear view of an entire industry while it’s still shifting under your feet?

This week, Christina Cates is joined by Bret Thorn, Senior Food & Beverage Editor at Nation’s Restaurant News, and one of the most reliable chroniclers of American hospitality. Day after day, he speaks with chefs, operators, beverage directors, and executives that are quietly rewriting the rules of dining. His reporting reaches far beyond any single restaurant review - he tracks the ideas, pressures, and cultural currents that shape how America eats and drinks.

After years spent on the front lines of food journalism, Bret has sharpened an uncommon instinct for spotting what comes next. Whether the conversation turns to changing guest expectations, the economics of running a restaurant, creative menu development, workforce realities, or the broader forces reshaping hospitality, he delivers perspective rooted in real reporting rather than hype.

What sets Bret apart from other food journalists? The breadth of his vantage point. Bret isn’t tied to one kitchen, one brand, or one city, but rather a rare industry-wide view that allows him explain what’s happening now but also why it matters and where it may lead. Listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at the forces that ultimately determine what lands on the plate and why.