December 2020

3 Need to Know Things about Labor Compliance Software.

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June 19, 2024

What is compliance and what does it mean? For us, it’s about covering all your bases as an employer. As advocates of making work easy, we’re passionate about streamlining day to day tasks, and automating the aspect of break management. Here are 3 must have features for labor management software to handle compliance:

1 - Meal and rest period tracking automation.

What does meal and rest period tracking entail? First and foremost, making sure employees actually go on their rest or meal period, and having notifications to remind you to send them!

The hardest part of tracking meal periods? Ensuring that employees actually go. Unless you have the capacity to hire a manager solely responsible for sending employees on their breaks and covering other sections, you can never predict the environment of a restaurant floor. Whether its an unexpected 20 person walk-in party or a table of VIPs, the hustle and bustle of day to day operations can add to how managers can forget when to send their employees on their break.


When sending employees on their  meal period, as a business owner, you must ensure two things:

  1. First being the employee’s break is taken  in the threshold of 3 hours after their shift started and 1 hr before their shift ends, if they work a 6 hour shift.
  2. Secondly, making sure other employees can cover their section while they go on an interrupted 30 minute meal period.

This is where labor management software systems come in.

With meal period tracking, it's key to be proactive rather reactive. Labor management software should have the ability to notify you of upcoming, and pending meal and rest periods. This way, you can properly plan breaks in advance and prepare for possible edge cases where employees may waive their meal or rest period.

And when meal or rest periods are missed, you should have the ability to set up waivers to occur at clock in before an employee's next shift.

As for scenarios where employees' wish to waive their meal or rest period before their shift starts, they should also be set up to occur at clock in and before a missed break.

Again, the labor management software should allow you to be more proactive than reactive; especially with shift violations!

2 - Employee facing clock approvals.

To optimize your time, make the step of approving employee clock hour edits, easy for employees.

Stop chasing employees for signatures for clock edits and allow labor management software to empower staff to be proactive with their clock hours. You'll cover your bases and make it easy for employees by allowing them to approve clock edits from anywhere.

In an employee friendly state like California, record keeping like clock approvals need to be employee friendly too! If a part time employee works one day a week, you should be able to have them remotely approve their hours. Rather than sending in their hours and adjusting their pay (if necessary) for the next pay run.

The key to maintaining and even strengthening compliance is by streamlining the approval process by putting the process into your employees hands.Instead of power calling employees for their written agreement of adjustments, send them a message, and have them digitally sign their approval.

Saving paper and time? Sounds good to us!

3 - Document management.

For meal and rest period tracking, the other half of the compliance lies with document management. Though meal waivers are not required to be in writing, it's always about being as transparent as possible as an owner. And if a class action lawsuit claim may arise, you'll be as prepared as you can possibly be.

Accessing daily rosters and waivers should be easy, intuitive, and editable. On your daily roster, you should be able to edit or change meal period times, and confirm or deny meal waiver requests!

Documents like daily rosters are crucial pieces for daily restaurant operations and labor management software providers should be able to be automate daily rosters and do the heavy lifting; like sorting employee break times.

And in the case where employees (who work in shifts less than 6 hours) decide to forgo their meal or rest period, signed waivers are crucial in avoiding potential labor code related lawsuits. We don't believe that all employees are out there to sue you, but it's important to keep all your bases covered in an employee friendly state like California.

If you're looking for labor management software to stay on top of compliance, key factors like: meal period tracking automation, easy roster management and employee friendly clock approvals, should be the bare minimum features. After all, restaurant technology should be making work easy for you!

Not sure where to start with labor management software? Contact us for a demo!

labor compliance






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The food and hospitality industry is entering a transformative era in 2024 — driven by consumer demand for transparency, health, environmental responsibility, and a touch of culinary innovation. Diners are more informed, adventurous, and values-driven than ever before. Whether it’s a craving for Korean-BBQ tacos, gut-friendly mocktails, or carbon-labeled menus, today’s customers are embracing trends that combine personal wellness with global consciousness.

For restaurant owners and foodservice managers, keeping pace with the latest food trends is more than a matter of creativity — it’s a necessity for profitability and long-term success. This guide explores the top food trends for 2024, from plant-based innovations to tech-forward sustainability practices, and how operators can successfully integrate them into their businesses.

Let’s dig into what’s trending, what your customers want, and how your restaurant can stay ahead.

What Are the Top Food Trends for 2024?

Here’s a snapshot of the most impactful food trends shaping menus and operations in 2024:

  • Plant-based innovations – Beyond tofu: think cultivated meats, mushroom mycelium, and chickpea-based seafood substitutes.
  • Climate-conscious menus – Locally sourced, low-waste, and forward-thinking menus aligned with environmental responsibility.
  • Functional wellness foods – Ingredients that support mood, energy, and immunity are being infused into dishes and drinks.
  • Tech-driven dining experiences – AI tools, robotics, and smart systems are elevating back-of-house efficiency and customer-facing dining.
  • Global flavor fusions – Mashups of regional cuisines (like Indian-Mexican or Korean-South American) offer novelty and richness.

Why Do Restaurant Owners Need to Pay Attention to Food Trends?

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  • Consumer demand is shifting: According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Culinary Forecast, over 70% of diners say they actively seek healthier, more sustainable options when dining out.
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  • Increased brand loyalty: Restaurants that align with customer values — health, ethics, innovation — earn trust, repeat visits, and social shares.
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  • Operational agility: Trend-oriented kitchens are quicker to pivot when supply chains shift, diets evolve, or digital preferences change.
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Which Foods Are Trending This Year Across the U.S.?

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Rise of Plant-Based Food Trends

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  • Cultivated meats: Also known as lab-grown meats, these are becoming mainstream. Brands like UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat are breaking into U.S. markets with chicken grown from animal cells in controlled environments.
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  • Mycoproteins & legumes: Derived from fungi or pulses, protein-rich alternatives like tempeh, jackfruit, and lupin are being used creatively in tacos, BBQ ribs, and seafood analogs.
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  • Mainstream adoption: Major chains like Burger King and Chipotle continue expanding plant-forward menus, while independents offer bold meatless dishes with flavor-forward sauces, global spices, and satisfying textures.
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Healthy Food Trends for 2024

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  • Gut health focus: Probiotic-rich dishes (kimchi grilled cheese or sourdough naan wraps) and fermented sides are on the rise.
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  • Lower-sugar desserts: Sweet treats are being reimagined with monk fruit, dates, and other low-glycemic ingredients.
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  • Immunity boosters: Menus highlight ingredients like turmeric, ginger, vitamin C, and zinc through smoothies, teas, and power bowls.
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  • Clean-label commitment: Consumers are studying ingredient lists, preferring dishes with wholesome, recognizable components.
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Functional Foods and Beverages

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  • Nootropic-infused drinks: Beverages powered by L-theanine or functional mushrooms cater to focus and calm.
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  • Adaptogenic add-ons: Herbs like ashwagandha, maca, and rhodiola are finding their way into smoothies, lattes, and sauces.
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  • Wellness cocktails: Mixed drinks sans alcohol — but heavy on health — promote detox and energy, flavored with botanicals and natural extracts like spirulina, matcha, and activated charcoal.
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How Are Sustainable Food Trends Shaping the Industry?

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From Menu to Sourcing: The Push Toward Sustainability

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  • Local and seasonal sourcing: Supporting nearby farms reduces emissions, ensures freshness, and appeals to community-minded consumers.
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  • Zero-waste operations: Chefs are using root-to-stem cooking, fermentation for food preservation, and creative uses for scraps in sauces or stocks.
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  • Eco-conscious packaging: Compostable containers, reusable to-go kits, and edible cutlery are disrupting traditional takeout models.
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Tech and Innovation in Sustainable Dining

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  • Carbon labeling: Climate impact scores on menus help customers make informed dining decisions, much like calorie counts.
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  • AI-driven inventory management: Tools optimize ordering patterns, reducing spoilage and overstock-related waste.
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  • Vertical farming & hydroponic setups: Onsite or bordered supply chains shorten the farm-to-table journey.
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What Is the Most Popular Food Trend Right Now?

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While many trends are gaining traction, one standout in 2024 is the rise of global comfort fusion — particularly dishes that marry traditional comfort food with spicy, umami-rich flavors.

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  • Korean-Mexican cuisine: Think birria bulgogi tacos or kimchi queso.
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  • Indian-South American mashups: Curried empanadas or tandoori arepas are headline grabbers.
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  • TikTok’s viral influence: Trends like \“chili crisp eggs\” or \“pickle sushi\” are being adapted on local menus, proving that social virality turns into real-world demand.
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How Social Media Is Driving Food Trend Adoption

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Role of Social Media in Accelerating Food Fads

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  • Influencer credibility: A single post from a viral chef or creator can spark national interest in a dish.
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  • Hashtag virality: Foods labeled #ButterBoard or #WaterTok evolve into week-long waitlists and menu must-haves.
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  • User-generated content: Diners love documenting quirky, beautiful, or “you’ve-never-seen-this-before” dishes to share online.
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Leveraging Food Trends for Restaurant Marketing

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  • Seasonal menus & pop-ups: Limited-time offerings based on trending foods motivate urgency and trial.
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  • Social callouts: Encourage diners to tag, post, or review your trend-forward menu items.
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  • Reels and behind-the-scenes content: Show viewers where your ingredients come from or how a niche global dish is made.
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Global and Fusion Food Trends to Watch

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  • Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) flavors: Featuring citrusy ceviches with umami-rich miso and soy glazes.
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  • West African influences: Dishes using jollof rice, egusi stew, or fonio grain paired with plant-based elements.
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  • Filipino-American blends: Adobo-braised brisket sandwiches or ube milkshakes have mainstream momentum.
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Tips for Implementing 2024 Food Trends in Your Restaurant

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  • Test with limited-time offers (LTOs): Introduce a trending ingredient as a weekly special or seasonal dish to measure interest.
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  • Survey your customers: Use email lists or POS systems to gather input on potential additions.
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  • Train your staff: Equip them with the knowledge and enthusiasm to explain functional or sustainable items.
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  • Work with specialized suppliers: Align with local farmers, health-focused vendors, or zero-waste packaging providers for smoother execution.
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Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve with 2024’s Food Trends

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Adapting to food trends in 2024 isn’t about chasing every new idea — it’s about identifying the trends that align with your market, values, and culinary identity. Plant-based options, sustainability, global flavors, and wellness-centric dining aren’t just appealing — they’re economically vital.

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Restaurants that act early — leveraging data, culture, and digital ecosystems — will attract today’s health-conscious, eco-aware diner and become tomorrow’s industry leaders.

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Ready to Lead the Industry with Smarter Menu Strategies?

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2024 promises bold innovations in food — and your restaurant can thrive by embracing the right trends. Whether you’re scaling functional drinks, reducing kitchen waste, or jumping on the next viral fusion dish, the right tools can help you act faster and smarter.

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Subscribe to the Push blog for expert insights on restaurant operations, emerging food trends, and next-gen hospitality technology. Stay ahead — serve success.

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Internal Links

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External Sources

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  • National Restaurant Association 2024 Culinary Forecast
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  • Technomic’s 2024 Foodservice Trends Report
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  • Mintel Functional Food Trends Analysis 2024
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