January 2022

How Village Ice Cream Saves 10 Hours Per Week On Payroll!

Author profile picture
October 7, 2024

Meet Billy, Founder and Owner of Village Ice Cream in Calgary.

Before opening his first ice cream shop, Billy Friley, the founder and owner of Village Ice Cream, had planned to pursue an Aerospace Engineering degree and live out his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut. A few years into his studies, Billy found it wasn’t the right fit after all. He changed programs multiple times before completing his Arts degree.


After completing his education, Billy took off on a solo motorcycle adventure to Brazil - where he discovered a food culture that inspired him to launch a store of his own.

Billy had this in mind when he tried his first small batch of ice cream from his Grandmothers freezer - suddenly the future became crystal clear. Inspired by this nostalgic treat, Billy decided to create a sweet place of his own for the neighbourhood to enjoy, and Village Ice Cream was born.



Billy opened his first ice cream shop in 2012, and has now expanded to 5 locations!
While growing, Billy experienced the challenges that running a small business can bring, From time-consuming clock punches, to dreadful payroll processing. He knew he needed a solution to streamline his stores.

Life before using the Push system.

Before using Push, it was a significant challenge to process payroll. As a small business owner, the more time spent on payroll processing means less time spent on business operations.


Other challenges included managing scheduling and employee time punches, all small details

that can throw a significant wrench in the payroll process.


Taking care of business.

With Push, they can now process payroll up to 75% faster than before.

Tetiana, Billy’s wife, has primarily been responsible for payroll. In the past, she would spend anywhere from 8 to 10 hours per week on it. Now, with the help of Push, Tetiana can process payroll in approximately 1 hour per week.



It’s the things you can’t measure.

For Billy and Tetiana, the significant improvement in their payroll processing is a huge perk, but the best part of the platform is the response to customer feedback.

Billy was interested in having automatic tip integration in the platform and made that clear when speaking with Push customer service representatives. Now, Village IceCream has access to this feature, making Bill and Tetiana’s lives that much simpler and allowing them to focus on more crucial business matters.

Crushing business goals.

Billy and Tetiana love Push because it enables them to save tremendous amounts of time on payroll processing. Tetiana has saved up to 10 hours per week.

Would you recommend Push?

When asked if he would recommend Push, Billy mentioned that he is incredibly happy with all that Push has been able to help him and Tetiana do.

The challenges before Push:

  • Less time to focus on the business and operations
  • Weekly payroll processing took up to 10 hours
  • Challenging to manage employees and schedule requests
  • Keeping track of employee tips and payroll was difficult
  • Time away from staff and customers

The solutions: 

  • More time on the floor
  • Tip automation helps with payroll processes
  • Weekly schedules can be copy and pasted to save time
  • Payroll automation saved up to 10 hours weekly

The results:

  • Saving up to 200 hours per year on scheduling.
  • Saving up to 468 hours per year on payroll processing.
  • Weekly payroll now takes 1 hour.
  • Uploading weekly schedules is as easy as a few clicks.
  • Fewer errors in tip and payroll calculations, saving time and money.

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

\n

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.

\n

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.

\n

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

\n
\n\n
\n

What Are the Top Food Trends for 2024?

\n

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

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

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

\n
    \n
  • 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.
  • \n
  • Increased brand loyalty: Restaurants that align with customer values — health, ethics, innovation — earn trust, repeat visits, and social shares.
  • \n
  • Operational agility: Trend-oriented kitchens are quicker to pivot when supply chains shift, diets evolve, or digital preferences change.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

Which Foods Are Trending This Year Across the U.S.?

\n\n

Rise of Plant-Based Food Trends

\n
    \n
  • 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.
  • \n
  • 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.
  • \n
  • 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.
  • \n
\n\n

Healthy Food Trends for 2024

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

Functional Foods and Beverages

\n
    \n
  • Nootropic-infused drinks: Beverages powered by L-theanine or functional mushrooms cater to focus and calm.
  • \n
  • Adaptogenic add-ons: Herbs like ashwagandha, maca, and rhodiola are finding their way into smoothies, lattes, and sauces.
  • \n
  • 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.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

How Are Sustainable Food Trends Shaping the Industry?

\n\n

From Menu to Sourcing: The Push Toward Sustainability

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

Tech and Innovation in Sustainable Dining

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

What Is the Most Popular Food Trend Right Now?

\n

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.

\n
    \n
  • Korean-Mexican cuisine: Think birria bulgogi tacos or kimchi queso.
  • \n
  • Indian-South American mashups: Curried empanadas or tandoori arepas are headline grabbers.
  • \n
  • 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.
  • \n
\n
\n\n
\n

How Social Media Is Driving Food Trend Adoption

\n\n

Role of Social Media in Accelerating Food Fads

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

Leveraging Food Trends for Restaurant Marketing

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

Global and Fusion Food Trends to Watch

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

Tips for Implementing 2024 Food Trends in Your Restaurant

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

Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve with 2024’s Food Trends

\n

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.

\n

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.

\n
\n\n
\n

Ready to Lead the Industry with Smarter Menu Strategies?

\n

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.

\n

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

\n
\n\n
\n

Internal Links

\n \n
\n\n
\n

External Sources

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