Here's What You Missed in August
Red Lobster’s social listening, secret wine windows, and fruit coffee — plus paid subscribers get early access to Carbonate's latest report: The Next Era of Wine.
How Red Lobster Mastered Social Listening & Became a Gen Z Darling
Legacy restaurant brands are in the midst of an unexpected renaissance. A combination of nostalgia, savvy marketing, and just plain good business has turned old-school chains into the darlings of younger consumers. Enter Red Lobster: arguably the last place anyone expected to have a comeback story after their bankruptcy in 2024. Yet here we are, watching the seafood chain execute one of the most effective brand turnarounds in recent memory, all thanks to strategic social listening and rapid response capabilities. How did they get here?
From Sana’a to Seoul: The Global Coffee Trends Taking Over U.S. Coffee Shops
Coffee has always been a global product, but today its cultural influences are more visible—and more embraced—than ever. From the Middle East to the Far East, international traditions and flavor profiles are shaping what’s served in both independent cafés and national chains. These aren’t fleeting novelties; they’re actively redefining the modern coffee experience.
“Secret” Serving Windows Are Everywhere Now—And They're Not Just Pouring Wine
Secret serving windows are popping up in cities across the world. In New York, surprise scoops of ice cream are handed through a walk-up window. In London, it’s layered tiramisu. In Brooklyn, still-warm pastéis de nata. What started as a clever Renaissance Era workaround is now one of the most charming food trends of the modern era.
Entering Wine’s Next Era
The wine world is at a new turning point—driven by demographic change, cultural shifts, and questions about its role in modern life. While the challenges are real — so are the many industry innovators who are rising to the challenge. Our latest report, The Next Era of Wine, features over 45 wine brands, both big and small, that are meeting the current moment. Paid subscribers of Insight Out can enjoy complimentary early access to download the full 100+ page report.