In the News

The scene is familiar at universities nationwide: students, pressed for time between classes, facing hour-long wait times for meals, drinks and sweet treats. According to recent reports from campus dining facilities, these wait times can stretch up to 60 minutes during peak periods, forcing students to delay meals until after classes end for the day […]

⏱️ Quick Takeaways for F&B Operators Smart drinks are the top choice for Gen Z and Millennials. In fact, 82% of young consumers actively look for drinks with functional health benefits. By combining real-time consumer data with modern automated dispensing units, F&B operators can drive up to a 42% higher profit margin while reducing kitchen labor […]

As Chief Strategy Officer at Botrista, I’ve observed a fundamental shift in the beverage industry – and it’s going to shape 2025 trends. The traditional choices of health versus indulgence, familiar versus exotic, no longer define consumer choices. Instead, 2025 demands we embrace these contradictions – and more importantly, solve the operational challenges they present. […]

⏱️ Quick Takeaway Guest satisfaction with theme park food and beverage has dropped to its lowest level in years. While park visitors are willing to pay for unique drinks, long wait times, basic menu options, and high prices hurt the guest experience. By combining mobile ordering with automated beverage equipment, park operators can serve high-margin craft […]

The numbers tell a compelling story: theme parks will surge from a $60.11 billion market in 2023 to $110.21 billion by 2033. Behind this explosive growth stands Generation Alpha—children born between 2010 and 2025—who, aligned with their own desires, are already influencing what their millennial parents buy, drink, and share on social media. The Revenue […]

The beverage industry faces unprecedented transformation as 2025 approaches. Consumer preferences shatter traditional boundaries, creating new opportunities for operators who understand these beverage trends. 2025 Beverage Market Evolution The U.S. beverage market, projected to reach over $225 billion in the next few years, signals a fundamental shift. Consumers no longer accept simple choices. They demand […]

by Jarrett Whitlow, SVP at Botrista ⏱️ Quick Takeaway The 2025 beverage landscape is defined by the blend of nostalgia and innovation, as consumers seek familiar flavors reimagined with functional ingredients, customization, and visually engaging experiences. Operators that pair creativity with data-driven menu optimization will be best positioned to meet evolving consumer expectations and drive growth. […]

⏱️ Quick Takeaway Gen Z is reshaping the beverage industry by driving demand for customizable, functional, and visually shareable drinks that blend familiar flavors with bold innovation, pushing brands and operators to rethink traditional beverage menus. The Shift in Gen Z Beverage Preferences Understanding the shift in Gen Z beverage trends is essential as this generation […]

⏱️ Quick Takeaway Boba tea is becoming a valuable addition to campus dining programs as universities look to meet changing student preferences. Offering customizable beverages like milk teas, fruit refreshers, and popping boba can help improve student satisfaction, expand menu variety, and create modern dining experiences while maintaining operational efficiency. Why Boba Tea Is Becoming a […]

The future of campus dining took center stage at this year’s NACAS C3X Annual Conference & Expo, where over 1,000 higher education leaders gathered to explore solutions that enhance student success and campus experiences. As attendees explored this year’s theme, “Leading Back to Our Future,” one thing became clear: innovative beverage programs are no longer […]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (September 18, 2024) – The Society for Hospitality & Foodservice Management (SHFM), the only association focused on Workplace Hospitality and Amenities in the Foodservice Industry, has announced the recipients of the 2024 President’s Mentorship Award, President’s Award and the Robert Pacifico Award. These prestigious honors were presented during the 2024 SHFM National Conference. […]

As the Chief Financial Officer of Botrista, growth is often a high-touch and high-demand focal point of my days. During the past year, our company has evolved from an ambitious startup to a prominent market leader in data-fueled beverage automation. With the recent closing of our Series C funding, we are positioned to grow at […]