What today’s fastest-growing coffee concepts can teach foodservice operators
Coffee cafés remain one of the most influential forces in food service, setting trends that quickly spread across restaurants, convenience stores, hospitality, healthcare and other beverage-focused operations. According to the latest Technomic data, the coffee café segment generated $53.9 billion in sales in 2025, growing 6.1% year over year – making it one of the strongest-performing categories in limited-service restaurants.
For operators, those numbers represent more than industry growth. They signal changing consumer expectations and new opportunities to drive traffic, increase average check size and build guest loyalty through a stronger beverage program.
Cold Beverages Continue to Gain Momentum
While hot coffee remains the foundation of most café menus, cold beverages are driving much of today’s innovation. Iced espresso drinks, iced lattes, cold brew and specialty iced coffees continue to see strong menu growth, fueled largely by younger consumers who increasingly choose cold beverages year-round rather than only during the summer months. This presents an opportunity for operators across virtually every segment.
Expanding cold beverage offerings with premium cold brew, handcrafted iced teas, refreshers or frozen beverages can help create new occasions for purchase, particularly during afternoon hours when guests are looking for an energy boost or refreshing treat.
Familiar Flavors Meet Creative Innovation
While consumers do still appreciate classic coffeehouse favorites, they’re also looking for something new.
Current beverage trends include bright citrus flavors in refreshers and lemonades, functional beverages with ingredients, such as protein or fiber and customizable drinks that allow guests to personalize their order. Operators are also finding success with indulgent limited-time offerings and featured flavors, such as pistachio, banana bread and peanut butter.
Although everyone knows pumpkin spice is a go-to in fall. Seasonal spices continue evolving to fill menus year-round. Cinnamon and lavender have become popular menu staples, while cloves and cardamom are among some of the fastest-growing beverage flavors. These flavorful ingredients offer simply ways for operators to create fresh options for guests without adding operational complexity.
Convenience Continues to Influence Consumer Expectations
The rapid growth of drive-thru coffee concepts also demonstrates the important of convenience. Brands, such as 7 Brew, Dutch Bros and Scooter’s Coffee, continue expanding by pairing premium beverages with fast, efficient service. Drive-thru leader 7 Brew posted an impressive 138% sales increase in 2025, underscoring consumers’ growing demand for high-quality beverages served quickly.
Those same expectations extend well beyond coffee cafes. Whether guests are visiting a convenience store, hotel, college campus, hospital or restaurant, they expect beverages that are easy to order, consistently prepared and worth coming back for.
Operators that pair quality products with efficient service can create memorable beverage experiences regardless of their concept.
Beverages Can Help Build Customer Loyalty
A well-designed beverage menu does more than increase beverage sales. It encourages repeat visits.
Recent consumer research found that guests who purchase specialty beverages, such as mochas, iced lattes and cold coffee drinks, report some of the highest intent to return to a coffee café. These signature beverages and recipes or seasonal promotions can create excitement and also help operators differentiate themselves in a crowded, competitive marketplace.
Partner with Farmer Brothers to Build Your Beverage Program
Coffee café trends often become broader foodservice trends, making them valuable indicators of where consumer preferences are headed next. Whether you’re looking to expand your cold beverage lineup, introduce seasonal flavors, enhance your coffee program or create beverages that keep guests coming back, Farmer Brothers offers the products, equipment and industry expertise to help you build a beverage program that supports your business goals.
Connect with your local Farmer Brothers representative today to learn how our coffee, tea, beverage solutions and menu expertise can help your operation stay ahead of the latest beverage trends and deliver memorable guest experiences.