Casual Dining Forum: Driving Innovation and Culinary Creativity

In February we were delighted to welcome associates from across the business to our first Forum of 2026, dedicated to exploring and celebrating all things casual dining. The event brought together our partner suppliers - forming our renowned Supplier Village - and our brigade of exceptionally talented chefs. Working together to shape the future of our food offer, we unveiled a series of exciting new concepts and developments, including:

• A bold new ramen concept featuring Lion’s Mane mushroom, delivering depth of flavour and a contemporary twist on a much-loved classic.
   

• A South Indian offering, brought to life against the backdrop of new street food trikes - adding theatre and flexibility to pop-up events. 
  

• The launch of a new Field Tray menu, featuring delicious hot and cold dishes designed to deliver quality, variety and operational ease.

Plus, the introduction of new sandwich partners, Simply Lunch and Pure, further strengthens Restaurant Associates’ grab-and-go and fresh food offering.

These Forums are incredibly important to the business, serving as a platform to introduce new product partners, showcase the very best in emerging food trends and present new menus. along with the tools and inspiration needed to roll them out across the business.