Hormuz Watch, Restaurant Reality Check

Welcome back to Markets to Menus. This episode breaks down what's happening across the food supply chain — from the global commodity markets all the way down to your bottom line. First, I'm joined by John Goodwin, Senior Commodity Analyst at ArrowStream, for a read on what's moving the markets right now: an update on the Strait of Hormuz and its ripple effects on fuel and fertilizer, why sugar prices came roaring back to life, and what you need to know about tightening chicken supplies. Then we switch gears with Brian Foster, President of Back Office at Buyer's Edge Platform, for a candid look at how independent restaurants are holding up in 2026 as food and labor costs keep climbing — plus practical, ready-to-use best practices operators can put to work today, including how AI is starting to level the playing field for smaller operators.Connect with our host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/Connect with our Guests:John Goodwin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-goodwin-23574a129/Brian Foster: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-foster-0361b119/This episode is brought to you by ArrowStream CommodityONE, delivering superior commodity research and forecasts powered by deep Industry expertise & cutting edge AI.Find out more about us here:https://arrowstream.com/commodityone-for-foodservice-supply-chain/