Trump Tariffs Have Eateries Rethink Food Sources: Supply Lines

For decades, American restaurants have largely taken for granted that imported foods would be readily available at reasonable prices, thanks to decades of globalization and free trade.

Toasts topped with Mexican avocados have crept into nearly every brunch menu and saffron from Spain is used in rice at popular counter-serve eateries such as Mediterranean-focused Cava. Sushi featuring Asian fish is ubiquitous.

But now, US President Donald Trump’s trade policies have pushed businesses to explore alternatives to foreign products, hoping that American ingredients can take their place.

Food prepared away from home makes up about a third of calories consumed by Americans, so restaurants provide a window ...