The State of Steak: Cargill Report Says Consistency Drives Diner Loyalty on Beef

Reliable, clearly graded middle meats still anchor demand; programs that deliver consistent eating quality and simple, confidence-building menus capture more repeat visits—and more value—back through the beef chain.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Steak still signals quality and celebration, but Cargill’s first “State of Steak – Foodservice Edition” says restaurants win loyalty by nailing the basics: doneness, tenderness, presentation, and clear menu cues.

The report finds that one in four steak customers left unhappy with their last restaurant steak—most often due to inconsistent cooking or cuts—at a time when past experiences are the top driver of where guests dine.

Guests gravitate to the “Big Four” cutsribeye, sirloin, filet, New York strip—and increasingly expect visible grading, flexible portion sizes, and straightforward language that makes ordering easy and exciting.

Cargill urges operators to tighten both back- and front-of-house execution: train servers to guide customers on cut and doneness choices, empower kitchens to meet specifications consistently, highlight quality signals (e.g., USDA grade, “no artificial ingredients”), and pair steaks with promotions that tap into celebration and comfort.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Reliable, clearly graded middle meats still anchor demand; programs that deliver consistent eating quality and simple, confidence-building menus capture more repeat visits—and more value—back through the beef chain.
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Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

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