Consumers raise hygiene standards for restaurants

These days, consumers are looking for higher levels of hygiene from the businesses they frequent, including the restaurants they visit. In the past, a quick swipe of the table with a damp cloth did the trick for many, but consumers now want to feel like they are entering a safe and sanitized environment when they […]

Why restaurants should stop using long-form surveys

By Austin Verner Does your restaurant use surveys to solicit feedback from your guests? Surveys can be an effective tool in connecting with your customers, identifying opportunities for improvement, and building on practices that are working for your business – if you’re doing it correctly. According to reports, 20 per cent of your customers account […]

Fast-food restaurants face competition from convenience stores

The fast-food market is becoming even more competitive, as convenience stores continue to get attention in this space. With persistent labour shortages, supply chain delays, and the significant growth of off-premise dining, many stores are expanding, capitalizing on higher food margins to help grow their profits. Can convenience stores deliver what diners are looking for? […]

Lower wait times to raise your restaurant’s revenue

As a restaurateur, prioritizing your guest experience is vital in garnering return visits, and longer wait times could be hindering your restaurant’s success. Nobody likes waiting, and your diners are no exception. In fact, a study of 94,000 diners found that the revenue of a popular restaurant increased by 15 per cent when wait times […]

Canadian diners are ordering more items off the menu

According to Technomic’s latest report, the last quarter of 2022 showed diners are ordering more off the menu, even as menu prices saw an increase of about six percent across the board. Only the kids’ menu category saw a decline in menu counts, finishing off the year with numbers down 2.2 percent overall. According to […]

Foodservice today and tomorrow: looking ahead to a bright future

We’ve spent a lot of time in recent months looking back at the last few years, analyzing the journey, but now it’s time to look at how far we’ve come and ahead to a bright future. With the continued challenges of persistent inflation and labour shortages, it’s important for restaurateurs to get to know their […]

Why you should respond to online reviews

By Austin Verner When it comes to reading online reviews, every restaurant should leave no stone unturned. Today, the question for restaurant owners shouldn’t be, “do they find me online?” but rather, “what do they find when they find me?” Online review management has become integral to running a successful restaurant, and restaurants should evaluate […]

Valentine’s Day promos your guests will love

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and since it’s the second most popular day to dine out, offering promos your guests will love is a win-win. According to a recent study by OpenTable, 72 per cent of those celebrating want to splurge at local restaurants, and are planning to spend over $41 per person, […]

How menus are addressing diner demand for healthier choices

Diners continue to look for healthier alternatives as they visit restaurants, and menus are evolving to meet that growing demand. Including healthier choices and trendy dishes is just the start, though. It’s not just about menu features, it’s also about the language you use. Trends come and go, and language changes to reflect what customers […]

Plating your food the way customers want to see it

What factors go into planning your plating? Do you consider what customers might find appealing or what your presentation says about your restaurant? Studies show that 18 per cent of diners think that when food looks better, it tastes better. Making your plating a priority means taking several factors into consideration.   The plates Consider […]