By Michael Thalassinos Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a season of local travel and dining for Toronto and its surrounding regions, with over half (56 per cent) of GTA residents planning staycations in the city this summer. This info is part of a new poll by Silverware and Angus Reid, which delivers data […]
As Canadians continue to face cost-of-living concerns this year, consumer dining trends are shifting, from menu preferences to generational dining to restaurant visits and beyond. Restaurants Canada and Circana recently released the 2025 Hot 10 Restaurant Trends report, highlighting top dining trends in today’s uncertain economy. “Canadians are expecting more value for their dollars as […]
As discretionary spending continues to be carefully watched by consumers, restaurateurs will need to offer a better guest experience to stand out and encourage regular visits. Research shows that nearly 75 per cent of all traffic happens off-premises, between drive-thrus, takeout, and delivery. As an impactful category for restaurants, what are guests expecting when they dine […]
Tipping has become a controversial issue in recent years as “tipflation” increases and more consumers complain of experiencing “tip fatigue.” Customers are still tipping, but totals are declining, with 30 per cent of this year’s customers tipping restaurant servers 10 per cent or less, up 19 per cent from last year. How are customers feeling […]
Many Canadian consumers are focused on value these days, as costs continue to rise almost across the board. For 71 per cent of consumers, cost is more of a factor this year than last year as they decide whether or not to dine out, according to a new survey released by Square and commissioned by […]
As we move into 2025, what are consumers looking for from their favourite restaurants? Studying diner preferences allows restaurateurs to tailor their menus and create memorable experiences that resonate with their customers, building profit margins, increasing traffic, and growing customer loyalty. Health and wellness Research from Open Table suggests that diners are most concerned with […]
As more and more employees head back into offices or adopt hybrid schedules, company culture is on the minds of many businesses, and holiday parties are one way to get teams together. Research shows that 43 per cent of companies are planning to increase the budget for their holiday party, spending an average of $44 […]
By Jessica Brill Today’s competitive marketplace is filled with so many loyalty apps, how can restaurant operators stand out amid continued increased inflation, rising guest expectations, and evolving dining habits? Studies show that adding a loyalty program increases visits and customer spending by 30 per cent, and that’s why restaurateurs must develop a strategy to […]
Restaurant operators are busy, and sometimes analyzing data can seem time-consuming and overwhelming. Along with the insights they look at for their operations, restaurateurs should keep an eye on what’s happening in the industry, as well as what guests are looking for, what attracts customers, top trends, and more. Here are some valuable stats and […]
As restaurant traffic patterns continue to evolve, operators are seeing a rise in solo dining. Recent studies reveal that 43 per cent of Canadians are dining alone in sit-down restaurants, motivated by self-care (31 per cent), the desire to try out new places (25 per cent), and working lunches (28 per cent). From business travellers […]
