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 […]

Plant-based dishes appeal to a broad array of diners

In recent years, with more consumers adopting vegan and vegetarian diets, plant-based dishes have steadily gained menu real estate. However, it looks like the increased demand comes from a general shift towards healthy eating, rather than from vegans or vegetarians. RELATED: Consumers say plant-based diets are here to stay Recently, 29 per cent of consumers […]

How loyalty can help offset the effects of inflation

In today’s economy, loyalty is more important than ever. As prices continue to rise and people watch their discretionary spending, you want your restaurant to be their destination of choice. As a restaurateur, knowing your customer is a fundamental factor for success. The better you get to know them, the easier it will be to […]

OpenTable lists Canada’s most beloved restaurants for 2022

Canadian eateries receive some well-deserved recognition from OpenTable in the recently-released list of the Top 100 Most Beloved Restaurants in Canada for 2022. The list features restaurants offering experiences of all types, from fine dining to budget-friendly, highlighting 48 restaurants in Ontario, 23 in Alberta,18 in British Columbia, nine in Quebec, and one in New […]

‘Tis the season for selling gift cards

The season for gift-giving has arrived, and as the possibility of a recession looms, gift cards could be just what your restaurant needs to help your bottom line through the holidays. Gift cards encourage repeat visits from your customers and help you to acquire new customers. With 80 per cent of consumers planning to purchase […]

Canadian consumers have a taste for sweet treats

As consumer habits continue to shift and off-premise dining remains a popular option, desserts and sweet treats are making their way onto more and more takeout orders. According to the 2022 Online Ordering Trends report from Restaurants Canada, this is an ongoing trend, with baked goods taking top spot in the delivery and pickup category […]

Consumers still want to dine out, even amid recession concerns

As the holidays approach and so does the possibility of a recession, there are mixed reviews on predicted restaurant traffic.   Dining in restaurants is on the decline for people with lower incomes. In this year’s second quarter, one of four diners bringing in less than $45,000 per year didn’t eat out at all. That […]

Food photography is a crucial part of your menu

Is your food photography translating to sales for your restaurant? 82 per cent of people say they would order a dish based on its photo, so appealing photos can mean more profits. In fact, restaurants switching from a text-based online menu to a photo-based menu reported increased conversion rates of 25 per cent. Whether you’re […]

How strategic labelling can increase your plant-based sales

By Makayla Dewit Imagine that you sit down at a restaurant, examine the menu, and see these two choices listed: low-fat vegan pasta and lemon-pesto rotini with fried capers. Which sounds more appetizing to you? It is almost certainly the second one. This example highlights the importance of thoughtfully labelling food and menu items to […]

Sustainability matters to today’s Canadian consumers

Sustainability is a hot topic for Canadians and it is becoming increasingly important to consumers, with 45 per cent looking to increase their sustainable behaviour. Recently, consumers were asked to rate the importance of restaurants making sustainable choices. Results were steady across the board, with QSRs (at 57 per cent), fast casuals (at 56 per […]