What’s driving off-premise dining?

By Emma Balment In a market where the dining room increasingly belongs to the consumer, winning the off-premise will become just as important as winning the dine-in one for today’s restaurant operators. Traditionally in Canada, the majority of orders were consumed at the restaurant, whether full-service or quick-service – but things have changed. Years ago, […]

QSRs introduce innovative offers for fall

Often with the changing of the seasons, comes the introduction of new QSR LTOs, as restaurants continue to compete for diner attention and dollars. Chains are getting even more creative with their offerings, working hard to embrace value, innovation, and delivering a superior customer experience. Here are some of the fall QSR LTOs recently introduced: […]

Today’s technology is driving restaurant resilience

By Samir Zabeneh Canadian foodservice operators are navigating a landscape defined by rising costs and changing consumer habits, and they are using technology to bridge the gap. Research shows that technology adoption in the restaurant industry is more than just a modernization effort; it has become a mandatory strategy for protecting profit margins and empowering […]

Convenience is king for drive-thru diners

Foodservice continues to evolve, and the definition of value for many diners has shifted. While the benefit of drive-thrus was originally a speedier experience, these days, convenience is even more important to consumers. Today’s diners value food quality most (45 per cent), followed very closely by convenience (44 per cent), and speed (34 per cent) […]

Managing today’s concept of foodservice value

By Emma Balment Today’s restaurant operators and suppliers are operating in what is being described as ‘The Endurance Economy.’ Cost of living is the top issue facing Canadians today. Price has become the determining factor for purchase, and consumers are predominantly pessimistic about both short and long-term financial wellbeing. There is hope on the horizon […]

LTO Trend Watch: a look back at May

By Elizabeth Wessel RestoBiz and Technomic have partnered to present LTO trends that are on the rise, along with data to help operators meet diner demands, stay trendy and structure offers that will get guests excited. This edition of LTO Trend Watch looks back at May, highlighting trends including Thai-inspired dishes, fruity lemonades, and more. […]

Does better value mean more loyalty?

As restaurants continue to compete for diner dollars with higher value, lower prices, and unique offerings, is this approach viable over the long haul? Many operators have adopted a strategy focusing on value to reflect the unstable economy and thrifty consumer trend, but this may be a shortsighted approach, offering short-term relief and higher revenues […]

Convenience stores level up to compete with restaurants

Restaurant competition from convenience stores has been steadily rising in the last few years, with recent data suggesting that 72 per cent of consumers now view c-stores as viable alternatives to QSRs, up from 56 per cent a year ago. As convenience stores continue to work to attract more customers for food purchases, many are […]

Navigating today’s foodservice landscape in Canada

By Samir Zabeneh With an unpredictable economy, persistent tariffs, and evolving habits reshaping the culinary landscape, the Canadian foodservice industry has faced mixed challenges and opportunities in the past. Recent reports paint a clear picture of inflation’s impact on the foodservice industry and shifting dining preferences. Rising menu prices have emerged as a major deterrent […]

Convenience stores compete for attention from diners

Amid the challenges faced by the foodservice industry over the last few years, competition from convenience stores seeking to capture the fast-food customer is on the rise. Whether it’s due to declining cigarette sales or simply recognizing the opportunity for growth, convenience stores are becoming a fast-food destination for many consumers. Convenience store foodservice grew […]