2023’s top trends add flavour and colour to restaurant menus

Each year we see new colours, flavours and ingredients topping the menu trends list, so what’s in store for 2023 menus? Experts predict everything from global influences to splashy colours to nostalgic favourites, and more. Try out some of these top 2023 trends at your restaurant to stay current, get your customers talking, and appeal […]

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 […]

Food costs continue to soar, even as Canada’s inflation rate slows

Canada’s inflation rate slowed to 6.3 per cent in December (the lowest it’s been since February 2022), with the cost of living declining 0.6 per cent in November and December. According to reports, the reduced rates are directly related to lower gasoline prices, resulting in December’s lowest one-month dip since April 2020. Food prices, however, […]

2023 brings expansion for some restaurant chains

Many restaurant chains are still on the path to recovery, continuing to struggle with inflation, supply chain delays, and labour shortages. But for some, 2023 brings the promise of growth and expansion, even amid the possibility of an impending recession.    RELATED: 2023 sees food prices rising even higher As we work towards getting back […]

How can you boost enrolment for your loyalty program?

Building loyalty is an effective way to build your business, so it’s time to prioritize enrolment for your loyalty program. While the exact ratio of loyalty to cheque size is difficult to determine, it’s clear that loyalty members have continued to visit and spend, despite the continued rising inflation. With the average consumer belonging to […]

Will 2023 bring the foodservice industry closer to recovery?

As the foodservice industry continues to move towards a full recovery, restaurants are gearing up for a challenging 2023. Restaurateurs are not especially optimistic, with only 16 per cent expecting profits to increase and 50 per cent preparing to lose money next year. In an effort to boost bottom lines, over 30 per cent have […]

Is employee burnout hurting your business?

Following the last few years of struggling to remain open, pivoting their business models, handling supply chain delays, tackling labour shortages, and managing food inflation, it’s safe to say that many in the foodservice industry are experiencing burnout. Despite adding 74,000 foodservice jobs in the summer of 2022, 65 per cent of operators report still […]

Automated scheduling is a must for your busy season

By Kris Edwards Restaurants and bars across Canada are prepping for a busy season in the face of many challenges, from labour shortages to the rising cost of ingredients like lettuce. In June 2022, there were 171,715 job vacancies in the foodservice industry, triple the amount of pre-pandemic levels. As a result, restaurant operators are […]

2023 sees food prices rising even higher

As consumers and restaurants continue to struggle with record-high food prices, there’s no end in sight for Canadians. Even though the Bank of Canada has helped to lessen some of the causes of food inflation, but global factors like gas prices and the value of the Canadian dollar will play a part in what happens […]

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 […]