What’s new in restaurant real estate?

As the foodservice industry continues on its road to recovery, many restaurants and chains are looking at expanding, but what are the possible pitfalls in today’s restaurant real estate? Experts are seeing a significant rise in real estate demand, many looking for multiple drive-thru lanes as part of their expansion. According to Emily Durham, senior […]

The evolution of QSR loyalty programs

Today’s crowded marketplace means there’s fierce competition for restaurants to stand out and cultivate customer loyalty. With the average consumer belonging to 16.7 loyalty programs, how can you make yours special, add value, and have it work for your business? Loyalty programs are not a new invention, but these days, we are seeing them evolve, […]

How restaurants are addressing continued supply chain disruption

As supply chain management issues persist, disruptions, delays, and rising costs continue to make it difficult for many restaurants to manage. Many operators have made changes to their businesses to address these issues, from menu adjustments to a larger supplier list to automation, and more. But some have found that delivery is helping them save […]

Shifting consumer spending and its effect on restaurants

Consumers are cutting back on discretionary spending as they prepare for a possible recession, but have those cutbacks meant less revenue for restaurants? Are Canadians limiting their restaurant visits as inflation continues to soar? According to a recent study by Capterra,  85 per cent of consumers are worried about the looming recession, and nine out […]

The current state of the foodservice industry

As the foodservice industry continues to recover through elevated food prices and ongoing labour challenges, what does it look like in today’s economic landscape? Givex’s annual survey provides insight into diner preferences and industry trends. While inflation and a possible recession have motivated many Canadians to cut back on discretionary spending, the study found that […]

According to experts, there’s no end in sight for food inflation

Food inflation continues to weigh on restaurants and consumers. We have watched food costs reach record-breaking levels in this last year and experts predict that it will continue beyond 2023, offering elevated numbers into 2025. Current inflation has surpassed previously predicted numbers for 2023, reaching 10.6 per cent in February year over year, significantly above […]

Sustainability practices that restaurants can learn from hotels

By Peter Dougherty Adopting sustainability practices is important for restaurants to stay relevant, and there’s a lot to be learned from hotels. Getting away to a hotel is the ultimate luxury for most people: with the big, comfy bed and crisp white sheets, and leaving towels behind to be “magically” replaced with fresh, clean versions. […]

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, […]