Is there an upside of inflation for restaurants?

Restaurants continue to struggle with food costs and labour shortages, but some experts are seeing inflation as a catalyst for positive change. David Hopkins, president of The Fifteen Group, sees the situation as a great opportunity for restaurants to tighten their operations and increase efficiency. Adjust pricing to address inflation “Restaurants have always had to […]

Revenge dining: how Canadians are supporting their favourite restaurants

Canadians have been supporting their favourite restaurants more than ever this year, and some people are calling it “revenge dining.” According to OpenTable data, restaurants saw a 79 per cent increase in dining this year between January and October over last year, noting that meals between $41 and $65 per person were the most popular […]

Fun promos to celebrate the New Year

By Mark Plumlee Ringing in the new year is the perfect occasion to treat your guests to a celebration, and as we welcome 2023, there are many different ways to make that happen. From events to deals, the new year presents a unique opportunities for restaurants to showcase their exciting offerings. Hosting New Year’s events […]

5 Christmas marketing ideas

By Megan Prevost Christmas is just around the corner, which means everyone is looking for that perfect present or special place to spend time with their loved ones. It also means it’s time to ramp up those holiday marketing campaigns! The happiest season is the busiest season, too, so you need to stand out from […]

Minimizing the effects of negative reviews on your restaurant

Negative reviews can hurt your reputation and affect your bottom line. While you can’t just delete the reviews you don’t like, there are ways that you can mitigate the effect they have on your business. Do reviews really matter? In short, yes. 85 per cent of customers treat reviews like they’re recommendations from friends and […]

How helping your community this season can boost sales

As the holidays draw nearer and gatherings become more popular, a sense of community becomes even more important for your customers and for your business. While December is often a busy month with catering and parties, you can limit any lulls by hosting an event that helps your community. 77 per cent of consumers say […]

Can dynamic pricing work for your restaurant?

As Canadians continue to face inflation and the possibility of a recession, many restaurants are looking to recoup costs without abruptly raising menu prices. Dynamic pricing could be the answer. What is dynamic pricing? In simple terms, it’s the idea that prices fluctuate across the board on a schedule several times a year. While this […]

Boost your restaurant business with the after-work crowd

Restaurants need to constantly be on the lookout for creative ways to increase their guest counts and attract new clientele. With consumers craving social experiences and more employees heading back into the office, restaurants may be able to appeal to an after-work crowd to get more people through the doors. A recent survey found that […]

Merchandising could help boost your restaurant’s brand

Are you looking for a new way to boost your restaurant’s brand and spread the word about your business? If you’ve already sent out flyers, partnered with other businesses, and marketed promos, maybe it’s time to try something new. Many restaurant chains are creating merchandise as a marketing tool. Tim Hortons partnered with Justin Bieber […]

What are customer profiles — and why should you build them?

By Mark Plumlee Knowing your customers is perhaps the most important part of running a successful small business. Knowing your target audience should inform every decision you make – your overall atmosphere, your menu, your marketing strategies, and beyond. Familiarity with your diners allows your business to provide them with the exact drinking or dining […]