The future of ghost kitchens

We’ve seen the rise of ghost kitchens over the last few years, but do they have the appeal they once had, and will we see even more of this pandemic trend pop up in the future? Initially, some commercial realtors predicted that by 2025, ghost kitchens would make up as much as 20 per cent […]

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. […]

Overcoming technology adoption hurdles can save restaurants time and money

By Jason Wagenaar Technology can help with many of the current challenges facing the restaurant industry, from staffing to inflation (the cost of goods and menu prices) to increased competition, and difficult-to-navigate supply chains. With nearly half of Ontario’s restaurants operating at a loss or just breaking even and profit margins shrinking, many restaurant owners […]

Technology helps address staffing shortages and inflation

As we continue to navigate staffing shortages and inflation, the hospitality industry is adopting technology tools to help deliver exceptional guest experiences. According to Lightspeed’s 2022 Global State of the Hospitality Industry Report, businesses are getting creative with tech solutions to stay afloat and get ahead.   Staffing shortages With 50 per cent of businesses […]

Vaulting the staffing hurdles to find a way forward

By David Hopkins The restaurant industry is facing a significant crisis: staffing. It’s a trend that has been particularly exacerbated over the last several months and, unfortunately, shows little sign of vanishing soon – foodservice operations across the country are struggling to find, hire, and retain staff. ​So, why is this happening, and what can […]

Canada’s plastic ban and its effect on restaurant takeout

Canada’s ban on single-use plastics, covering plastic bags, cutlery, foodservice ware, stir sticks, and straws took effect on December 20. It comes as part of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s effort to achieve zero waste by 2030. Since third-party takeout and delivery orders are up 63 per cent from pre-pandemic days, finding viable alternatives is […]

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, […]

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 […]

Making the most of your inventory management

These days, amid labour shortages, inflation, and supply chain disruptions, it’s more important than ever to get a handle on the things you can control, like inventory management. Managing your restaurant’s inventory efficiently could have a major effect on your bottom line. Effectively managing your inventory means streamlining purchasing, monitoring storage, and efficiently using your […]