November 8, 2023 Although there have been many challenges over the last few years, restaurants continue to recover from labour shortages, inflation, and supply chain interruption. With 51 per cent of restaurants operating at a loss, continued rising costs are challenging operators and consumers alike, as businesses and customers try and find balance between today’s revenue and spending.
RELATED: ...Read more about this post
November 6, 2023 By Katie Belflower
We’re well into fall now, and Canadian operators are looking to add trending items to their seasonal offerings. RestoBiz and Technomic’s latest edition of Trend Watch focuses on juniper, pineapple weed, chayote and some of the restaurants that are featuring them on their menus.
Juniper
Juniper is a shrub bearing edible berries with a piney, ...Read more about this post
November 2, 2023 Consumer habits are shifting and while meals are still important, of course, many customers have prioritized snacking as part of their daily lives. 29 per cent of people say that the last snacks they consumed were a meal replacement, with 74 per cent of people replacing at least one meal with a snack on a ...Read more about this post
October 30, 2023 By Brittain Brown
“Fee fatigue” refers to the endless surcharges associated with purchasing services – a thorn in the side of restaurant operators. To stay competitive, restaurants have had to continually upgrade their technology to meet industry demands, but more systems mean more hidden expenses. This exhaustion can be attributed to a variety of sources ...Read more about this post
October 9, 2023 Loyalty has always been important in the foodservice industry, but it has really taken a front seat in the last few years as restaurants continue to recover and competition remains fierce. Customers are getting savvy about what they are looking for from restaurants, what loyalty programs should look like, and they are voicing their concerns ...Read more about this post
October 2, 2023 There have been countless studies on the dining habits of Millennials, Gen Z, and even the boomers, but the next generation to watch out for is the Alpha generation. Born after 2010, these school-aged customers are growing up tech-focused, globally informed, and have different likes and needs when they visit a restaurant.
These factors make this ...Read more about this post
September 27, 2023 As the foodservice industry continues to evolve, studies show that there has been a long-term shift in what customers are looking for when they dine out. Whether it’s as a result of the pandemic or has more to do with spending dollars wisely amid inflation, diners are looking for meaningful, lasting experiences from restaurants.
Restaurants need ...Read more about this post
September 27, 2023 Chocolate has always topped the favourites list for desserts, with 86 per cent of Canadians having consumed chocolate within the last three months. However, from rising health concerns to flavour preferences, how can restaurants include sweet treats on their menu that will appeal to guests and raise cheque totals?
Health vs. indulgence
The ever-increasing desire to live ...Read more about this post
September 25, 2023 Off-premise dining remains a fan favourite for consumers, with dining out remaining only slightly more popular. In fact, 58 per cent of consumers have ordered delivery in the last month, compared to 62 per cent who have dined in a restaurant.
The frequency of ordering has increased, too, with 51 per cent of Canadians ordering food ...Read more about this post
September 7, 2023 Does your brand strategy include traditional marketing? In recent years, many restaurants have replaced their customary marketing with social media to promote their businesses and grow their brands. Putting all your eggs in one basket may be a mistake, though.
It’s important to embrace a diverse approach to marketing, engaging your customers on different levels to ...Read more about this post
September 5, 2023 By Katie Belflower For restaurants and chefs it’s important to be innovative as a way to stand out in a competitive marketplace. Staying up to date on the latest food trends is one way to stay a step ahead and treat your guests to something new and delicious. This latest edition of Trend Watch focuses on three ...Read more about this post
August 25, 2023 In the last few years, off-premise dining has become so popular, but these days, pickup is surpassing delivery for diners. As prices continue to remain high, this shift could be a result of consumers watching their wallets, attempting to save a few dollars by skipping the delivery fees.
Because restaurants don’t typically add a charge for ...Read more about this post
August 25, 2023 Restaurant operators are always looking for new ways to connect with their customers to engage and encourage return visits. From your website to your loyalty program, looking at real data is the best way analyze who is visiting, how often, what they are ordering, how much they are spending, and more. Getting specific on generational ...Read more about this post
August 23, 2023 Sustainability continues to be at the top of consumer lists as they support their favourite businesses, and restaurants are no exception. Diners are looking for restaurants that are striving to lower their carbon footprints, and they’re even willing to pay up to 10 per cent more in those establishments.
What does sustainability look like to consumers? ...Read more about this post
August 15, 2023 As Canadians continue to face record-breaking inflation, the term shrinkflation has emerged, reflecting when the prices rise or remain the same but the portion or serving size is reduced. This has affected many restaurant menus and diners who might be paying more for less, as operators try to recoup costs and stay afloat.
Shelflation is also ...Read more about this post
