What’s new in restaurant real estate?
October 3, 2023
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 vice ...Read more about this postThe evolution of QSR loyalty programs
September 8, 2023
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, with ...Read more about this postHow restaurants are addressing continued supply chain disruption
August 21, 2023
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 ...Read more about this postShifting consumer spending and its effect on restaurants
May 25, 2023
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 of ...Read more about this postThe current state of the foodservice industry
May 15, 2023
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 28 ...Read more about this postAccording to experts, there’s no end in sight for food inflation
April 24, 2023
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 the ...Read more about this postSustainability practices that restaurants can learn from hotels
April 21, 2023
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. The ...Read more about this post2023’s top trends add flavour and colour to restaurant menus
March 1, 2023
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 to ...Read more about this postCanadian diners are ordering more items off the menu
February 28, 2023
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 the ...Read more about this postFood costs continue to soar, even as Canada’s inflation rate slows
January 19, 2023
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, continue ...Read more about this post2023 brings expansion for some restaurant chains
January 12, 2023
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 to pre-pandemic ...Read more about this postHow can you boost enrolment for your loyalty program?
January 10, 2023
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 ...Read more about this postWill 2023 bring the foodservice industry closer to recovery?
January 9, 2023
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 canceled ...Read more about this postIs employee burnout hurting your business?
December 19, 2022
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 not ...Read more about this postAutomated scheduling is a must for your busy season
December 14, 2022
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 shifting ...Read more about this post