By Laura Henry

With nearly three-quarters of Canadians planning to travel more domestically and spend more time at local bars and restaurants within Canada this summer, there are several hospitality trends to note that can help businesses make the most of the season.

Seamless integration of online and in-store experiences

According to the 2025 Future of Commerce Report, 71 per cent of retail leaders believe that in-person experiences — such as product demos, workshops, and tastings — are essential for future business growth. In fact, one in three retailers plans to increase the frequency of in-store events in the months ahead, while a similar proportion (34 per cent) are investing in their online presence to create a seamless connection between digital shopping and in-person interaction.

This can also apply to restaurants looking to broaden their customer base with eatertainment experiences, upgraded reservations and ordering systems, and making the most of today’s technology to set them apart as a hospitality or foodservice leader.

Turning to tech to manage costs

With rising food and staffing costs, along with cautious consumer spending, 89 per cent of Canadian restaurant leaders are looking to technology to streamline operations, trim costs, turn tables faster, and free up staff to focus on customer service.

Features like Scan to Pay QR codes on receipts can help this process, allowing customers can scan and settle up without having to wait for busy servers to collect payment. This feature also makes item splitting faster and more convenient for multiple guests.

Meanwhile, portable point-of-sale devices like the new, lightweight handhelds keep business running smoothly, even on busy patios or during summer festivals. Some of these devices also feature an integrated barcode scanner and a built-in camera, allowing staff to quickly scan retail items or take product photos, making it easy to update menus, add products, or change pricing across locations in seconds.

Embracing AI and automation

AI and automation tools are gaining traction, with 81 per cent of restaurant and retail leaders saying they see time-saving benefits in areas like marketing, inventory management, and supplier relationships.

Maximizing the summer opportunity

Summer is a crucial time, delivering up to a quarter of annual sales for many independent bars and restaurants in Canada. Businesses are encouraged to make the most of their patio spaces and invest in enhanced takeout and delivery options to capitalize on consumers’ increased interest in eating and staying local.

Doubling down on loyalty and experimentation

Building customer loyalty is key to maximizing seasonal peaks. Over 70 per cent of retail and restaurant leaders plan to boost their loyalty programs over the next year, with more than 80 per cent reporting that these programs increase transaction size, repeat visits, and return on investment.

Leaders are also becoming more experimental, with 75 per cent saying they will test new services, events, subscriptions, memberships, and merchandise in 2025.

A confident outlook

Best of all, the mood is optimistic across the hospitality industry. An impressive 77 per cent of Canada’s retailers and food and beverage leaders report feeling more confident about their business prospects in 2025, underscoring the strength and resilience of Canada’s retail and restaurant scene.

Laura Henry is Product Marketing Manager at Square Canada.