December 2, 2021 Technology and innovation are nothing new in foodservice and have come more sharply into focus during the pandemic. It seems that restaurant robotics may be the next step. The continuing labour shortage in the industry is pushing many operators to think outside the box when it comes to their operations. Restaurants are increasingly leaning on automation ...Read more about this post
November 23, 2021 As we close out 2021 and approach another new year for Canadian foodservice, Lightspeed’s State of the Hospitality Industry report has shone some light on the current sentiments from restaurant operators and guests. Chief among the conclusions of the report, based on a wide survey of operators and customers in Canada and beyond, was that operators ...Read more about this post
November 23, 2021 By Mo Chaar The ongoing labour shortages continue to affect restaurants across the country. Currently, 80 per cent of foodservice operators are having difficulty hiring kitchen staff and 67 per cent are having trouble filling front-of-house positions. As a result, restaurants across the country are resorting to cutting their open hours short and slimming down menus ...Read more about this post
November 9, 2021 Takeout has surged in popularity throughout the pandemic. But while the customers are happy and restaurants are surviving, what is the toll on restaurant workers? In tandem with a combination of factors, including dining rooms being closed for long periods, increased technological adoption, and customers’ desire to both continue supporting local restaurants and also attain a ...Read more about this post
October 20, 2021 By David Hopkins The vaccine passport has now rolled out in Ontario, and with it comes increased uncertainty and complications for restaurant operators, who have already faced incessant turmoil and scrutiny over the past year and a half. While the details of the vaccine passport and its enforcement vary from province to province, the gist of ...Read more about this post
October 4, 2021 By Bruce McAdams and Rebecca Gordon Restaurant operators across Canada are struggling to find enough staff to run their operations. This labour crisis has been highly publicized by Canadian media as a “labour shortage.” A recent survey by Restaurants Canada found that 80 per cent of foodservice operators were finding it difficult to hire kitchen staff and ...Read more about this post
September 15, 2021 As restaurants continue to navigate the current labour shortage, the topic of tip culture and tip management is under the spotlight. Amid the reopening of indoor dining and customers’ desire to support local businesses during the pandemic, restaurant tips increased by a remarkable 18 per cent in 2021 compared with 2019, reports restaurant team management platform ...Read more about this post
September 3, 2021 By Mo Chaar Closures and restrictions during the pandemic left many restaurants in dire straits in 2020 as they fought to retain customers and reach new audiences. In many cities, the fact that offering takeout and delivery was the only means of service forced restaurants to pivot quickly and develop new and creative ways to generate ...Read more about this post
August 13, 2021 Canada’s restaurant labour shortage, plaguing the industry in recent months as one of the latest effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, could continue for the foreseeable future. That’s according to Restaurants Canada’s latest Restaurant Outlook Survey, which found that the majority of restaurateurs are still finding serious difficulties in hiring staff. The survey, conducted in early July, found ...Read more about this post
August 5, 2021 Foodservice is facing a staffing crisis as many laid off workers show understandable reluctance to return. So what can operators do? By Tom Nightingale It’s been well-documented that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on tight-margin industries like foodservice and hospitality were particularly devastating as closures and numerous restrictions have affected the last 16 months. Amid those ...Read more about this post
July 25, 2021 By Laurent May Restaurants across the country are reopening and the hospitality industry is reemerging in a post-pandemic world. However, guest expectations have shifted as new technology was introduced over the pandemic to keep dining guests comfortable and safe. On-premise guest experience is traditionally guided by the server, as they drive the service from beginning to end. ...Read more about this post
July 21, 2021 As the world continues to re-emerge from COVID-19 restrictions, operators must be sure to prepare for the increase in foot traffic and restaurant cleaning expectations while also addressing hiring challenges. In particular, the increased hygiene and safety demands of consumers in the pandemic age mean more focus than ever before must be placed on maintaining ...Read more about this post
July 16, 2021 By Sylvain Charlebois and Poppy Nicolette Riddle Tipping is a cultural practice strongly supported in Canada, with most patrons feeling good about their experiences. However, tips can have hidden consequences for those working in foodservice. With staff recruitment a problem as the easing of pandemic guidelines are allowing restaurants to reopen, our research suggests it may be ...Read more about this post
July 12, 2021 Canadian consumers are ready to keep supporting restaurants, but managing your margins and elevating guest experience are musts. By Tom Nightingale Canadian foodservice and hospitality is finally getting on the road to healing the deep wounds of COVID-19. On July 16, indoor dining reopens in Ontario for the first time since Easter weekend, a landmark summer reopening ...Read more about this post
July 5, 2021 By Mo Chaar The restaurant industry is an ever-changing technological landscape. The pandemic has shifted guest expectations and restaurants are now required to be tech-savvy and offer online ordering, pay-at-the-table functions, third-party delivery, and more. However, with restaurants already struggling in the current climate, most businesses don’t have the financial resources to invest in expensive restaurant ...Read more about this post
