By Emma Balment In a market where the dining room increasingly belongs to the consumer, winning the off-premise will become just as important as winning the dine-in one for today’s restaurant operators. Traditionally in Canada, the majority of orders were consumed at the restaurant, whether full-service or quick-service – but things have changed. Years ago, […]
Foodservice continues to evolve, and the definition of value for many diners has shifted. While the benefit of drive-thrus was originally a speedier experience, these days, convenience is even more important to consumers. Today’s diners value food quality most (45 per cent), followed very closely by convenience (44 per cent), and speed (34 per cent) […]
By Julien Brault Whether it was grabbing a coffee, catching up with friends, celebrating a birthday, or ordering takeout after a long workday, restaurant meals were simply part of the everyday routine. In today’s economy, that decision often comes with a quick mental calculation. Is dining out worth it? Would that money be better put […]
By Jessica Brill Dining trends come and go, evolving to reflect current tastes, economic considerations, and even social media phenomena. Healthy dining has long been a factor for many consumers, and today’s idea of healthy dining has shifted from the simple desire for wellness, to a focus on functional dining that addresses specific consumer needs […]
By Jose Chavez Managing food allergies has become a more visible part of restaurant operations across Canada. As guest expectations continue to rise, how dietary needs are handled can influence dining decisions in ways that were traditionally less common. This shift presents an opportunity to move beyond compliance and build stronger guest confidence with the […]
Dining out is a popular choice on Mother’s Day, offering restaurant operators the opportunity to drive traffic and raise revenues as groups gather for the occasion. The holiday was restaurants’ biggest day of the year in 2025, increasing restaurant traffic 12 per cent year over year, and restaurateurs need to plan for another busy day […]
Spring is in the air and consumer behaviour is shifting. As winter thaws, Canadian diners are looking to get out and enjoy time together over a shared meal. What’s changing about the way that diners plan their gatherings, enjoy their meals, and is solo dining still popular? OpenTable offers some data into what dining will look […]
With Valentine’s Day almost here, many QSRs are choosing themed promos to celebrate love and maximize February margins. From off-premise dining to romantic date nights, Valentine’s Day offers operators the opportunity to stand out, offer something new for regular guests, and attract new visitors to the restaurant. Recent research from OpenTable highlights some trends that […]
Canada is a growing market for Aussie beef and lamb, and we’re taking a look at the trends and implications with a leading expert. We had a chat with Henry Vega of Congressum, a market access expert who helps importers navigate the nuances of the Canadian market. What have you seen happening in Canada with […]
As more employees return to work and the holiday season approaches, your restaurant may be looking to raise your revenues by adding catering to your roster. Food On Demand Off-premises University’s recent webinar covered this topic, highlighting what operators need to know to grow their business in the catering space. Jim Rand, from Rand Parker […]
