Foodservice is becoming an even more competitive space for restaurants as more retailers get serious about customer retention. With 42 per cent of Canadian diners belonging to a loyalty app, there is a real opportunity for restaurants and retailers to get attention and drive traffic while building loyalty and retention. Recently, Tim Horton’s and Canadian […]
A customer deciding where to buy lunch is thinking about what is nearby, what sounds good, what is easy to order, and whether there is a deal waiting in an app. In foodservice, loyalty often comes down to a small moment of convenience: the coffee ordered before work, the lunch spot near the office, the […]
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, […]
Standing out in such a crowded marketplace can be a challenge for restaurant operators, as competition grows from incoming American chains, broadening convenience store menus, and declining consumer spending. Collectibles are an innovative LTO, providing a way for restaurants to drive loyalty, connect with guests, and even offer a sense of nostalgia, depending on the […]
As restaurants continue to compete for diner dollars with higher value, lower prices, and unique offerings, is this approach viable over the long haul? Many operators have adopted a strategy focusing on value to reflect the unstable economy and thrifty consumer trend, but this may be a shortsighted approach, offering short-term relief and higher revenues […]
The holidays are right around the corner, but it isn’t too late to make the most of your gift card sales. Studies show that there is a large number of people still shopping two weeks before Christmas, including 31 per cent of Gen Z shoppers, 36 per cent of millennials, 42 per cent of Gen […]
By Jessica Brill With the challenges facing today’s foodservice professionals, operators need to use every tool at their disposal to compete and stay profitable. Modern technology has emerged on all fronts to help operators streamline operations, improve the customer experience, and continue to thrive, despite labour shortages, rising costs, trade difficulties, supply chain disruption, and […]
As Canadians continue to face cost-of-living concerns this year, consumer dining trends are shifting, from menu preferences to generational dining to restaurant visits and beyond. Restaurants Canada and Circana recently released the 2025 Hot 10 Restaurant Trends report, highlighting top dining trends in today’s uncertain economy. “Canadians are expecting more value for their dollars as […]
Customer loyalty can make or break a restaurant’s success by increasing visits, growing revenues, reducing marketing costs, and providing predictable income. Building a loyal customer base with email marketing can be a significant time investment, but it’s one that pays off in the long run. 88 per cent of people open their email every day, […]
As discretionary spending continues to be carefully watched by consumers, restaurateurs will need to offer a better guest experience to stand out and encourage regular visits. Research shows that nearly 75 per cent of all traffic happens off-premises, between drive-thrus, takeout, and delivery. As an impactful category for restaurants, what are guests expecting when they dine […]
