Shrinkflation hits restaurant diners

We’ve certainly heard a lot about inflation in the news lately, but how is “shrinkflation” affecting the foodservice industry? According to Sylvain Charlebois, professor at Dalhousie University, shrinkflation is when a food manufacturer reduces the quantities its producing, but sells the product for the same price. Because this practice is increasing, the Canada Revenue Agency […]

St. Patrick’s Day menu ideas for your restaurant

By Mark Plumlee Everyone’s a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, which means that it’s the perfect time to create a specialty holiday menu inspired by the Emerald Isle! Irish beer and whiskey are a great start but don’t stop there. Be sure to add plenty of Irish and Irish-inspired dishes to round out your […]

Trend Watch: Meat-infused cocktails, pickled nuts, salal berries

By Katie Belflower In our latest edition of Trend Watch with Technomic, we are focusing on three current top menu trends across Canada, showcasing some of the restaurants that are creatively and successfully adding these items, flavours, or ingredients to their menus. Meat-infused cocktails Operators are featuring cocktails infused with meaty elements including marrow, fat, […]

2023’s top trends add flavour and colour to restaurant menus

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 […]

Canadian diners are ordering more items off the menu

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 […]

Attract couples to your restaurant with date nights

By Mark Plumlee Now that Valentine’s Day has passed, it’s time to celebrate anniversaries and date nights for the rest of the year. Many couples struggle to find time to plan a special evening, but your restaurant can help with easy and romantic options, while also promoting and building your business. With tougher competition than […]

Using 2023 trends to grow your restaurant business

These days, competition is fierce and anything your restaurant can do to set itself apart is an opportunity to grow your business. With 87 per cent of food operators more worried about inflation this year than anything else, what are the industry trends that will help drive success this year, and how can you use […]

What customers are looking for from restaurants

By Megan Prevost If customers from 2019 time-traveled to today and stopped in at their favourite restaurants, they would immediately recognize some key differences. Over the past few years, the restaurant industry has morphed, at first changing out of necessity and quickly becoming more of a matter of preference. Because of this ongoing evolution, it […]

Are value items on the menu for 2023?

As many diners seem to be adjusting to rising prices, some restaurants are introducing value items to their menus to attract those consumers looking to eat for less. While some experts are looking at inflation as a catalyst for positive change, other sources are suggesting that lower pricing can help boost profitability. From breakfast additions […]

How baked goods can sweeten your cheque totals

Amid continued inflation, one category remains a constant in Canadian diets: baked goods. Indulging in sweet treats is a way for consumers to treat themselves without breaking the bank, according to Jo-Ann McArthur, co-founder and president of Nourish Food Marketing. “It’s worth it to them,” she says. The baked goods category allows restaurants the opportunity […]