Canadian restaurant menu prices rose 3.1% in July

Menu prices at restaurants in Canada were 3.1 per cent higher in July 2021 than they were a year ago, reports Restaurants Canada. This represents the largest increase since January 2019, and is over three times the magnitude of the rise in food prices at grocery stores, which climbed by 1.0 per cent. Since January […]

FSR tickets up amid higher prices, larger orders

New Black Box Intelligence data shows that full-service restaurant (FSR) tickets in the U.S. grew by nearly 20 per cent on a two-year basis as of Q2 2021. The restaurant backdrop improved last quarter as the economy reopened and vaccines increased consumer confidence, helping FSR transactions grow compared to Q1. This has contributed to the latest figures, which were also spurred by higher menu pricing brought in by many restaurants to offset […]

Preparing yourself for summer reopening & recovery

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 […]

Will digital technology hinder or enhance your business?

By Jo-Ann McArthur Last month I told you how Millennials are disrupting your business. This month I’m exploring the many ways new technology is causing its own disruption in our industry. From mobile apps to Virtual Reality, digital tech is changing the landscape for guests and owners alike. So, what is the role of digital […]

Ten tips to better pricing: Start generating new profits and growth

By Rafi Mohammed, Ph.D Pricing is one of the most powerful – yet underutilized – strategies available to businesses. Illustrating the power of pricing, using data from the National Restaurant Association and Deloitte Restaurant Industry Operations Report, if full-service restaurants raised their prices by just 1 per cent, and demand remained constant, on average their […]