Restaurateurs embrace technology ahead of a looming recession

By Mo Chaar The challenges for Canadian restaurateurs from the last few years continue as we face a possible recession. Inflation has increased costs across the board, placing financial pressure on restaurant guests and operators alike. As a result, restaurateurs face heightened pressures of meeting customer expectations, finding labour, implementing cost-effective ways to meet changing […]

The current state of the foodservice industry

As the foodservice industry continues to recover through elevated food prices and ongoing labour challenges, what does it look like in today’s economic landscape? Givex’s annual survey provides insight into diner preferences and industry trends. While inflation and a possible recession have motivated many Canadians to cut back on discretionary spending, the study found that […]

Digital transformation helps restaurants manage consumer demands and economic challenges

By Luke Rose Can restaurants use digital transformation as a tool to balance their bottom lines, consumer demands, and economic challenges? The current economic climate, paired with aftershocks from the pandemic, has fuelled a decline in consumer discretionary spending. As a result, many restaurants increased prices as they race to get their heads above the […]

How ChatGPT can optimize restaurant staffing

By Matt Parkin As a restaurant manager, one of the key challenges is hiring and training staff efficiently and effectively, and ChatGPT is a tool that can help. In today’s fast-paced restaurant industry, finding ways to save time while preparing staff to handle various situations is crucial to success. One innovative tool that can greatly […]

Restaurant technology trends to watch for in 2023

By Brittain Brown The foodservice industry has seen tremendous change over the past year. Diners returned to restaurants in droves, but as if the pandemic wasn’t enough, we also had hospitality labour shortages and decades-high inflation to contend with. While it was a tumultuous time, the one constant for restaurateurs throughout the year is — […]

Restaurant robotics: it’s time to get used to automation

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 […]

Consumers demanding more ordering and loyalty options

Restaurant customers want to use multiple ordering and purchasing options and restaurants must respond if they are to capture more business, finds a new report from Paytronix. The Delivering on Restaurant Rewards: The Value of Multichannel Ordering Options report from Paytronix and PYMNTS also recommends that restaurants should reimagine their loyalty engagement strategies and expand […]

Restaurant takeaways: what we learned from takeout

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 […]

What Canadian hospitality can learn from Australia

By Peter Dougherty This time last year, the future of the Canadian hospitality business — and hospitality in general — seemed unsure. Fortunately, things have changed. The hospitality industry is re-emerging to serve Canadians who are excited to be back at their favourite restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. But we’re not out of the woods […]

Restaurant technology: What to invest in & what to skip

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 […]