Diners being generous with tips despite record inflation

Even amid record levels of inflation and resultant rising menu prices, diners are being more generous with their tips. That’s according to new data from Lightspeed Commerce cited by Restaurant Dive collected from 6,000 U.S. bars and fast-casual, casual and upscale restaurants between May 2021 and May 2022. The data recorded that the median average […]

Minimum wage hike presents opportunity for restaurants

By David Hopkins Ontario’s minimum wage is going up again on January 1, 2022. And this time, unlike in the past, the minimum wage for servers will also rise significantly. It is set to increase almost 20 per cent, from $12.55 to $15 per hour. This comes at a time when most restaurants are trying […]

Tip pooling to help restaurateurs simplify tip management

As restaurants continue to navigate the current labour shortage, the topic of tip culture and tip management is under the spotlight. Amid the reopening of indoor dining and customers’ desire to support local businesses during the pandemic, restaurant tips increased by a remarkable 18 per cent in 2021 compared with 2019, reports restaurant team management […]

Vaccination mandates: How to handle asking for proof

Updated September 16 Vaccination mandates are the topic on everyone’s lips right now. In Canada, numerous provinces beginning with Quebec and going on to include others such as B.C. and later Ontario and Alberta have either already introduced or have announced the implementation of vaccine certificates. This move, which has also been seen in some […]

Is it time to include tips in menu prices?

By Sylvain Charlebois and Poppy Nicolette Riddle Tipping is a cultural practice strongly supported in Canada, with most patrons feeling good about their experiences. However, tips can have hidden consequences for those working in foodservice. With staff recruitment a problem as the easing of pandemic guidelines are allowing restaurants to reopen, our research suggests it […]

Tipping remains important but are attitudes shifting?

Canadians largely recognize that tipping is becoming increasingly important for the foodservice and hospitality industry amid the devastating impacts of COVID-19. However, there are some signs that attitudes may be changing. Foodservice and hospitality has always relied on tipping to a significant extent. The pandemic, though, is causing something of a reevaluation of how the […]

Getting your employees involved in your restaurant’s social media strategy

By Steven Chester Your servers, back-of-house staff and hosts are often your restaurant’s biggest supporters, so keeping your staff encouraged and motivated is paramount. One key way to keep your employees engaged is through an effective social media strategy. The first step to bringing your restaurant employees into the social media fold is encouragement. While […]

Keep pests off the menu this winter

By Alice Sinia, Ph.D. As the weather cools, winter months can force unwanted pests inside to stay warm or to overwinter. Food, shelter and water attract pests, and your restaurant offers these resources. As these dirty, nuisance and destructive invaders seek relief from the cold, it’s important that you create a defense and prepare your […]

13 tips and tricks for developing an ideal business plan

By Katrina McKinnon Every entrepreneur starts their own business with only one goal: to succeed. However, a vast majority of business owners have absolutely NO clear idea about how exactly to achieve the desired success. If you are one of those who wants to enjoy a good reputation and run a popular restaurant, you must […]