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[Data] Fast Casual Restaurant Trends: Sales and Labor

7 Shifts

Coming out of 2020, few restaurant types were better prepared for the new normal than quick service and fast casual. They had streamlined menus, more digital presence than their full-service counterparts, and dining rooms weren't an integral part of the fast casual experience. Fast Casual Labor Numbers. hours in 2021 to 76.13

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Five Casual Dining Design Trends Worth Replicating

Modern Restaurant Management

By July 2021, OpenTable reported that reservations had returned to normal after plunging by two-thirds during the pandemic. If you happen to own a casual dining establishment, it’s even better: The global fast casual restaurants market is expected to grow by $186.27 And things are only looking up for the industry.

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How Restaurants Can Remain Competitive in 2021

7 Shifts

We’re not talking about just surviving the pandemic—but thriving through 2021 and beyond, and setting new standards. Ordering online, paying with mobile phones, scanning QR codes for a menu, and a ton of takeout, are just a part of dining out now. For fast-casual and quick-service restaurants—no more lines.

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Restaurant Experts’ 2021 Outlook, Part Two

Modern Restaurant Management

Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine asked restaurant industry experts for their opinions on what we can expect in 2021. And three, above all, we see the need for digital marketing automation continuing and growing into 2021 and beyond. Here are their responses. To read part one, click here. Barry McGowan, CEO Fogo de Chão.

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MRM Research Roundup: End-of-May 2021 Edition

Modern Restaurant Management

In addition to the emergence of indoor dining, it explores rising competition between fast food and fast casual restaurant brands with COVID restrictions loosening. The data finds consistent consumer behavior across both restaurant categories signalling the distinctions between fast food and fast casual restaurants are quickly evaporating.

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How Fast-Casual Marketers Can Prepare for 2022 Dine-in Traffic

Modern Restaurant Management

Smart QSR and fast casual chains like Chipotle and Shake Shack reconfigured their strategies to lean heavily into delivery apps, digital ordering, and loyalty programs. So, what can marketers of fast casuals do to bring people back to their brick-and-mortar locations? million members in its loyalty program as of October 2021.

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How Restaurants Are Evolving in 2021: New Business Models

7 Shifts

The stories of adaptation and pivot in the restaurant industry are nothing short of remarkable, as owners and operators have shifted business models on their head in order to stay afloat—and thrive. Even the finest of fine dining restaurants made a fast casual pivot. Many of them had contactless ordering in place.