Modern Restaurant Management

DECEMBER 31, 2024

Building on the company’s 2022 tour, this year’s research included six markets – Tampa, FL; Los Angeles, CA; Austin, TX; Portland, OR; Denver, CO; and New York City, NY – spanning 45 diverse casual dining, polished casual, fine dining, and cocktail bars.

Beverage 450

Beverage 2025 Fine Dining Guest Recovery 450

Modern Restaurant Management

MAY 15, 2025

Over time, I transitioned into the fast casual space, where I now lead Fast Fresh Brands, which includes Bee Healthy Cafe and Nature’s Table. What sets us apart is our commitment to offering healthy, fresh meals in a fast-casual environment that doesn’t feel niche or exclusive.

Fast Casual 221

Fast Casual Food Franchising Franchise 221

Modern Restaurant Management

DECEMBER 6, 2019

The holiday season offers opportunities for catering orders, off-site catering, in-store limited-time offers of holiday favorites, and all of the increased revenue that comes with them. It's the most wonderful time of the year…and for many restaurant operators, one of the busiest.

Food Safety 284

Food Safety Catering Fast Casual Food 284

Modern Restaurant Management

JANUARY 3, 2025

Restaurant industry challenges are pushing operators to be more creative and efficient with many opting for more multifunctional spaces – especially in a fast-casual setting. At Maria Empanada, a fast-casual Latin concept the team is working on right now, the to-go boxes are artfully displayed, blending function and branding seamlessly.

Fast Casual 251

Fast Casual 2025 Design Customer Experience 251

Modern Restaurant Management

MARCH 8, 2024

In this edition of MRM Research Roundup, we feature news about an influx of catering orders, the topic of tipping, the rise of kiosks and affordable Michelin restaurants. Among the highlights: On or Off Prem Same-store catering transactions increased +71 percent in Q4 2023 compared to Q4 2022. emerges, top tech investment for 2024.

Catering 251

Catering 2024 2023 Guest Recovery 251

Modern Restaurant Management

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

The research stems from in-person chef interviews and a nationwide survey of more than 400 restaurant owners and operators spanning 47 states with respondents ranging from fine dining establishments to fast-casual venues, breweries, and caterers. "This

2024 251

2024 2023 2025 Loyalty Program 251

ChowNow

MARCH 21, 2025

Key demographic factors to consider: Age: Are you catering to college students, young professionals, families, or retirees? Lifestyle Choices: Do they prefer fast, casual meals or long, social dining experiences? Are they catering to families, young professionals, or tourists? Behavioral Factors: How Do Your Customers Dine?

Marketing 195

Marketing Social Media Email Marketing Loyalty Program 195

Modern Restaurant Management

APRIL 2, 2024

This shift in consumer behavior underscores the need for restaurants to cater to this growing customer demographic. For this, flexible seating arrangements are the key – from cozy booths to communal tables and counter seating, offering options that cater to individual preferences ensures that solo diners feel comfortable and valued.

Loyalty Program 411

Loyalty Program Catering Seating Customer Experience 411

Modern Restaurant Management

OCTOBER 16, 2023

For casual dining habits at restaurants like Olive Garden: 56 percent said they ate at casual restaurants frequently or occasionally. 29 percent said they rarely ate at casual restaurants. More likely to occasionally eat at casual restaurants. When we asked about fast food: 29 percent said they eat fast food frequently.

Fast Casual 531

Fast Casual Fine Dining 2023 Consumer Goods 531

Modern Restaurant Management

MAY 7, 2021

We’ve been crayon pros for over 30 years, ever since we started partnering with the fast-growing casual dining restaurant chains of the 90s. Read on to learn more about crayons—the unsung heroes of casual dining. How do crayons save the day? Crayons Make Kids-and Parents-Happy. Crayons Make Kids-and Parents-Happy.

Fast Casual 493

Fast Casual Fine Dining Casual Consumer Goods 493

Modern Restaurant Management

MAY 21, 2024

For restaurants with liquor licenses, catering to millennials is key. Consider seasonal flavors, cold brew variations, and creative blends to cater to a broader range of preferences. Remain Price-conscious : Price matters in fast-food and fast-casual restaurants, ranking second among the factors customers consider.

Beverage 493

Beverage Fast Casual Seasonal Menu Customer Experience 493

Modern Restaurant Management

MARCH 18, 2024

Among the findings: Casual experiential dining appeals on many fronts to consumers of varying ages in different parts of the country looking for affordable culinary experiences. Chef driven fast casual restaurants feed consumers’ desires for high quality menu items delivered quickly and on the go.

2024 474

2024 Food Truck Fast Casual Allergens 474

Modern Restaurant Management

FEBRUARY 18, 2020

In the short term, it’s QSR that will experience labor improvement, then fast-casual. Virtual restaurants can cater to different consumers, expanding clientele. Restaurants will become increasingly casual. " Mike O’Hanlon, Head of Catering Partner Business, ezCater. Suzannah Gerber of Haven Foods.

Mobile Ordering 539

Mobile Ordering Front of House Customer Service Customer Experience 539

Restaurant Business

JUNE 17, 2025

Salad is rising as the next drive-thru concept The fast-casual Greenlane is plotting growth across Florida with investor and NFL star Rob Gronkowski working the drive-thru window. But Tampa-based Greenlane is among a growing number of fast-casual concepts making freshly prepared salads a drive-thru option. By Lisa Jennings on Jun.

Fast Casual 165

Fast Casual Leadership Mobile Ordering Casual 165

Qu

JUNE 16, 2025

Kiosks Are Coming for Fast Casual Here’s a stat that might surprise you: 62% of brands are using or rolling out kiosks in 2025. While QSRs lead at 80%, fast casual is catching up quickly. The takeaway: “Kiosks are coming to fast casual. But success requires smart kitchen design and careful attention to guest flow.

Fast Casual 52

Fast Casual 2025 Casual Loyalty Program 52

Modern Restaurant Management

NOVEMBER 4, 2021

One of the key functionalities within many QSR and fast casual mobile apps these days is the ability to order ahead and select curbside pickup. In the past, brands had to cater to different customer types with little knowledge about their ordering preferences. Slicing and Dicing: Segmenting Customers Based on Real-World Behaviors.

Mobile Ordering 508

Mobile Ordering Marketing Menu Fast Casual 508

Modern Restaurant Management

JUNE 18, 2020

Many organizations offer on-site catering and cafeteria amenities as a convenience to employees, but with work from home requirements employees are forging for themselves. With millions of people working remotely, lunchtime, once a time of socialization, has been reduced to redundant trips to the refrigerator.

Supplies 474

Supplies Innovation Food Supply Loyalty Program 474

Modern Restaurant Management

JANUARY 2, 2024

On Menu Ingredients We predict the rise of “bougie” ingredients like caviar, lobster and truffle popping up at restaurants at more affordable prices and in more casual settings like fast casuals and QSRs.

2024 493

2024 Food Safety Fast Casual Insurance 493

Restaurant Business

JUNE 13, 2025

Private-equity firm Savory Fund made a major investment in casual-dining chain Hawkers Asian Street Food. Starbucks’ latest gambit to improve operations? Giving store managers ownership over testing early-stage ideas and sharing the results systemwide. Members help make our journalism possible.

Operations 232

Operations Leadership 2025 Fast Casual 232

Modern Restaurant Management

JANUARY 8, 2024

This trend reflects the growing popularity of drive-thru and fast-casual dining, coupled with the demand for digital technologies such as QSR digital signage and QR codes. As the trend of digital nomadism continues to rise in the future, catering to this growing demographic becomes increasingly important.

2024 539

2024 Loyalty Program Cash Management Customer Experience 539

Modern Restaurant Management

JULY 22, 2021

Owners and managers should follow the latest tech trends in the industry and train their staff to use new software in order to keep catering to customers although they might be off-premises. Restaurants will have to continue providing exceptional service in terms of technology, too.

Allergens 520

Allergens Online Ordering Fast Casual Food Safety 520

Modern Restaurant Management

APRIL 1, 2020

Since most major QSR and fast casual concepts have already made significant investments in boosting their digital and off-premises offerings, many brands have the infrastructure in place to succeed but are looking for ways to keep up with the increase in demand.

Technology 472

Technology Healthcare Social Media Mobile Ordering 472

Modern Restaurant Management

FEBRUARY 28, 2024

Adopting local procurement underscores freshness, while expanded menu selections cater to diverse dietary preferences. Fast Casual Dining Navigating a delicate balance between convenience and culinary craft, the fast-casual dining sector shines as the industry's hybrid powerhouse, marrying quick service with gourmet cuisine.

Fast Casual 294

Fast Casual Fine Dining Customer Service Customer Experience 294

Modern Restaurant Management

OCTOBER 22, 2020

In addition, pop-up restaurants (100 openings) and seafood markets (84 openings) experienced an increase in openings compared to the same period in 2019, catering to consumers' interests in novel ways to dine and shop for food outside of traditional restaurant experiences.

2019 495

2019 Food Supply Food Truck Outdoor 495

Modern Restaurant Management

OCTOBER 11, 2021

Whether you’re a fast casual, family style, fine dining, or fast food restaurant, you’re going to appeal to a distinct, identifiable customer base. Cater your communications materials to the audience you think would be most receptive. Restaurant Type. Existing Customers.

Marketing 492

Marketing Food Truck Fine Dining Fast Casual 492

Modern Restaurant Management

MAY 5, 2021

Casual Dining velocity has grown by 158 percent over the same period, suggesting many of the Casual Dining business models were able to maintain sales to some degree through pandemic restrictions. In fact, 30 percent of recent casual dining visitors think there is an opportunity to improve the quality of the beverage offer.

2021 490

2021 Coupons Loyalty Program Consumer Goods 490

Modern Restaurant Management

MAY 31, 2024

Casual Dining Preferences Market Force Information unveiled a survey on casual dining preferences across the United States highlighting shifting trends influenced by economic factors and evolving consumer tastes. More broadly, catering is a strong revenue driver for restaurants.

Online Ordering 391

Online Ordering Ordering Hiring 2024 391

Modern Restaurant Management

MARCH 31, 2021

If possible, restaurants should consider expanding into casual and comfortable outdoor seating arrangements that can feature a more pre-pandemic feel. People are still gathering in small, private groups, so catering options can be updated to include pick-up or contactless delivery. Fulfilling Other Needs.

Customer Service 474

Customer Service Online Ordering Customer Experience Hospitality 474

Modern Restaurant Management

JANUARY 31, 2025

Fast-casual visits overall were down 3.8 This includes a variety of establishments, such as restaurants and cafes, catering services, quick-service outlets, and institutional food services (hospitals, schools, and corporate offices). In December, QSR restaurants overall saw visits decline 2.9 percent in December and 11.3

Marketing 221

Marketing Loyalty Program 2024 2025 221

7 Shifts

JULY 12, 2024

Catering services Catering services provide food for events such as weddings, parties, and corporate functions, often preparing food off-site and delivering it to the event location. Since caterers don’t need a full-service restaurant space, they typically save a lot on overhead costs.

Food Truck 397

Food Truck Customer Service Seasonal Menu Loyalty Program 397

ChowNow

JUNE 12, 2025

In this article, you will learn: Tactics that increase restaurant check sizes without slowing down service How to boost restaurant sales through your own digital channels Proven ideas for driving repeat business from loyal and casual guests alike 1. You can even schedule recurring catering so you’re top of mind every week.

Loyalty Program 195

Loyalty Program Social Media Online Ordering Email Marketing 195

Modern Restaurant Management

FEBRUARY 21, 2022

Plant-based eating was previously limited to some selected restaurants and casual cafes. Through this approach, they are also able to cater to their customer’s taste while reducing the risk of using too much processed food. Surprisingly, restaurants are also replacing all, meat, fish, eggs and dairy with vegan alternatives.

Fine Dining 554

Fine Dining Fast Casual Food Supply 2022 554

Modern Restaurant Management

SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

For example, customers at a steakhouse may be willing to spend more for a fancier cut of meat, versus a fast-casual restaurant customer who may prioritize paying for convenience. Spending Habits: Purchases at restaurants, typically discretionary and impulsive, vary based on the type of establishment.

Loyalty Program 447

Loyalty Program Merchandise Customer Service Customer Experience 447

Modern Restaurant Management

DECEMBER 4, 2019

Like consumer-led ordering and payment solutions, lifestyle technologies allow consumers to use their smartphones to quickly identify dining options that cater to their lifestyle. Well, that puts fast-casual out of the running. Too bad for you, that precludes casual-plus. Want a lightning-fast grab-and-go experience?

Fast Casual 307

Fast Casual Customer Experience Point of Sale Mobile Ordering 307

Modern Restaurant Management

JANUARY 13, 2020

percent in the first week of January across fast casual and quick service restaurants in the UK as compared to the first week of December. ” At Daily Jam, Taylor looked into adding in vegan items that already fit the style of the menu and said substitutions were a great way for a restaurant to cater to guest desires.

Dietary Restrictions 474

Dietary Restrictions Fast Casual Menu Tip Distribution 474

Modern Restaurant Management

APRIL 11, 2023

Who among us hasn’t ordered food through a convenient mobile application, with menu choices ranging from not just quick-serve or fast-casual restaurants, but convenience stores as well? The company is catering to changing customer needs and preferences and positioning itself as socially responsible and sustainable.

Customer Service 474

Customer Service Fast Casual Sustainability Customer Experience 474

7 Shifts

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

Just being more catered to individual needs helps a lot." "The As CNBC reported earlier this year , the hospitality sector is seeing wage growth, particularly in the fast food and fast casual segments. Finding the right employees and being able to keep them due to the pay structure is rough.

2023 397

2023 Hiring Leadership Fast Casual 397