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Faced with rising labor costs and increasingly price-sensitive customers, restaurant brands are exploring new ways to balance profitability with consumer expectations. One of the most debated strategies is dynamic pricing, which adjusts based on demand and other variables. They were asked to place an order from an online restaurant.
For fast casual chains, competition includes usual suspects like casual dining and QSRs as well as c-stores and grocery chains who are ramping up foodservice offerings to capitalize on the trading down trend. Sitting in a pricing sweet spot, FCRs have an opportunity to win share from both QSRs and casual restaurants.
Menu pricing isnt just about covering costsits about finding that sweet spot where profitability, customer perception, and operational reality meet. Set prices too low, and youre leaving money on the table. Most operators aim for food costs to be around 28-35% of the menu price, though this can change from restaurant to restaurant.
Rising restaurant prices and increased cost-of-living expenses are significantly altering dining out habits in both the US and UK, according to a new survey from Attest. Among the key findings affecting restaurants: Price Sensitivity : 86 percent of consumers in both the US and UK feel restaurant prices are higher than last year.
Other restaurants are integrating AI into reservations, guest messaging, and even menu pricing—helping them react to demand in real time. For high-volume restaurants, whether it's a fast-casual spot in New York or a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, automation isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about stability.
RMS just released our latest findings around consumer sentiment for Q1 , which revealed, among other things, that price is starting to matter—and not by an insignificant amount. When asked why they were getting less value from a restaurant visit, 82 percent reported higher prices. The sentiment has changed rapidly.
While there was a brief dip in consumer awareness of menu price increases in late 2024, the spring of 2025 has seen a moderate rise, affecting dining habits and consumer perceptions of value. “With rising prices tied to eggs and imported goods, restaurants will need to think creatively about their menus,” Fink said.
at the Italian casual-dining chain as its investments in affordability and Uber delivery paid off. 20, 2025 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Consumers are finding value in casual-dining brands like Olive Garden. Same-store sales at the Italian casual-dining chain spiked 6.9% By Joe Guszkowski on Jun.
based diners who recently ordered from a QSR, fast-food or fast-casual chai also found that value is about more than just price. Guests are significantly pulling back their discretionary spending, which is directly influencing when, how, and what they choose to order at quick-service and fast-casual restaurants.
This represents a larger increase than those increasing visits to fast-casual (14 percent) or full-service (11 percent) restaurants and is on par with those visiting QSRs more frequently (24 percent) ( RMS Q1 2025 Dining report ). Adding pressure, price perceptions remain high. That doesn't always mean lower prices.
High menu prices have been an issue in the industry in recent years due to inflation, resulting in a decline in traffic as diners wish to spend less. In 2025, operators can offer elevated foodservice experiences at more affordable prices through emphasizing value in LTOs to drive sales.
According to a study conducted by Technavio , the fast casual restaurant industry will witness a compound annual growth rate of over 12 percent from now until 2026. I believe that fast casual continues to be a great place for savvy multi-unit restaurant franchisees to diversify. Which brings us back to the restaurant industry.
Food trucks, pop-up supper clubs, fast-casual restaurants, and brewpubs are all a part of the unique culinary fabric of this country. Learn About Fast-Casual Dining. Fast-casual dining is dominating the restaurant industry, and its growth is expected to continue at a rapid pace in a post-pandemic economy.
These smart kiosks, found increasingly in QSR and fast casual restaurants, also enhance order accuracy, reduce labor costs and provide brands with valuable data on diner preferences and ordering patterns.
So much data is generated at every point within a restaurant, whether fast casual or fine dining. ” Value-Driven Dining for the Modern Consumer – In a time when consumers seek out both quality and quantity, L&L continues to provide substantial portions at an accessible price point.
The fast-casual chain on Tuesday dropped prices and simplified the menu in an overhaul designed to drive traffic. CEO Mike Burns said it was time to stop nickel and diming guests.
If you’re involved in any aspect of the Fast Casual category, you don’t need me to tell you that labor and distribution issues are real. The pre-pandemic fast-casual “chicken war” and the pandemic race to add chicken wings to menus, are good examples of putting many eggs in one basket.
There may be many reasons for this, including the fact that QSRs' fast, casual, and affordable nature may appeal to younger generations and individuals whose eating habits have changed post-pandemic. In 2025, QSRs should continue adapting to changing consumer habits, focusing on speed and convenience.
In 2025, the meaning of "value" to the dining consumer will extend beyond price to include a mix of experience, hospitality and affordability. To address this demand, restaurant operators must strike a balance between offering value-based pricing while ensuring cleanliness alongside a friendly, approachable staff.
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 Revenue growth in 2024 was largely driven by menu price adjustments.
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.
Fine dining venues benefit from understated elegance through embroidered logos on professional attire, while fast-casual concepts can leverage more dynamic graphics and color palettes to reflect their energetic atmosphere. Strategic use of color should inform uniform design decisions.
But the fast casual's CEO Jonathan Neman sees room for 1,000 Sweetgreens domestically, tapping technology that he says will help beat competitors on price. Labor costs are expected to continue to rise across the industry.
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.
Knowing the true cost per serving means you’re not guessing where to set menu prices. When done correctly, dish costing helps you control food costs, reduce food waste, and price items in a way that supports your restaurant’s financial health without alienating guests. Every smart pricing move starts here.
Understanding your target market is the foundation of making smart decisions for your menu, pricing, and overall guest experience. Meanwhile, a fine-dining steakhouse targeting business professionals will prioritize a refined menu, premium pricing, and marketing efforts that focus on corporate events and high-end experiences.
based architecture and design firm / /3877, newly-available real estate offers prime locations and cheaper rent for fast casual restaurants such as taco shops and upscale burger joints. However, with prices rising, customers are choosier about where they spend their money. According to the hospitality experts at Washington D.C.-based
When you decided to open a restaurant, you probably didnt picture yourself glued to spreadsheets or tracking the price of eggs, but keeping an eye on the numbers is how you stay open year after year. This gives you a sense of how effective your menu pricing is. Theres no one-size-fits-all number.
But it wasn’t quite so bad for fast-casual concepts , which outpaced other categories with 9% growth in 2024, according to Technomic. Fast-casual chicken chains, including Dave’s Hot Chicken, saw double-digit sales growth, while fast-casual pizza continued to falter. Segment leader Chipotle Mexican Grill rose to No.
From full service to fast-casual to legacy fast-food brands, the one constant was disruption. This level of uncertainty is obviously making restaurant owners and fast-casual franchise owners nervous at the prospect of the industry going through a fundamental change, and what was considered standard practices may become unrecognizable.
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. Nearly a third of restaurants (29 percent) are considering raising prices.
Fast casual restaurants are popping up faster than you can say "build your own grain bowl." " They're somewhere between a full-service casual dining restaurant and a quick-service restaurant or fast food chain. Looking for tips on starting your fast casual restaurant?
It’s possible that price fluctuation for specific goods and materials have disproportionately impacted some restaurants.” Additionally, searches related to fast food and fast casual dining are up by 10 percent compared with Q2 2022 and eight percent more compared to Q3 2021. percent from 2022,” added Mudan.
In 2024, restaurants across the country saw an average five percent increase in transactions and an average eight percent increase in profits with only four percent caused by price hikes. introduced "Perkins Griddle Go," a fast-casual concept for quick on-the-go meals, in 2024, with the first store opening in late October.
The experience agency, who designed new restaurant prototypes for clients such as Burger King, Panda Express and Panera Bread, surveyed consumers to gain a better understanding of the current customer journey and what guests value most about the restaurant experience, particularly at casual dining and fast casual restaurants.
While they crave the value of QSR – 34 percent of families reporting higher spending at QSRs this month compared to 18 percent of childless households – they are inclined toward fast casual and full-service restaurants as well. Strategies for Attracting Family Business Given a -2.1
California's AB1228 pushed the fast-casual chain's wage up 20% and menu price hikes will cover the cost. But with first-quarter traffic up more than 5%, Chipotle officials are not worried.
“We are seeing sign-on bonuses at fast food and fast casual locations, something never seen before in the industry. Fast casual will continue to push out full-service brands because they can assemble food in front of you and get food to the customer more quickly. ” One way to do so: increase menu prices.
While three in four survey respondents believe restaurant prices are higher, other factors, such as flavor, outweigh price when ordering specialty beverages, particularly in the full-service segment. During a time of increased price sensitivity, beverages create an opportunity to increase the total check.
Matcha’s growing global popularity as a casually drunk beverage, as opposed to something ceremonial, has also “come back full circle into Japan” and driven an uptick in domestic interest, Mangan says. To Sazen, this shortage signals the need for manufacturers to increase production and stockpile tencha.
These are candidates for portion adjustments or pricing tweaks. In some cases, a slight menu price adjustment or repositioning might help, but often, its better to retire them early before they cost you more money or swap them out for new dishes with better potential. Small pricing tweaks work the same way.
Why Takeout Still Reigns (And How Operators Should Price). “But now it’s a normal course of business and should have its own strategy that drives everything from menu to staffing to pricing.” Breakfast and casual eateries/coffee shops can be optimistic. Why Breakfast Is Back. see below).
The fast-casual chain has held back on pricing in most regions while focusing on consistent portion sizes. But to address rising inflation, it raised menu prices about 2%.
The convenience-retailing giant on Wednesday announced a Craveables Value Menu, pitting it in head-to-head competition with fast-food chains also looking to win consumers over with low prices. The move comes as consumers continue to limit their visits to restaurants and rein in their basket sizes amid elevated prices.
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