Black Box Intelligence

MAY 8, 2025

Segment Winners & Trade-Down Behavior While quick service continues to lead in sales growth and fast casual in traffic, casual and family dining are facing headwinds. Lower-income groups are increasingly opting for grocery over dining out. Here are the biggest takeaways from the discussion. in Q4 to 0.3%.

2025 52

2025 Fast Casual Guest Recovery Webinar 52

Black Box Intelligence

JULY 16, 2025

Comp Traffic In This Issue: The Big Picture: Sales and Traffic Trends Segment Focus: Fine Dining Best vs Worst: Region, Segment, and Cuisine Staffing Turnover Review: Full Service June 2025 Restaurant Industry Trends The Big Picture: Sales and Traffic Trends Consumers grew more optimistic in June, breaking a five-month streak of declining sentiment.

2025 52

2025 Fine Dining Point of Sale Fast Casual 52

Black Box Intelligence

MAY 21, 2025

Out of the Box: April 2025 In This Issue: The Big Picture: Sales and Traffic Trends April 2025 Restaurant Industry Performance Trends In Detail Segment Focus Fast Casual: Current Performance Trends 1.1% Comp Sales -1.5% So a tough economic environment – not just for restaurants but the majority of consumer-focused businesses.

2025 52

2025 Fast Casual Point of Sale 2024 52

Black Box Intelligence

APRIL 25, 2025

It was only Casual Dining and Fast Casual that were able to post positive same-store sales growth. Segment Performance Deep Dive: Casual Dining Rebounds There has been a resurgence in Casual Dining in recent months. Comp Sales -2.2% Same-store sales growth was 0.3% reported for Q4 2024.

2025 52

2025 Fast Casual Fine Dining Point of Sale 52

Black Box Intelligence

APRIL 7, 2025

From Fine Dining leading the pack, but also likely being a statistical mirage— to weather continuously influencing performance… It can be easy to get lost in data. You might think this is the primary driver behind fine dining’s top performance based on YOY same-store sales growth.However, the reality? Comp Sales -5.7%

2025 105

2025 Point of Sale 2024 Fine Dining 105

Modern Restaurant Management

APRIL 1, 2025

This edition of Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine's Research Roundup features dining trends, hiring trends, tech trends, brunch trends, alcohol trends, and egg prices. American Diner Trends Despite a higher cost of living, the average consumer’s dining habits are unchanged.

Pricing 251

Pricing Technology 2025 Point of Sale 251

Black Box Intelligence

JUNE 20, 2025

Only two industry segments achieved strong positive same-store sales growth during the month: Casual Dining and Fast Casual. Meanwhile, Upscale Casual, Quick Service, and Family Dining were essentially flat year-over-year. And the only segment with decidedly negative same-store sales growth was Fine Dining.

2025 52

2025 Point of Sale Fine Dining Fast Casual 52

Modern Restaurant Management

JANUARY 12, 2021

According to Upserve’s 2020 State of the Restaurant Industry Report, the industry will collectively lose $240 billion, with casual dining sales volume down by 60 percent and fast casual down 50 percent. Above-average CX doesn’t just happen, and it definitely doesn’t happen overnight.

Fast Casual 411

Fast Casual Food Safety Loyalty Program Customer Experience 411

Modern Restaurant Management

DECEMBER 16, 2021

Quick-service restaurants are also feeling the pressure – large chains like Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s have had to close dining rooms due to insufficient staffing. Operators will look to technology to offset labor shortages and free up staff to enhance the dining experience. Service with a smile is not a thing of the past.

2022 473

2022 Hospitality Loyalty Program Point of Sale 473

Modern Restaurant Management

FEBRUARY 7, 2023

The modern restaurant ecosystem demands that businesses of all shapes and styles, from full-service fine dining to quick-serve fast-casual, incorporate third-party delivery systems into their business models, strategic planning, Front and Back of House training and physical design. The “Ding!”

Delivery 492

Delivery Front of House Back of House Fine Dining 492

Modern Restaurant Management

APRIL 15, 2020

Limited-service restaurants (those in quick service and fast casual) had a sharp acceleration in their guest check growth, as consumers likely shifted to larger off-premise orders to feed multiple people at home. Fine dining and upscale casual were the worst performing segments during March based on same-store sales growth.

2020 491

2020 Point of Sale Fast Casual Online Ordering 491

Modern Restaurant Management

DECEMBER 21, 2020

From the very beginning we worked to attract loyal guests seeking an authentic, family dining experience. With restaurant dining rooms closing unexpectedly and inconsistently from market to market, the industry realized the ability to communicate frequently and rapidly to their customers is critical. Shasta, California.

2020 450

2020 Online Ordering Customer Experience Point of Sale 450

Modern Restaurant Management

APRIL 4, 2024

She dives into the real definition and actions required to achieve sustainability from the environmental to the societal to the economical. That’s much more money than I ever had to spend on marketing but a drop in the bucket compared to what other fast casual brands spend for much less impactful results.

Sustainability 490

Sustainability Book Food Supply Waste 490

Modern Restaurant Management

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

Ike’s Love & Sandwiches is ranked #12 on Fast Casual’s Movers and Shakers 2021 list. “We owed this rebrand to our fan-base of customers, franchisees and budding investors to experience our brand in an optimized and energized way.” ” Ike's Loves Bangin' Buns.

Franchise 471

Franchise Franchising Food Fast Casual 471

EATER

JUNE 4, 2024

Say bonjour, always Whether it’s at the post office, a boutique, or a fine dining restaurant, say “bonjour” to every single person you interact with. The only hard and fast rule? Even a casual corner bistro can easily book up. Do as the French do, and you’ll have a much better experience in Paris. Don’t forget to say hello.

Fine Dining 300

Fine Dining Reservations Seating Online Ordering 300

Modern Restaurant Management

JUNE 17, 2021

Located in Salina, Kansas, this prototype marks a new chapter for the brand’s design evolution as this option is its first model without a dining room, hosting a double drive-thru and a walk-up ordering station. MRM Franchise Feed features the latest news in the restaurant and MUFSO franchising landscape. Happy Birthday, TCBY.

Franchise 431

Franchise Franchising Food Truck Loyalty Program 431

Modern Restaurant Management

MARCH 3, 2023

" Pandemic Pivots Become Permanent The temporary "pivots" developed during the pandemic — expanded delivery services, outdoor dining options, to-go alcohol offerings, and investments in technology — are the foundation of the industry's "new normal." million by the end of 2023.

2023 508

2023 2022 Consumer Goods Point of Sale 508

Modern Restaurant Management

JULY 21, 2022

While inflation is most definitely impacting guests, RMS' Q2 2022 Industry Trends Report shows it's not all bad news for operators. In addition, RMS asked 750 diners across all generations throughout the US about their current and future dining behavior. Special occasion dining is on the rise. Average check was up 7.2

2022 447

2022 2005 Consumer Goods Fast Casual 447

Modern Restaurant Management

FEBRUARY 6, 2020

Their enthusiasm for our brand coupled with their deep experience developing successful polished casual and fast-casual restaurant brands in Alberta make them the perfect partners to bring CPK into Canada for the first time. Send news to Barbara Castiglia at bcastiglia@modernrestaurantmanagement.com. CPK Heads North.

Franchise 383

Franchise Franchising Fast Casual 2019 383

Modern Restaurant Management

SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

On the surface, you may not think a roadside diner or downtown café would have much in common with a fast-casual chain, not to mention an elegant stand-alone restaurant where couples and families celebrate over a two-hour, five-course meal. But definitely consider getting help. You should work with someone on this too.

Fast Casual 450

Fast Casual Uniforms Dine-in Take-out 450

Modern Restaurant Management

MAY 12, 2023

This attention to detail has been rewarded with a 75-percent customer return rate at the fine fast-casual brand. I have definitely had good feedback from that and my employees now have embraced it to this day. I wanted their home to feel like my dining room. I wanted to know those who I was serving.

Franchise 251

Franchise Franchising Customer Service Fast Casual 251

Modern Restaurant Management

DECEMBER 16, 2019

Fine and Family Dining Hurt by Holiday Shift. The best performing segments during November were those whose sales are the most negatively affected by Thanksgiving: fast casual, upscale casual and casual dining. This was largely due to a favorable shift in the Thanksgiving holiday. percentage points.”

2019 322

2019 Compost Mobile Ordering Online Ordering 322

Modern Restaurant Management

NOVEMBER 2, 2021

The new restaurants — as well as upgrades to existing locations — will adapt the company’s new, modern, and inviting “Fresh Forward” design and meet the needs of today’s consumer with comfortable guest indoor dining spaces as well as numerous delivery and order ahead options, with a strong digital first strategy.

Franchise 450

Franchise Franchising Leadership Beverage 450

Modern Restaurant Management

AUGUST 14, 2020

In addition to virtual kitchens meeting lower labor costs, they also offer a fast-track to opening, with a location able to begin serving in just one month. Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine's Franchise Feed offers a glimpse at what's new in the restaurant franchise and MUFSO environment. Virtual Barbecue Pit.

Franchise 474

Franchise Franchising Kitchen Safety Food Safety 474

Modern Restaurant Management

JUNE 28, 2024

The main takeaway: It’s led to higher prices and lower foot traffic at many of the state’s dining establishments. With customers seemingly viewing dining out a luxury, restaurants that can differentiate themselves in terms of quality and value will have a competitive advantage.” The law changed on April 1.

2024 294

2024 Mobile Ordering White Paper Food Order 294

EATER

OCTOBER 26, 2023

In the last decade, tourist-oriented restaurants, cheesy cafes, and fast food have moved into the town’s Chinese Portuguese shophouses. But mixed in with these are decades-old noodle stalls, casual curry shacks, legendary restaurants, and bustling markets — most of which can be reached on foot, a rarity in Thailand.

Seasonal Menu 319

Seasonal Menu Hotels Back of House Front of House 319

EATER

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Rows of shipping containers were used to create the small kitchens inside the Grand Food Depot in LA. Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images. Delivery in its neighborhood — San Francisco’s Sunset district — costs $5, while those farther afield in the city pay $10. He remains purposefully anonymous for now.

2030 361

2030 Consumer Goods Online Ordering Delivery 361

Modern Restaurant Management

MARCH 11, 2020

US Foods Holding Corp.entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Smart Foodservice Warehouse Stores from funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. US Foods to Acquire Smart Foodservice. NYSE: APO) (the “Apollo Funds”) for $970 million in cash. Smart Foodservice had 2019 revenues of approximately $1.1

Bar 386

Bar Cash Management Loyalty Program Point of Sale 386

7 Shifts

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

It's a necessity for building a modern and future-proof restaurant. The first technologies that restaurants often invest in are the cloud-based point of sale (POS) systems and payroll processing. The restaurant tech industry is a growing one, with software and services designed to streamline almost every aspect of your business.

Technology 370

Technology Front of House Social Media Back of House 370

Restaurant365

FEBRUARY 25, 2020

While many restaurant owners would like a definitive answer to this question, the average restaurant profit margin varies widely across different types of restaurants. A full-service restaurant typically includes table service and more involved customer service experiences, spanning fine dining to a sit-down dinner. Catering Services.

Loyalty Program 183

Loyalty Program Point of Sale Fast Casual Online Ordering 183

Modern Restaurant Management

FEBRUARY 10, 2020

42 of the country’s favorite fast food and restaurant chains still don’t offer a plant-based entrée, according to a report released today by The Good Food Institute (GFI). Despite skyrocketing demand for plant-based food across the U.S., on the depth, breadth, and promotion of their plant-based entrées. to its menu.

Hospitality 459

Hospitality Food Consumer Goods 2019 459

Bingage

JANUARY 14, 2020

But beyond this basic definition, restaurants can be categorised on the basis of services, cuisine, atmosphere and formality etc. Fine Dining Restaurants. Fine dining restaurants, known as white-tablecloth restaurants which typically comes in high-rated types of restaurants. Fast Food Restaurants. Fast Casual Restaurants.

Fast Casual 72

Fast Casual Fine Dining Food Truck Casual 72

Restaurant Clicks

OCTOBER 14, 2021

It’s hard to argue that we are pretty spoiled for choices when it comes to fast food restaurants in the United States. Head down any highway for only a short amount of time, and you will usually come across some form of fast food establishment to satisfy your cravings. Some of these fast food chains are world-famous. McDonald’s.

Food 128

Food Fast Casual Food Order Definition 128

Restaurant Clicks

OCTOBER 23, 2021

However, their focus on upscale communal dining offers a unique experience among restaurants. I’ve visited mainly for lunch, where I enjoyed a watermelon and feta cheese starter – definitely a good choice for that summer. San Francisco is one of the most recognized cities in the world, and with good reason. Make a Reservation.

Fine Dining 131

Fine Dining Online Ordering Reservations Seasonal Menu 131

Modern Restaurant Management

JANUARY 13, 2023

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), is relaunching its popular Thank You Card promotion that rewards every guest with prizes just for dining at the restaurant. Starting Monday, January 16, CPK will hand out sealed Thank You Card envelopes to guests dining in or taking out at any location nationwide*. Value Meal. A complete meal on a $5.00

2023 251

2023 Menu Back of House Seasonal Menu 251

Margin Edge

AUGUST 6, 2019

In fast-casual and full-service environments, scrutinizing plates as they come across the pass, or having a manager check prep and line cooks’ waste can help identify portioning and prep issues. In fine dining restaurants, turning trimmings and other forms of food waste into new menu items in their own right is a hot trend.

Dine-in 69

Dine-in Food Point of Sale Seasonal Menu 69

Sling

JANUARY 4, 2023

In this article, we give you the definitive answer to the question, “What is a bistro?” Today, most bistro owners don’t define their restaurant as “fine dining” per se. The umbrella term “restaurant” includes such subtypes as: Fine dining. Casual dining. Fast casual. Bistro vs. fast food.

Fine Dining 78

Fine Dining Fast Casual Seating Food Order 78