MRM Research Roundup: Mid-September 2021 Edition

This edition of MRM Research Roundup features Canadian dining trends, American eating patterns, best and worst cities for burgers and pumpkin spice to the rescue.Hiring Crisis FactsAlignable’s September Hiring Poll shows that the labor shortage many industries have experienced this summer is only getting worse, due to Delta variant surges and inflation.

In a survey of 4,079 small business owners conducted from 8/15 to 9/13/21, 66 percent reported having a "very difficult" time finding the right employees to fill open roles, many of which are necessary to help them drive revenue and rebound.

Looking at the labor shortage over the last three months, it's clear that many small businesses are moving backwards in their recovery, especially restaurants. 

That's because a whopping 85 percent of restaurant owners now report it’s very difficult to find the right help. That’s up 5 percent from August and 11 percent from July. 

Manufacturers are in a similar situation…