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What should restaurant operators take away from these results to meet guest expectations? Winning new customers is harder in this market so operators should lean into customer databases to leverage loyalty. In what ways can restaurant operators rework menus to be responsive to guests and hopefully profitable?
Loyaltyprograms are the secret sauce for keeping customers hooked, whether you're a cozy corner café or a massive restaurant chain. Restaurants are going digital, with innovations like contactless ordering, reservation apps, and personalized marketing driven by data. But it’s not just about convenience.
In California, annual fees for a liquor license can also reach up to $1M, depending on factors like operating hours, customer policies, and whether the establishment offers on-site brewing. Innovation Through Wine-Based Cocktails Although not having a full liquor license may seem restrictive, it actually creates opportunities for innovation.
This generation prioritizes social responsibility over traditional brand loyalty and gravitates toward integrity, sustainability, and values-driven experiences. Below are five key approaches we at Groucho’s Deli have successfully implemented to attract and retain Gen Z customers.
“This enduring customer loyalty drives the restaurant industry forward, creating clear opportunities for restaurants to enhance the dining experience through strategic limited time offers, efficient delivery and exceptional in-person service," said Samir Zabaneh, CEO of TouchBistro.
As digital transactions become ubiquitous, businesses across all sectors are embracing innovations that reshape the way they interact with customers. In 2025, the restaurant industry will continue to adapt to these payment innovations, with a focus on eliminating cash transactions and prioritizing seamless, digital payment methods.
However, to unlock AI’s potential, leaders will likely need to balance innovation and operational discipline, strengthen governance, and address capability gaps to help optimize operations, boost margins and future-proof their business — in both the front and back of house.”
The report found that loyalty is eroding as brands worked hard to offer new limited time offers, value meals, upgraded loyaltyprograms, and digital innovations. To keep guests coming back, operators must provide a value proposition where convenience, quality, and personalization are all part of the equation.
Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine asked restaurant industry experts for their views on what trends and challenges owners and operators can expect to see in 2025. Still, keeping a steady team remains the top challenge, highlighting the need for ongoing innovation in restaurant workforce management.
For years, loyalty building was treated like a garnish that operators sprinkled on top of the “entrees” of bigger promotional strategies like traffic, advertising, and limited-time offers. Loyalty is proving to be the secret sauce — the flavor that ties the whole dish together and keeps guests coming back for more.
As we step into 2025, the restaurant, bar, and hospitality industries are experiencing transformative shifts driven by evolving consumer preferences, technological innovation, and economic dynamics. As we navigate these changes, one theme stands out: innovation.
More than eight in ten restaurant operators expect 2025 sales to meet or exceed 2024 levels, but rising competition will require differentiation through experience, service, and innovation, according to The National Restaurant Association’s 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry report.
Despite 93 percent of QSR operators indicating they raised prices in 2024, nearly two-thirds (64 percent) reported increased traffic across all dayparts, according to TransUnion’s QSR Industry Report: Bridging the Affordability and Profitability Gap.
Restaurants must now navigate a razor-thin margin between maintaining customer loyalty and managing escalating costs. AI investments in customer experience are generating impact with 52 percent of brands and 84 percent of operators surveyed currently seeing high customer experience impact. At the same time, U.S.
For restaurant operators striving to cut through the noise and connect with today's diners, understanding the nuances of modern marketing and PR is crucial. What are common mistakes you see restaurant operators making in their marketing efforts and how can they rebound? It's essential for survival and growth.
Yet even then, operators were innovating—often quietly and creatively. Over the last two decades, I’ve worked alongside operators in just about every hospitality setting—independent cafés, high-end dining rooms, food halls, and regional chains. The pandemic redefined how restaurants operate.
"We are seeing many restaurants, chains and independents use price value messages to win new customers and grow visits and loyalty with existing customers. In China, where 53 percent of traffic is driven by deals, operators such as KFC, McDonald’s, and local chains like Dicos are engaging in price wars.
As restaurant brands grow, there is an increasing realization that loyalty and guest experience cannot live in isolated departments anymore. That is why breaking down silos between marketing and information technology (IT) has become more than a smart operational move, but a competitive imperative.
Customers expect seamless online ordering, loyaltyprograms, and delivery options, and franchise systems need to invest in tech to stay competitive. Customers expect seamless online ordering, loyaltyprograms, and delivery options, and franchise systems need to invest in tech to stay competitive.
In a recent report shared by TouchBistro on the State of the Restaurant Industry for 2025, data provides key insights into a year marked by both significant hurdles and notable resilience for the restaurant franchising industry and quick-service restaurant (QSR) operators.
consumers not only spurring inflation but lowering overall consumption and slowing the economy, cautioned Ben Johnston, Chief Operating Officer of Kapitus, a small business lender and marketplace. "U.S. " What can restaurant operators do to take proactive steps to mitigate potential future shocks to their supply chains and costs?
For example, Chick-fil-A ihas used drone footage and cameras to optimize speed and accuracy at their drive-thru and Tang expects more innovation from the brand. "If Rising minimum wage and higher food/operational costs are an unsustainable recipe. Leverage your data to diagnose operational issues and drive profitability.
Luckily, modern technology has introduced several innovations that streamline the restaurant relocation process, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and manageable. In this article, we’ll explore the key tech innovations that are simplifying restaurant relocation and helping owners make a seamless transition to their new space.
Building an integrated tech stack is essential for independent restaurants that want to streamline operations and improve customer service. When integrated with other systems, it allows for easy syncing with online orders and real-time inventory management, making operations smoother and more organized.
workers now operating in a hybrid model, restaurants can focus on becoming the go-to destination for office-day meals through targeted promotions, convenient ordering options and other innovations. Loyaltyprograms and app-exclusive deals. With 53 percent of U.S. Digital transactions now make up 18.6
Operators would see increased prices in their supply chain, resulting in rising costs to their guests as well. This level of customization not only enhances guest satisfaction but also drives customer loyalty, which is crucial in our competitive market. In terms of operations, we're seeing a trend towards integrated systems.
The agency has grown from a one-woman operation to a team of nine with clients across the U.S. So when we develop a brand’s marketing strategy, we take into consideration operational factors.” I launched an internship program where I mentored marketing students in exchange for project help. We’ve been there.
For operators, restaurant apps mean higher sales, greater customer retention, and smoother day-to-day operations. Beyond mobile ordering, restaurant apps support operations in ways that were never available before. These apps make it easier to manage digital orders, streamline kitchen operations, and reach more customers.
Brand extension is a way for restaurants to stay relevant, innovative and engage with consumers where they are. Retailers are also embracing limited-time offers and seasonal innovations to drive traffic and create a sense of urgency. This desire is fueling a surge in food and beverage brand partnerships and collaborations.
. – Noah Glass, Founder & CEO of Olo The pandemic was a transformative period for the restaurant industry, leading to significant changes in how both restaurants and consumers operate. Technology continues to transform restaurant operations. The workforce also experienced a major reset.
Then Pat shares her interview with Matt Banton, VP of menu strategy and innovation at Cracker Barrel. He’s been at the chain for less than a year, but hit the ground running, focusing on flavor innovation, building a robust pipeline and making sure the food and drink selection creates memorable guest experiences.
Independent restaurants are at a pivotal moment, as the industry confronts multiple challenges including inflation, cost volatility, and extreme weather and adapts to an increasingly complex operating environment, according to the findings of the The James Beard Foundation® (JBF) 2025 Independent Restaurant Industry Report.
Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine asked restaurant industry experts for their views on what trends and challenges owners and operators can expect to see in 2025. And the digitization of operations over the past few years means that the industry is getting better at capturing that data. Data, Data, Data.
The research found that businesses worldwide – particularly restaurants – intend to experiment more in 2025, especially with customer retention programs like loyalty, as they face the triple challenge of sustained high inflation, shrinking consumer wallets and the need to raise prices across the board.
A significant part is also played by tech integration ; loyaltyprograms, app-based ordering, and QR code menus are not innovations but necessities. Building a Brand That Connects with Emotion and Drives Loyalty Branding goes much beyond typography and logos.
While restaurants that successfully pivot to address this demand for value may grow or maintain their sales, these brands could find themselves making other cost-saving operational changes, like reducing portion sizes, to account for this trend. In this competitive environment, it’s clear that we must innovate to stay ahead.
As a data integrator and solutions provider to tens of thousands of quick service restaurants representing hundreds of brands, Delaget has a front seat to AI innovation in the industry (and a vested interest in helping make these solutions work for our customers.) Thanks to AI, I am confident 2025 will be a year of progress on both fronts.
With features like dual pricing to cut credit card fees, real-time inventory tracking, and integrations with QuickBooks and Uber Eats, Lavu simplifies operations for businesses of all sizes. Reliable Support: 24/7 assistance and 99.99% uptime ensure smooth operations. Alien Taco : 30% reduction in wait times and lower payment costs.
A customizable POS system gives restaurants the power to adapt, integrate, and innovate without being locked into rigid software limitations. Whether you’re connecting loyaltyprograms, online ordering, or inventory tools, open APIs make it possible to tailor your POS to match your exact operational needs.
It sets the stage for customer excitement, loyalty, and lasting buzz. Showcase Culinary Innovation – New items demonstrate your restaurant’s creativity and adaptability. Launch Day Execution Ensuring Operational Readiness The big day calls for perfection: Stock up on fresh ingredients and essential supplies.
Showcase Local and Sustainable Ingredients Showcasing local ingredients in your menu has many advantages, including building customer trust, boosting loyalty, and supporting the local economy. If your brand is modern and innovative, your dishes should reflect this same spirit.
The BBQ Brisket Whopper is the first item to launch from Burger King’s new “Whopper by You” platform—a program that invites guests to help shape the burger giant’s menu. We were inspired by our guests requests to create a backyard-style BBQ Whopper, said Zack Young, Burger King’s director of culinary innovation US & Canada. “We
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