Managing Diner Expectations this Holiday Season

Over the last 18 months, restaurants have managed incredibly difficult challenges, primarily driven by having to operate with new, constantly evolving safety guidelines. As the restaurant industry begins to rebuild itself, restaurants are now confronted with supply chain shortages as well as a labor shortage. These challenges are impacting menu availability, raising the prices of menu items, leading to short staffs, increasing wait times for diners, and changing operating hours and offerings. 

Restaurants that spent much of the last year trying to win back customers, are now struggling to win back employees. The industry has looked to hiring incentives, such as and other rewards, as they compete to fill open roles. Some brands like Applebee’s have gotten creative with National Hiring Day campaigns, offering free appetizers for job applications.

Proactive communication and transparency is essential to managing the diner experience. 

Staffing has always been a challenge for the…