Restobiz

MARCH 27, 2024

By Madan Kanala In recent years, the landscape of multi-unit food service operations has been plagued by financial volatility. Despite a resurgence in consumer dining habits post-pandemic, these businesses continue to encounter unique hurdles. Escalating food and beverage inventory costs pose significant operational challenges in the kitchen, exacerbating thin profit margins amidst persistent battles against […] The post Choosing kitchen equipment for enhanced operational efficiency appear

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Kitchen Equipment Food and Beverage Food and Beverage Inventory 255

Restobiz

MARCH 22, 2024

The foodservice industry has seen many changes in the last few years, but the rise of eatertainment is one trend that looks like it is here to stay. Guests are looking for more from their restaurant visits, and that means adding value with an exceptional experience – that’s eatertainment. While not a strictly new concept […] The post The rise of eatertainment appeared first on Restobiz.

Customer Experience 167

Customer Experience 167

Restobiz

MARCH 20, 2024

As restaurateurs continue to balance thin margins and staffing shortages, more have begun taking steps to deter diners from last-minute cancellations (or not coming at all) as a way to try and manage their costs. According to studies, 17 per cent of U.S. restaurants charged at least one cancellation fee in January, up four per […] The post Addressing restaurant cancellations and no-shows appeared first on Restobiz.

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Staffing 229

Restobiz

MARCH 15, 2024

Standing out from the crowd is vital for restaurants still on the road to recovery and while you might have some tried and true practices, this year offers some marketing trends that can help you get ahead in some new ways. Looking to switch up your marketing strategy and offer something new to your audiences? […] The post Restaurant marketing in 2024 appeared first on Restobiz.

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Restobiz

MARCH 8, 2024

Geofencing is a marketing tool using GPS tracking that’s designed to target specific geographic areas to deliver personalized, location-based content to the audience. This could include anything from announcements to special offers or incentives from restaurants to local customers. There are several ways that restaurants can use geofencing to analyze traffic data and patterns, increase […] The post Can geofencing help operators get ahead?

Customer Experience 173

Customer Experience 173

Restobiz

FEBRUARY 21, 2024

By Charli Tanner Everyone is feeling the financial pinch, and with restaurants facing rising food, utility, and labour costs, they are keeping a close eye on their profit margins. Reports at the end of 2023 revealed that rising costs meant one-third of Canadian restaurants were operating at a loss, highlighting the need for reducing expenses […] The post Top tips for minimizing restaurant expenses appeared first on Restobiz.

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Restobiz

FEBRUARY 20, 2024

As we move through the first quarter of 2024, looking back to the final quarter of last year can give us some insight into restaurant success, consumer spending, and what’s trending this year. How did restaurants do towards the end of last year and what can we expect to see this year? While traffic dipped […] The post Will 2024 be easier for operators?

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Restobiz

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

By Liam Gilmore In a world where inflation is tightening its grip and customers are watching their pennies, QSRs are looking to customer loyalty as a fundamental part of their success, focusing on resilience and adaptability in the face of economic challenges. As menu prices soar to unprecedented heights, businesses must pivot towards cutting-edge loyalty […] The post Relying on customer loyalty during economic uncertainty appeared first on Restobiz.

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Restobiz

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

By Brittain Brown Restaurants are grappling with a unique set of challenges – the confluence of inflation, winter weather, and the post-holiday lull creates a perfect storm, leaving many establishments feeling the financial pinch. Amidst the struggles, this is a chance for restaurateurs to think outside the box and find innovative ways to attract customers […] The post How restaurants can survive and thrive during the slower season appeared first on Restobiz.

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Restobiz

JANUARY 23, 2024

Loyalty programs have been popping up everywhere in the last few years, as restaurants focus on getting to know their customers and using data to better manage the business. However, loyalty programs continue to evolve as consumer preferences change, and 2024 brings a new level of personalization to loyalty as we know it. Studies show […] The post What restaurant loyalty programs look like in 2024 appeared first on Restobiz.

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Restobiz

JANUARY 22, 2024

By Graham Campbell As restaurants across Canada continue to rebound from the pandemic, fewer Canadians are dining out amidst inflation and soaring interest hikes. Restaurant operators are left worried about the rising cost of food and supplies and how much of this burden they can reasonably pass onto customers. With nearly half of Canadian restaurants […] The post Creative tips for restaurants to stay ahead in 2024 appeared first on Restobiz.

Customer Experience 177

Customer Experience 177

Restobiz

DECEMBER 18, 2023

By Mo Chaar The challenges for the restaurant industry seem to be never-ending, with operational costs, labour shortages, pandemic debt, and bankruptcies all on the rise. Recently, Restaurants Canada stated that 50 per cent of Canadian foodservice operators are operating at a loss or just breaking even, compared to only 12 per cent from pre-pandemic […] The post How restaurants can leverage technology to drive loyalty and boost profits appeared first on Restobiz.

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Customer Experience Staffing 211

Restobiz

DECEMBER 13, 2023

By Peter Dougherty In an ever-evolving industry, restaurant operators are continually seeking innovative ways to increase revenue and elevate the overall guest experience. Traditionally, surge pricing has been considered a strategy to manage demand during peak hours. However, in recent years, guests have become more conscious about spending and surge pricing has become unpopular with […] The post Navigating the surge to offer an enhanced customer experience appeared first on Restobiz.

Customer Experience 200

Customer Experience 200

Restobiz

DECEMBER 12, 2023

These days, competition is fierce as QSRs compete with takeout and delivery, convenience stores, gas stations, and most recently, grocery stores. Some QSRs are taking steps to simplify service with kiosks and faster drive-thrus, connecting with customers by going greener, or delivering seasonal LTOs to get guests coming in. With so many options for diners […] The post What’s trending with QSRs appeared first on Restobiz.

Customer Experience 202

Customer Experience 202

Restobiz

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

From loyalty programs to social media, apps, and more, restaurant technology is constantly moving forward. But as that technology evolves, so should your marketing strategy, and mobile games are one of the newest ways that businesses are reaching their customers. How can mobile game marketing help restaurants raise revenues? Reach a new audience Many restaurants […] The post Are mobile games a viable marketing tool for your restaurant?

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Restobiz

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

By Dawn Castell In the bustling restaurant industry where competition is fierce, standout customer service can make all the difference to your brand and bottom line. Service is the secret ingredient that makes a meal a memorable experience, turning many first-time visitors into regular, returning guests. Technology can help elevate service and make it the […] The post Using automation to enhance restaurant service appeared first on Restobiz.

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Customer Service Customer Service 193

Restobiz

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

The labour shortages we’ve seen over the last few years in the foodservice industry have led many QSRs to lean on technology to help bridge that gap, and kiosks are catching on as a way to better manage labour and provide a better guest experience. RELATED: 2023’s hottest restaurant technology While at one time self-serve […] The post The upside of kiosks for QSRs appeared first on Restobiz.

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Restobiz

NOVEMBER 23, 2023

Tip-flation and fee fatigue have been in the news as high inflation continues and consumers look to save their pennies. With costs continuing to rise, are consumers tipping and how do they feel about the shift in tipping culture? Reports show that consumers have negative feelings towards tipping, with about 30 per cent of consumers […] The post Today’s tipping trends appeared first on Restobiz.

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Restobiz

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

Restaurant marketing has evolved over the last few years to rely heavily on social media, with foodies making their presence most known on Instagram and TikTok. With the rapid pace of the restaurant industry, sometimes it can be a challenge to stay on top pf the latest trends. These days, marketers are flocking to podcasts […] The post Are podcasts the next marketing tool for restaurants?

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Restobiz

NOVEMBER 7, 2023

Restaurant theft is something that operators have to deal with, and although traditional methods of surveillance might have done the trick in the past, technology can help you step up your efforts. AI is not just useful for an improved dining experience, it can also help you increase security and lower restaurant theft. Shoplifting accounts […] The post How AI can help mitigate restaurant theft appeared first on Restobiz.

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Restobiz

OCTOBER 30, 2023

By Brittain Brown “Fee fatigue” refers to the endless surcharges associated with purchasing services – a thorn in the side of restaurant operators. To stay competitive, restaurants have had to continually upgrade their technology to meet industry demands, but more systems mean more hidden expenses. This exhaustion can be attributed to a variety of sources […] The post How restaurants can navigate fee fatigue appeared first on Restobiz.

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Purchasing 226

Restobiz

OCTOBER 31, 2023

The past few years have seen record-breaking inflation, unrelenting labour shortages, and continuing supply chain disruption, as the foodservice industry strives to recover. With some improvement in these conditions recently, is there relief in sight for restaurateurs in the coming year? The first step in looking ahead is understanding the major obstacles and pinpointing potential […] The post Will 2024 bring relief to restaurateurs?

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Restobiz

OCTOBER 27, 2023

We’ve seen so much change in the foodservice industry in the last few years, what does 2024 bring to the table? As the industry continues to recover, the labour market grows, and supply chain disruption slows, the competition will be fierce for restaurants to win over customers, boost loyalty, and build up the bottom line. […] The post 2024’s top restaurant trends appeared first on Restobiz.

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Restobiz

OCTOBER 25, 2023

As the foodservice industry’s recovery continues, many QSRs are making operational changes to address diner demand, foster loyalty, and keep customers coming back. With such fierce competition, restaurants are stepping up their game, working to improve service and boost the customer experience. McDonald’s recently announced that they plan to remove their automatic drink machines by […] The post Changes are coming as operators look to exceed customer expectations appeared first on Restobiz.

Customer Experience 188

Customer Experience 188

Restobiz

OCTOBER 17, 2023

By Dawn Castell As restaurants wade through the intricate world of food delivery services, metrics manifest as vital companions, guiding operators towards increased efficiency and unmistakable accuracy in operations. But navigating through the sea of data requires a keen eye for pivotal metrics that truly steer the course towards success. RELATED: Choosing a food delivery […] The post Optimizing food delivery services with metrics appeared first on Restobiz.

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Inventory Management Inventory 221

Restobiz

OCTOBER 10, 2023

Gift-giving can happen all year round, of course, but typically sales for gift cards start to ramp up from here on out. November and December traditionally make up about 50 per cent of gift card sales for the year, so this is the perfect time to look at how you plan to up sales through […] The post Using gift cards to up your restaurant sales appeared first on Restobiz.

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Restobiz

OCTOBER 9, 2023

Loyalty has always been important in the foodservice industry, but it has really taken a front seat in the last few years as restaurants continue to recover and competition remains fierce. Customers are getting savvy about what they are looking for from restaurants, what loyalty programs should look like, and they are voicing their concerns […] The post The future of restaurant loyalty appeared first on Restobiz.

Customer Experience 177

Customer Experience 177

Restobiz

OCTOBER 6, 2023

By Dawn Castell The restaurant industry has always been at the forefront of innovation and adaptation, and today, it stands on the cusp of a technological revolution with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in customer service. From deciphering customer preferences to tailoring menus offerings, and implementing AI for seamless payment processes, we will delve […] The post How AI enhances the dining experience appeared first on Restobiz.

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Customer Service Customer Service Customer Experience 208

Restobiz

OCTOBER 2, 2023

There have been countless studies on the dining habits of Millennials, Gen Z, and even the boomers, but the next generation to watch out for is the Alpha generation. Born after 2010, these school-aged customers are growing up tech-focused, globally informed, and have different likes and needs when they visit a restaurant. These factors make […] The post The next generation of diners appeared first on Restobiz.

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Restobiz

SEPTEMBER 22, 2023

Many restaurants are making strides to lower their carbon footprints, as part of their business goals and in an attempt to address rising diner demand. But before diving into a complete overhaul, identifying potential stumbling blocks can help make the road shorter. Creating a plan that identifies where your greatest impediments lay means getting ahead […] The post Can your restaurant get greener?

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Restobiz

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

By Scott Mitchell As Canadians continue to navigate high inflation rates and re-consider their spending habits, there’s still a light at the end of the tunnel for restaurant owners and operators. In Q1, the restaurant industry saw visits increase by 11 per cent and spending increase by 18 per cent compared to the same period […] The post Marketing tips for your restaurant’s next campaign appeared first on Restobiz.

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Restobiz

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

By Hamed Arbabi These days, unpredictable interest rates, ongoing labour shortages, supply chain disruption, and the rising cost of living have created a high-pressure environment for many Canadians, including those working in hospitality. Between employees, customers, vendors, and operational third parties, restaurants send and receive money frequently, yet one of the biggest hindrances is the […] The post Modernizing your restaurant management software appeared first on Restobiz.

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Restaurant Management Restaurant Manager Hospitality Hospitality 214

Restobiz

SEPTEMBER 15, 2023

As takeout and off premise dining traffic remains high long after the pandemic, many QSRs are looking to improve their drive-thru service to decrease wait times and boost efficiency. 39 per cent of QSRs report bumper to bumper traffic in the drive-thru, causing longer lines and customer back-up. During the pandemic, when takeout was the […] The post The drive-thru evolution appeared first on Restobiz.

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Restobiz

SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

Today’s crowded marketplace means there’s fierce competition for restaurants to stand out and cultivate customer loyalty. With the average consumer belonging to 16.7 loyalty programs, how can you make yours special, add value, and have it work for your business? Loyalty programs are not a new invention, but these days, we are seeing them evolve, […] The post The evolution of QSR loyalty programs appeared first on Restobiz.

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Restaurant Management Restaurant Manager 231

Restobiz

SEPTEMBER 6, 2023

By Damon Shrauner In the ever-evolving culinary industry, AI-driven kitchen automation is emerging as a transformative force, reshaping the traditional paradigms of food preparation and service. As the demands for efficiency, consistency, and evolution continue to rise, the convergence of automation and AI is not only redefining the way kitchens operate but also reimagining the […] The post AI-driven kitchen automation is a transformative force appeared first on Restobiz.

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Food Preparation Inventory Management Inventory Food Safety 147

Restobiz

AUGUST 25, 2023

Restaurant operators are always looking for new ways to connect with their customers to engage and encourage return visits. From your website to your loyalty program, looking at real data is the best way analyze who is visiting, how often, what they are ordering, how much they are spending, and more. Getting specific on generational […] The post Use technology to get more Gen Z diners into your restaurant appeared first on Restobiz.

Restaurant Management 200

Restaurant Management Restaurant Manager 200

Restobiz

AUGUST 15, 2023

Restaurant technology is constantly evolving to allow operators to become more efficient and to help customers get their best experience. This year has been no exception, with innovation from automation to robotics hitting the scene to improve operations. Are you taking advantage of the technology in your restaurant? This year’s National Restaurant Association Show offered […] The post 2023’s hottest restaurant technology appeared first on Restobiz.

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Restaurant Management Restaurant Manager 130