5 Exciting Restaurant Business News Stories You Need to Know
Running a successful restaurant business takes a combination of dedication, skill, and adaptability. Staying up to date on the latest industry news and trends is essential to stay ahead in the competitive restaurant market. Here are five exciting restaurant business news stories you need to know.
1. Restaurants Pivoting to Curbside Pickup and Delivery
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many restaurants to pivot their business model to include curbside pickup and delivery options. As a result, many restaurants have been able to stay afloat during these challenging times. For example, Chic-fil-A saw an 83% increase in digital sales in Q2 2020 thanks to their popular mobile app.
2. Ghost Kitchens are Changing the Restaurant Landscape
Ghost kitchens, also known as dark kitchens, are commercial kitchen spaces designed for delivery-only restaurants. These kitchens have no physical dining space and instead solely focus on creating meals for delivery services like GrubHub and UberEats. Large restaurant chains like Applebee’s and Chili’s are starting to invest in these types of kitchens, making it clear that ghost kitchens are here to stay.
3. New Technologies Boosting Restaurant Efficiency
There’s no shortage of new technologies in the restaurant industry, promising to increase efficiency and improve the overall dining experience. For example, virtual waitlists and tabletop touchscreens are becoming more common in restaurants. Additionally, restaurant managers can now use AI-powered software to optimize operations and streamline tasks such as inventory and menu management.
4. Plant-based Diets Are Becoming More Prevalent
As the demand for plant-based diets continues to grow, many restaurants are adapting their menus to offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. In fact, plant-based meat sales grew by 264% in 2020, according to SPINS data. With more and more customers looking for healthy, sustainable food options, plant-based dishes are a trend that restaurants should not ignore.
5. Online Reviews Continue to Impact Restaurants’ Success
It’s no secret that online reviews can make or break a restaurant’s success. Now more than ever, customers are relying on these reviews to decide where to dine. Positive reviews can lead to an increase in business, while negative reviews can drive customers away. Restaurants that stay on top of their online presence and respond to reviews in a timely and professional manner are more likely to succeed in the long run.
Conclusion
In an ever-evolving industry, it’s important for restaurant owners and managers to stay informed on the latest restaurant business news and trends. From pivots to curbside pickup and delivery to new technologies and plant-based diets, these five exciting stories highlight the changes and opportunities for restaurants in today’s market. By paying attention to these trends and adapting their operations accordingly, restaurants can set themselves up for long-term success.
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