Author: Marisa Upson

Consumer Trends and the Restaurants Vying for Generation Z

Generation Z is anyone born between 1997 and 2012. The adults in this population fall between the ages of 18 and 24 and, despite their young age, are already making their presence felt in the restaurant industry. This generation has lived their life in the wake of digital technology and has a growing number of… Continue reading Consumer Trends and the Restaurants Vying for Generation Z

The Massive Growth in Restaurant Technology has Created Tremendous Opportunities

The massive growth in restaurant technology has created tremendous opportunities, catapulting the most disruptive period in our history. Leading founders and CEOs in Restaurants and Restaurant Technology (ResTech) partnered with EMERGING and founded the EMERGING Fund to invest in the explosive growth areas the industry is experiencing. Unlike other funds, these founders have extensive experience developing proven… Continue reading The Massive Growth in Restaurant Technology has Created Tremendous Opportunities

Raising Prices Without Affecting Traffic

As inflation, labor, and supply chain issues continued, our clients came to us with the question on everyone’s mind, how much can we raise our prices without affecting our traffic? ⁠ ⁠ They wanted to find that fine line—charging enough to maintain profit margins without driving their brand-loyal customers away, impacting sales and repeat business.… Continue reading Raising Prices Without Affecting Traffic

A Closeup Look at Our Client: Biscuit Belly

While restaurant traffic fell in the second quarter of 2022, breakfast purchases remained unchanged year-to-date. In fact, the breakfast daypart has experienced the fastest comeback in sales growth in April 2022 compared to a year ago, outperforming late-night sales for the first time since March 2021. According to Mintel, just over 50% of adults reported… Continue reading A Closeup Look at Our Client: Biscuit Belly

Spotlight on a Rising Mexican Restaurant: Federales

The Four Corners Group started its foray into the restaurant industry over 20 years ago with a neighborhood tavern in Lakeview—a community in Chicago. Fast forward to today, and you’ll find they’re the parent company to 12 different bars and restaurants. One of their brands you’re sure to hear about is Federales, an open-air tequila… Continue reading Spotlight on a Rising Mexican Restaurant: Federales

F1 Arcade Venue Offers Fans the Ultimate Racing Experience

A first-of-its-kind Premium F1 Experiential Venue, F1 Arcade, will Launch in London Next Month The themed venue will feature 60 motion F1 simulators and give fans the opportunity to live out their racing dreams while enjoying best-in-class food and drink offerings. Using bespoke racing simulators uniquely developed by a leading simulator design company, F1 fans… Continue reading F1 Arcade Venue Offers Fans the Ultimate Racing Experience

Interview with Gabriella Littleton from Tablz

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Gabriella Littleton, the partnerships lead at Tablz. This exciting startup is changing the face of restaurant and guest management, applying dynamic pricing in the only manner feasible for the restaurant industry—per-table charges based on time, day, and location. Let’s see what she had to say about this… Continue reading Interview with Gabriella Littleton from Tablz

Puttshack: Boston Seaport Opens in November

As many of you know, today’s restaurant guest is looking for an experience. Some entrepreneurs have taken the demand for dining entertainment and notched it up a bit, providing unrivaled restaurant dining experiences that include activities centered around high-tech sports, games, competition, and upscale food and drinks. Puttshack is one such brand – a leader… Continue reading Puttshack: Boston Seaport Opens in November

Adam Breeden on Creating the Ultimate Social Entertainment Venues

For many restaurants, millennials make up almost one-third of their revenue. This generation chooses restaurants that can offer “a new experience.” They look for experience-based environments, like live entertainment, game night, unique ambiance, and unusual food.  They’re looking for the ultimate social entertainment venue. Adam Breeden, the creator of some of the top social entertainment… Continue reading Adam Breeden on Creating the Ultimate Social Entertainment Venues