Category: Emerging Concepts

The recent August jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the U.S. added 22,000 jobs last month, far below the forecasted 75,000. The 38,000 jobs added by the private sector were offset by the 16,000 jobs lost by the government. The unemployment rate rose to 4.3%, the highest rate since 2021, according… Continue reading Restaurants Continue to Hire and Consumers Continue to Dine Out

With the current challenges the restaurant industry faces, it’s always nice to hear about the ones that are hitting it out of the ballpark.  How are they managing to do it amidst high labor costs, inflationary pressures, and tariff setbacks?  What’s their secret sauce?  NRN and Technomic recently identified the fastest-growing brands in their 2025… Continue reading Brands on the Move: The Fastest-Growing Restaurant Concepts in the Nation

Fitch Ratings, a credit rating agency, recently lowered its outlook for U.S. restaurants in 2025 from Neutral to Deteriorating.  Why? The reasons are numerous, ranging from reduced discretionary spending to increased inflationary pressures.  As a result, they anticipate reduced traffic and a decline in food-away-from-home expenditures.  Other reasons for their negative outlook include mass deportations… Continue reading How Restaurants Can Retain Profits Despite Economic Headwinds

The National Restaurant Association recently reported on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ March analysis of food and menu prices.  The good news: Inflation slowed from 2.8% to 2.4%, the lowest pace since February 2021. Additionally, consumer prices fell 0.1% in March, showing the first monthly decline since May 2020. The bad news: Food prices continue… Continue reading The Return of Rising Menu Prices & Food Costs

There was a time when the global supply chain was an unseen network, crisscrossing the globe with relative ease and reliability. Then, the pandemic hit, and supply chain disruptions became a way of life.  While the challenges we faced caused us to look at how and where we purchase products, many restaurants still count on… Continue reading Restaurants and the Changing Supply Chain as Winter Turns to Spring

We Sell Restaurants recently came out with the trends shaping the restaurant resale market in 2025. These trends include the hottest markets and those with the strongest traffic.  Of course, the possible sale making headlines today is Dave’s Hot Chicken, one of the fastest-growing chicken chains. Here, we’ll explore the areas enticing buyers and what… Continue reading Restaurants for Sale & Where Buyers Are Looking in 2025

Many investors feel a growing optimism about the restaurant industry and its opportunities, whether looking at stocks or taking on a brick-and-mortar. Some are looking for the next CAVA Group, Inc. Others wonder if another Cava is possible.  Here, we’ll look at its success story and others lining up behind it.  The Headlines You only… Continue reading Investing in the Restaurant Industry in 2025

As more capital becomes available and interest rates decline, financial experts suggest investments from private equity firms will spur more restaurant mergers and acquisitions in 2025. This environment also benefits operators, who are expected to increase their footprint. In 2024, some of the restaurants that changed hands include Roark Capital’s completed acquisition of Subway and… Continue reading Mergers, Acquisitions, and Restaurants Braving the Changing Economic Landscape in 2025

As one year ends and another begins, it’s time to look toward trends reshaping the restaurant industry. Keeping up with this changing landscape is, after all, essential to survival. You may not know that oysters have gone viral on social media, but your competitor down the street does. It’s the reason they’re promoting oysters Rockefeller… Continue reading Top Restaurant Trends to Watch