Looking In on the Latest Stirrings from One of the Most Successful Restaurants

Like most businesses, success in the restaurant industry requires a forward-looking mentality. Whether using a crystal ball, your keen insight, or a strong intuition that fearlessly propels one forward, staying ahead of the curve helps ensure success. As Albert Einstein said, “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful… Continue reading Looking In on the Latest Stirrings from One of the Most Successful Restaurants

Acceleration Platform: AI and Data Science

In this, the final in our series on the Acceleration Platform, we’re exploring the all-important aspects of AI and data science. Those in the food and beverage industry are leaning heavily into this technology that can dictate future trends and prospects. At EMERGING, our operating companies use AI and data science to develop evidence-based observations… Continue reading Acceleration Platform: AI and Data Science

The Franchise Decision: Who’s Entering the Arena and Why

There are several reasons why restaurants jump into the franchising space. The franchisees’ investment lowers their own while providing a steady income. Faster expansion translates to faster brand recognition as the network of restaurants grows. This approach maximizes your reach while enabling you to replicate a proven system.  And therein lies the keyword: a proven… Continue reading The Franchise Decision: Who’s Entering the Arena and Why

The Restaurant Industry and Commercial Markets

Recently, Crain’s New York Business revealed the economic trends impacting both the commercial real estate markets and the restaurant industry. One of the greatest impacts restaurants currently face is the increased debt burden brought on by high interest rates and inflation.  According to a Lending Climate in America survey conducted in the second quarter of… Continue reading The Restaurant Industry and Commercial Markets

The Land of Opportunity for Restaurants—The Midwest

What do the Great Lakes, cheese curds, and large stretches of farmland have in common? They all reside in the Midwest, a patch of land comprising 12 states. According to Nation’s Restaurant News, it’s also home to thriving restaurants and diverse operators making their way up the successful restaurant ladder. Here, we’ll explore what brings… Continue reading The Land of Opportunity for Restaurants—The Midwest

The Hot Restaurant Concepts of 2024

Last week, Nation’s Restaurant News announced the winners of their yearly award honoring the hot concepts of the year and the emerging restaurant chains showing the greatest growth potential. Sam Oches, editor-in-chief of NRN, shared, “It’s a long journey from restaurant startup to national success story, and there are hundreds of brands that are attempting… Continue reading The Hot Restaurant Concepts of 2024

Nontraditional Restaurant Locations and Funding Opportunities

Choosing a restaurant location falls right up there with concept development in terms of supporting its success or dooming it to failure. Does the area offer easy access? Do the residences and businesses align with your target market? Is the location over or under-saturated with concepts similar to your own?  In today’s high-priced landscape, some… Continue reading Nontraditional Restaurant Locations and Funding Opportunities

Industry Watch: Restaurants Gaining Ground & Menu Prices Decelerating

With some in the industry considering the continuing rise in menu prices at the core of consumer pullback, many were happy to see the recently released Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI report. While it showed restaurants still overshadowing grocery stores in terms of price increases, it also demonstrated a slowing.  The food-away-from-home index rose 0.2%… Continue reading Industry Watch: Restaurants Gaining Ground & Menu Prices Decelerating

Expanding Your Footprint: Restaurant Real Estate Trends

If you’re wondering if restaurants are expanding their footprints as we pass the mid-year mark of 2024, one look at the headlines reveals the answer. “Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers to Expand Texas Footprint with 20-Unit Development Deal.” “Potbelly is Expanding its Footprint in San Antonio.” “Wendy’s to Expand into Two European Markets.” “Cava Expands… Continue reading Expanding Your Footprint: Restaurant Real Estate Trends

Taking Aim at Eatertainment in the Restaurant Industry

Eatertainment, concepts that combine quality food and beverage offerings with entertainment, particularly competitive social gaming, have been on the rise for some time. The growing desire for experience over material objects has only escalated this advancing trend.  Recently, Nation’s Restaurant News came out with four of the top players in this unique category, staging a… Continue reading Taking Aim at Eatertainment in the Restaurant Industry