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economy

Financing

Restaurant menu prices keep rising faster than inflation

 By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 13, 2023

Limited-service restaurants raised prices 0.4% last month and 6% over the past year, even as grocery inflation continued to ease.

Financing

How the new hybrid workforce has changed U.S. restaurants

 By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 27, 2023

More than 40% of U.S. employees work at least part-time at home. The impact on where and how people dine out has been significant.

Financing

Retailers are bracing for a tough few months. Restaurateurs should heed the warning

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 21, 2023

The Bottom Line: Large retailers are concerned about a softening consumer and already see evidence that is happening. But restaurant executives seem far more optimistic.

Operations

What do restaurant operators have to be thankful for? Plenty

By Restaurant Business Staff on Nov. 21, 2023

RB editors look at trends and topics that the industry should be thankful for, from casual dining’s survival to brunch.

Financing

For all their challenges, restaurant operators remain optimistic

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 17, 2023

The Bottom Line: Two-thirds of franchisees told TD Bank that they are optimistic about the future of the restaurant industry and more than half expect higher traffic next year.

Operations

Inflation eases, but not at fast-food restaurants

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 14, 2023

Limited-service menu prices rose 6.2% over the past year, according to new federal data, and continue to rise at a rate much faster than overall inflation.

Financing

When it comes to restaurant traffic, 'flat' is the new 'up'

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 07, 2023

The Bottom Line: Negative transactions are so common that restaurant brands are thrilled simply not to lose customers. That could be a bigger challenge going forward.

Financing

Why restaurants will have to rethink price hikes in 2024

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 06, 2023

Consumers have been resilient. But they’re also paying more for food than ever before. Operators may need to look beyond price increases next year.

Financing

High prices are making it tough for people to pay their bills

By Jonathan Maze on Oct. 27, 2023

The Bottom Line: While the economy is going well, the consumer remains stressed by higher prices and they’re having a tougher time paying their bills, according to recent government data.

Financing

Restaurant sales showed some surprising strength last month

By Jonathan Maze on Oct. 17, 2023

Restaurant and bar sales are up 9.2% over the past year despite a host of challenges, as consumer spending shows little sign of slowing down.

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