guestXM – by Black Box Intelligence

Q2 2024 State of the Restaurant Industry: Steady Sales and Check Growth, Off-Premise Remains Key Opportunity

Here’s a comprehensive recap of the most pressing trends affecting the industry and key takeaways from our State of the Industry (SOTI) briefing.

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Restaurant Goals and KPIs to Track in 2022

In the ever-evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, 2022 presents unique challenges and opportunities that demand a strategic approach guided by essential Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

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Managers Are Part of the Staffing Shortage and Guests Are Noticing

The ongoing staffing shortage isn't limited to hourly workers, as high turnover among managers is also contributing to guest dissatisfaction, underscoring the importance of manager retention and fostering a culture of accountability to improve the overall guest experience and drive innovation.

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Increased Menu Prices Deter Guests As Rapid Check Growth Continues

February 2022 saw a bounce in restaurant sales growth to 2.7%, but the industry grapples with significant traffic declines and challenges from rising menu prices, impacting guest sentiments and intent to return, particularly in markets like San Francisco.

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Restaurant Industry Growth Trends to Know in 2022

Facing the challenges of a turbulent past, 2022 offers a mix of cautious optimism and innovative strategies for the restaurant industry, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the 'new normal' and leveraging data-driven insights for growth.

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Restaurant Acquisitions Are Booming. Here’s How Data Helps You Position Your Brand for Sale.

In 2021, amidst operating challenges, restaurant acquisitions surged as brands utilized industry insights to capitalize on new opportunities; a robust data-driven approach is essential for businesses to showcase their value and potential for growth in this thriving M&A environment.

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Guest Check Growth Grows While Traffic Slows

Despite a sales downturn continuing from December into January 2022, restaurants are better positioned sales-wise than a year prior, although challenges with guest counts persist, with rapidly increasing average checks potentially deterring frequent visits and current staffing and supply chain issues impacting guest sentiment.

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FOH vs. BOH Restaurant Trends

Navigating the distinct challenges of front of the house (FOH) and back of the house (BOH) operations in the restaurant industry requires a nuanced understanding of workforce dynamics, where data-driven insights provide valuable guidance on staffing levels, operational shifts, and employee turnover.

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How to Build a Strong Restaurant Culture to Motivate Employees

Amid the challenges posed by the Great Resignation and the evolving landscape of employee motivations, building a robust restaurant culture emerges as a critical strategy for retaining staff, fostering motivation, and navigating the complexities of the post-pandemic work environment.

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Using Restaurant Data to Drive Revenue: A Complete Look at Industry Analytics

A breakdown of what’s included in our restaurant data reporting solutions, and how you can use it to drive revenue.

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Sales & Traffic Not the Only Challenges for Restaurants, Guest Sentiment Takes a Hit in December

December 2021 brought difficulties to restaurants, with sales growth at 4.1%, down from 8.4% in November, the weakest month since March 2021, and decreased guest satisfaction due to understaffing and reduced positivity in 'food' and 'service' reviews.

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Why You Should Never Show Up For a Board Meeting Without These Crucial Data Points

Ensure the success of your restaurant board meetings by equipping yourself with essential data-driven insights on workforce metrics, guest feedback, and sales benchmarks, enabling you to make well-informed decisions that drive growth and effectively demonstrate your leadership's impact.

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