guestXM – by Black Box Intelligence

Restaurant Social Listening

Restaurant Staffing Challenges Driving Declines in Speed of ‘Service’ Sentiment

Amidst rising turnover rates and staffing challenges, restaurant guests have reported a significant decline in the speed of 'service' sentiment, with limited-service brands most affected.

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Off-Premise Continues to Fuel Sales Growth, Expected Slow Down in November

The ongoing surge in off-premise sales is driving sustained growth, yet a slowdown is anticipated in November, as the restaurant industry experiences a slight moderation in sales expansion and a continuous decline in dine-in and alcohol sales.

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‘Ambiance’ Sets Apart Top Performance Amid Suffering Restaurant Sales & Traffic

The Restaurant Guest Satisfaction Snapshot highlights top performing brands based on sentiment for “food,” “service” and “intent to return."

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September Sales Improve Slightly, Traffic Posts Worst Results Since March

In October, the restaurant industry's sales showed a modest 0.4% improvement over August, but this growth is still lagging behind earlier in the year. Additionally, September saw the worst traffic growth since March, partly due to significantly higher menu prices causing some consumers to reduce restaurant visits.

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COVID Fears Fuel Divide in Sentiment & Sales for Limited & Full-Service Restaurants

August 2021 witnessed a dip in restaurant sales and traffic growth due to rising COVID-19 cases and Delta variant concerns, impacting guest sentiments, particularly regarding ambiance and service.

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Restaurant Sales and Traffic Post Worst Results Since May

In August, Restaurant Sales and Traffic Face Headwinds Amid COVID Spike and Labor Shortages.

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Despite Staffing & Traffic Challenges, Restaurants Achieve Best Sales Performance in Years

July 2021 marked a significant milestone for the restaurant industry with robust sales growth of 8.1%, signaling the industry's recovery from the pandemic's impact, though challenges in terms of traffic, staffing, and rising costs persist.

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Superior Service Set Restaurants Apart in June as Sales Rebound to Pre-Pandemic Levels

As the restaurant industry achieves a sales rebound to pre-pandemic levels, the significance of superior service in setting restaurants apart becomes evident, with a spotlight on guest sentiment and the essential attributes contributing to top performers' success.

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Restaurant Sales & Wages Advance; Traffic Impedes Full Recovery

June 2021 witnessed continued positive momentum for the restaurant industry with a remarkable 6.6% sales growth, the fourth consecutive month of sales improvement, and while dine-in sales for limited-service and full-service restaurants showed varying degrees of improvement, traffic challenges persist.

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Restaurant Guests Divided Over Menu Staples as Service Sentiment Weakens

In May, restaurants saw a continued rise in sales, though traffic remains below pre-pandemic levels. While pizza and burgers received rave reviews, they also drew criticism, highlighting the divided guest sentiment on menu staples.

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Check Growth Lifts Restaurant Sales; Traffic Far from Recovering

In May 2021, the restaurant industry achieved its third consecutive month of positive same-store sales growth compared to 2019, with a strong focus on increasing guest counts and addressing staffing challenges in the months ahead.

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Restaurant Guest Satisfaction Snapshot™ – April, 2021

In April 2021, the restaurant industry saw positive sales trends, but lingering traffic issues remained a challenge, driven by a focus on maintaining food quality and cleanliness while coping with a staffing shortage.

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