My philosophy on prognostications generally cleaves to a quote by baseball Hall of Famer Casey Stengel, who said: “Never make predictions, especially about the future.” But the restaurant industry exhibits some definite trends that give me confidence that these are in the realm of possibility.
Restaurants will expand benefits
The continued tightening workforce will require more restaurant companies to offer expanded benefits, as Chipotle and Starbucks did this year, to continue to attract and retain the best quality workers.
Some brands will crack the code on beacon technology
Already some operators are capturing loyalty-program signups in exchange for free in-store WiFi access. Starbucks will alert you when you are near a store, but a savvy operator will find how to offer you motivating mobile deal to sway your customer decision their way and beat a path to their door.
Sustainability efforts will increase
Restaurants will expand their sustainability efforts to reduction of organic wastes from their operations, more widespread use of plant-based biodegradable plates and flatware and grease removal systems before it makes it into the public sewerage system.
Fast-casual tacos will take off
OK, this is not operations, but … This will be the year for break-out fast-casual taco brands, such as R Taco in the street taco category or Velvet Taco in the fusion taco segment.
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].
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