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food costs

Financing

10 takeaways from the ICR Conference

 By Jonathan Maze and Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 11, 2023

More acquisitions, slowing food costs, omnichannel business models and evolving loyalty programs all featured prominently in operators’ presentations during the three-day event in Orlando.

Food

Chefs turn to prix fixe and tasting menus to combat cost, labor and supply challenges

 By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 11, 2023

Both high-end restaurants and more casual concepts are finding some relief in more limited menus with set prices.

Food

A drop in chicken prices gives operators something to cluck about

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 11, 2023

Current costs and supply are favorable, giving chicken concepts a reason to celebrate after steady price increases. But the year ahead may bring changes.

Financing

First Watch sees no reason to follow the pack

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 09, 2023

The daytime dining brand has held the line on pricing and refused to trim its hours or menu. The focus will be on raising the profits of new units.

Financing

Why restaurants will be able to withstand an economic downturn

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 21, 2022

A Deeper Dive: Michael Swanson, an agricultural economist from Wells Fargo, joins the podcast to talk about the outlook for food costs and industry sales in 2023.

Operations

Wild swings in food costs force restaurants to rethink menus

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 30, 2022

To keep costs in check, operators are frequently evaluating vendors, re-engineering the menu, running specials and keeping a closer watch on inventory and waste to avoid more menu price hikes.

Food

Forget cooking Thanksgiving at home this year—it may be cheaper to order from a restaurant

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 15, 2022

Supermarket prices for turkeys and some sides are reaching new heights, but restaurants are offering deals on fully-cooked holiday meals with all the trimmings that can be easier on the wallet—and the cook.

Food

Lettuce shortage adds side order of purchasing pain to inflation

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 27, 2022

Restaurants are adding surcharges and ingredient replacements as the price of romaine lettuce triples. But the salad days are not over. There is hope of relief ahead.

Food

Wholesale food costs resume their climb

By Peter Romeo on Oct. 12, 2022

The price charged by manufacturers rose 1.2% after easing in August, driven by higher charges for transportation and warehousing.

Operations

Restaurants may finally be ready for dynamic pricing

By Joe Guszkowski on Oct. 06, 2022

As more operations digitize, instant updates to menu prices are becoming possible for the first time. That could help restaurants ease inflation and drive traffic. But will customers be on board?

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