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How did restaurants do last month? It depends on who you ask

The Bottom Line: Overall restaurant industry sales improved in March, according to federal data. And some trackers of major chain traffic show improvement. Others reflect a continued difficult market.

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The labor situation is better, but for how long?

The Bottom Line: The supply of workers is strong enough that restaurant chains can expand hours and go on hiring sprees. But limits on immigration could stop that.

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Focus on dine-in customers, even as more opt for takeout

The Bottom Line: Data from Technomic shows that dine-in service builds equity with customers. So restaurant chains should not ignore it, even if most business walks out the door.

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Social media is changing the restaurant industry

The Bottom Line: From the success of brands like Crumbl and Dave’s Hot Chicken to the struggles at Starbucks and McDonald’s, social media is playing a massive role in how consumers view chains.