Forces Attacking Profits + Gluten-Free Meals + Surcharges + Elusive Employees

In July 2007, Technomic forecast "tough economic times ahead for same-store sales."1 As reported by Nation’s Restaurant News on July 9, 2007, "Inflating commodity prices, a slowing gross domestic product, skyrocketing fuel costs and a weak dollar" were predicted to take a toll on food and beverage sales nationwide.

Experts identified opportunities for growth, however, noting, "The growing number of consumers under 35 in particular presents opportunities for targeted marketing," suggesting further that "they are not cooking, so they will be very heavy restaurant users."

Convenience (e.g. curbside pickup), variety, healthy options, corporate social responsibility, and value were all identified as being important to guests.

But neither Technomic nor NRN really knew what was coming.

Hospitality Quest 2019: The Search For The Elusive Employee

July 4, 2019 via ConvergeBlog

Yes, indeed—the labor market is tight. And with the nationwide unemployment rate below 4 percent, 263,000 new jobs created in April 2019, and a sizzling economy, the labor market is likely to get even tighter. This is especially true for the hospitality industry, which has traditionally relied upon a steady stream of lower-skilled and younger applicants eager to enter into the job market. In fact, the National Restaurant Association predicts that jobs in the food service industry will top 15 million in 2019, and lists recruiting and retaining employees among the top challenges for operators.