There’s no denying it, COVID-19 has been tough on the restaurant industry. In December of last year, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) estimated that about 17% of the nation’s restaurants, or 110,000 establishments, closed their doors permanently. Whether you remained open or shuttered temporarily, you’ve most likely weathered state-mandated shutdowns and are currently navigating cautious,
2021 Restaurant trends
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has further enforced that the only constant element in the restaurant industry is change. At the start of each year a new set of trends emerge that prompt restaurant owners to quickly evaluate and decide which ones make sense for their business. It’s important that restaurants always remain nimble enough to
Restaurants: Tap into pandemic-related comfort food cravings with healthier options
Many restaurants are seeing one of the side effects of pandemic stress — a growing desire in many consumers for comfort food. More than half of all Americans say their mental health is declining, which is causing many to cope by indulging in more calorie-rich food (i.e., stress eating). This has resulted in another stressor
Survey results: restaurant owner views on adapting for colder weather dining
As if restaurant owners haven’t had it hard enough lately, cold weather is set to bring on a whole new set of challenges. With limited indoor capacity expected to continue throughout the fall and winter months, restaurants have to consider things they never have before, like weatherized patios, delivery as their core revenue stream, and
Survey results: consumer views on dining at restaurants this fall and winter
As the pandemic continues, limited dining capacity and a cautious society are leaving restaurant owners unsure how consumers will feel about dining at restaurants this fall and winter. And, in some parts of the country, owners are struggling to adapt their business model for the arrival of cold weather, and with it, the traditional end
Survey results: Consumers seek safety and socialization at restaurants in wake of COVID-19
Regional shelter-in-place restrictions are lifting, and restaurants are once again welcoming customers into their dining rooms and patios. Restaurants may be salivating over the return of dine-in revenue, but the competition for attracting guests during this transitional time will also pose new challenges. We recently conducted a survey of select members to gain a better
How restaurants can successfully reopen in the coronavirus era
As various states begin to discuss lifting shelter-in-place orders, it’s imperative for restaurant owners to be prepared to open their doors in the near future. Prior to when restaurants reopen and patrons arrive for dine-in services, it’s a good idea to understand the industry landscape, revenue opportunities, and how to set your restaurant apart from
Coronavirus era: how to adapt your restaurant business model
At Rewards Network, nothing matters more to us than our customers. We’re in constant contact with the thousands of restaurants in our network—absorbing their challenges, offering insight, and celebrating their innovations. We’re also closely following their successes so we can gain a better understanding of what strategies are working today. In a time where business
Navigating food delivery & third-party apps during COVID-19
Blog, COVID-19 Resources, Industry Trends, Restaurant Operations
As the coronavirus continues to force people to stay in their homes, many businesses are taking a hard economic hit—especially restaurants. The coronavirus has closed the doors of restaurants across the U.S., at least for dine-in. As restaurants scramble to navigate the process of transitioning to 100-percent takeout and delivery orders, we’re here to help
COVID-19 Emergency Loan Guide
COVID-19 Resources, Industry Trends, Resources, Rewards Network
The recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act earmarked $349 billion in aid for small businesses, including restaurants, to help them keep the lights on, stay current on bills, and pay and employ their valuable staff. We have prepared this guide to help walk you through two of the Act’s main
