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
Dine In, Delivery, and Takeout
Customer tastes are evolving and changing. While some consumers still prefer the full-service experience of dining in a restaurant, a growing number are developing a taste for delivery or takeout. In fact, online ordering spend is growing 300% faster than on-premise spend. It’s important for restaurant owners to understand how to meet the expectations of
PARTY TIME: 12 Ways to Maximize Sales with Summer Events
If your restaurant is not in a location that attracts tourists, you might experience a slowdown during summer months. How can you capitalize on summer holidays, community events, weddings, and graduations to increase your seasonal sales, and attract new and repeat customers? Rewards Network offers 12 tips to prepare your staff, space, and menu to
How Your Restaurant Can Tap into the Staycation Trend
Summer vacation season is here, but not everyone is planning on traveling far. Staycations are a popular alternative for many Americans who prefer to spend their time off closer to home. However, many staycationers still want to feel like they are on holiday even if they are sleeping in their own bed every night. Here
Navigating the Ups and Downs of the New Restaurant Calorie Counter Guidelines
After several deadline delays, the restaurant calorie counter guidelines as established by the Affordable Care Act are being officially enforced as of May 7, 2018. The regulations are specifically for restaurants with 20 or more locations (that have a consistent menu across all of locations). The hope is that by making these restaurant calorie counter
Why Isn’t the Millennial Spending Money on Dining Out?
Late last year, Bank of America Merrill Lynch economists published a study on restaurant sales, in the wake of across-the-board struggles in the restaurant industry over the past few years. What they found was that while all demographics had shifted negatively, Millennial spending in particular was on a downtrend. While the growth rate of restaurant
