Restaurants (and diners) spent most of the year worried about the economy. But consumers continued to dine out, even as restaurant prices rose faster than those at grocery stores.
Here's a look back at the biggest stories, trends and economic factors that shaped the restaurant industry in 2023, as well as a glimpse at what may lie ahead in 2024.
California sets the stage for a new wage; Subway’s never-ending sale saga; the tipping conundrum and Boston Market’s mismanagement highlight the year’s top developments.
2023 was quiet when it came to restaurant chain deals. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t an interesting year, thanks to Subway and Cava.
New challenges emerged, especially downtown, while many operators looked back wistfully at bygone times, their hands held out for help on costs.
The year was a big one for tech adoption. But restaurant operations were picky about what capabilities and advances they embraced.
2023 saw a lot of menu activity and unique food and drink launches. But many operators stuck with perennial favorites for LTOs.
Independent restaurant operators are creatives, by nature, and kept new and exciting concepts coming, despite economic headwinds.
When it came to restaurant marketing this year, operators found success by tapping into childhood memories, boosting loyalty and playing up deals.
The restaurant business said goodbye to a cheeseburger fiend who could also play guitar, the Buster of Dave & Buster's and the genius who came up with the Double-Double. Here's a list of the deaths that made the industry a poorer place.
Earlier this year, economists—and some big restaurant chain executives—were certain of a recession. Now everybody is certain of a “soft landing.”
Crystal balls tend to be hazy. Here are some what-ifs that may be difficult to tune in.
Here are a few concepts to watch in 2024. Some have only barely gotten started, but they promise big things.
In this season of attempting to peek around the corner to see what's ahead, here are predictions from the editors of Restaurant Business.