What is a Fast Casual Restaurant?

Fast casual restaurants balance speed, customization and pricing. They offer higher-quality ingredients with an inviting atmosphere compared to traditional fast-food outlets. This restaurant model offers both dine-in and takeaway that meet the new trends and growing preferences of customers. The meals are fresh and made when ordered. It is often served within 5 to 10 minutes and at an affordable price.  

Key Characteristics of Fast Casual Restaurants

Certain characteristics make a fast-casual restaurant unique and different from other restaurant formats. Let's look at some examples to understand what fast-casual restaurants are. 

Atmosphere

The fast-casual encourages the customers to sit and enjoy their meal. They give an overall ambiance similar to a casual dining experience. Look at Panera Bread; the atmosphere is cozy cafe decor, which makes it a perfect fast-casual place. However, that is not the case with Subways, where you order, pay and go.   

Service 

The ordering is usually self-served in fast-casual restaurants. The server then brings the food to you at the table. Some fast-casual restaurants also have drive-throughs, but not all have this option. Chipotle is an example of a fast-casual restaurant exhibiting both serve-at-table and drive-thru services.  

Pricing and Menu Options 

The average price at fast-casual restaurants is $11. It costs slightly more than fast food restaurants and less than casual dining restaurants. The reasoning behind these costs is that it has quality food, service, and ambiance. Fast casual restaurants also offer menu customization, and customers have various categories and items under each to choose from.  

An example of a fast-casual restaurant is Qdoba. This restaurant offers various food options at minimal prices compared to casual dining.  

Benefits of Operating a Fast Casual Restaurant

The growth of fast-casual restaurants in the US is only going up. A double-digit growth(as shown below) and an accelerating momentum make this model the ideal choice for small business owners. 

Here are a few other reasons to consider the fast-food casual restaurant model.  

1. Higher Average Order Value

Fast casual is not as expensive as casual dining. Besides, the quality of food they offer

is better than those of fast food restaurants. These restaurants can sell more items on the menu, add-ons, etc, increasing the average order value.    

2. Better Perception than Fast Food Chains

While fast food meals are cheaper to afford, they’re not good for health. The picture of frozen, lifeless vegetables and greasy food perceptions of fast food are entirely altered by fast-casual restaurants. With carefully curated menus and open kitchen cooking, more and more customers prefer these restaurants.  

3. Lower Operating Costs

The cost to operate a fast-casual restaurant is low, as fewer employees are involved. Technically, there are table service staff, a few cashiers, and intermediate staff between the servicing staff and the kitchen.  

How to Open a Fast Casual Restaurant in the US?

Fast casual Restaurants are positioned to offer the best of both worlds: experience and convenience. First and foremost, define your restaurant's theme by determining the type of cuisine and unique offerings for your customers. This sets the stage for a competitive edge and future expansion. Next, craft a comprehensive action plan encompassing logistics, supply sources, team management, quality control, branding, and marketing strategies. Carefully selecting the perfect site is crucial, considering factors like foot traffic, accessibility, competition, and demographics to match the local community's preferences.

Additionally, integrating technology is imperative for operational efficiency. Solutions like OneHubPOS streamline order delivery, kitchen integration, and seamless payments. Building a cohesive and well-trained team is vital to maintain brand consistency and enhance efficiency. Lastly, develop a savvy marketing plan that aligns with your brand values. Whether through promotional offers, Instagram trends, influencer collaborations, or traditional methods, smart assessments are key to a successful marketing campaign. Launch your fast-casual restaurant with a clear theme, robust planning, technology integration, a skilled crew, and a strategic marketing approach for lasting success.

Latest Trends in the Fast Casual Restaurant Industry

In the restaurant industry, the latest trends can influence your strategies. Here are the trends you should look out for if you plan to launch your fast-casual restaurant. 

1. Focus on Health and Wellness 

You must have noticed discussions about the keto diet, plant-based proteins, and vegan and paleo diets across social media. Even though none of these is particularly new, the discussions have motivated and shifted the focus of fast-casual restaurants, which is now a major focus for them. Health and wellness always emerge as prominent factors that shouldn't be taken lightly. 

2. Growth of Franchise 

Fast casual restaurants have the perfect economic climate to grow rapidly. With a stable economy and increased consumerism, fast casual restaurants are at the right juncture to serve people with busy schedules. You can witness the rapid deployment of franchises across vast arrays of locations, which suggests that this industry is not only getting back on its feet but also acquiring momentum. 

3. Technology Integration 

Enabling technology is an excellent way to attract customers as tech optimizes the experience for people. AI-enabled automation simplifies the order management process between the diners and the chefs and improves the customer experience. People find it more comfortable and appealing. In the context of fast-casual restaurants, this also enables quicker service times as there is no delay in information transfer, order priority will function as expected. 

4. Creative Strategies 

With tons of competition, fast casual restaurants need to be creative with their approach to gain fame. Standing out from the competitors is critical to the growth factor and customer churn. As the fast-casual restaurant segment gets crowded and other players start offering similar value propositions, we suggest you engage with your audience and create a strong brand identity. 

5. Sustainability 

Sustainability is a worldwide social notion that's quite serious, especially with the younger generation. They care about the planet and aren't afraid to portray that affection. Embracing sustainability can be a superb differentiator while also having real and feasible benefits on the side. From creating a solid brand identity and message to energy-efficient lighting, water-saving faucets, waste reduction, etc., restaurants can reduce operation costs and increase margins.    

Wrapping Up

Fast casual restaurants have advantages and are better than fast food initiatives that can be operated at a lower cost. Regardless of the type of restaurant that you would like to start, you'd need an efficient system that manages the inventory, menu, orders, payment processes, and cash.  

If these things are in place, you ought to give your customers a smooth and positive experience. Launch your fast-casual restaurant confidently with our user-friendly platform. Check out OneHubPOS today and start your journey at $1.

Quick-service restaurants are growing. And the major factors driving their growth are globalization, affordable pricing, and convenience. As per research by Custom Market Insights, the market size of Quick-service restaurants, or QSR, is expected to reach $454.3 billion by 2030. This expected growth has made QSR restaurants a popular business option for entrepreneurs and small business owners. 

While the growth may seem promising, what leads to the success of a QSR is thoughtful planning and launch fueled with a powerful concept. Now, the question that arises is where you should start.

This is where this article can guide you. It will walk you through the process of starting a QSR quickly.

What are Quick Service Restaurants?

A Quick service restaurant is a casual dining restaurant that emphasizes quick food service. QSR restaurants generally have fast services, a casual atmosphere, limited seating, and a focused menu. The most popular and common QSRs in the US are Taco Bell, Panera Bread, Mc Donalds, and many more.

Quick-service restaurants come in various sizes. Small kiosks and major chain establishments offer limited seating, drive-thru windows, and takeaway options. However, one thing is always expected for all QRSs— speed and convenience. They make it easier for customers to purchase. 

More and more customers are leaning toward QSRs. They are popular for their quick turnaround times, allowing customers to order, receive their food, and eat relatively quickly compared to traditional sit-down restaurants.

Step-by-Step Guide to Start a QSR 

If you want to start a QSR in 2024, here is the process you need to know: 

1. Choose a Location With High Foot Traffic

The location of your quick-service restaurant is one of the most critical factors that can determine its success or failure. Since these restaurants are meant to provide quick meal options, customers usually prefer restaurants that are easily accessible. 

You should consider a location with higher foot traffic, such as busy streets and markets. It increases your restaurant's visibility and expands your customer base. Also, quick-service restaurants don't require ample parking space since customers need faster delivery and turnover.  

Additionally, You might have noticed McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC are always near each other. It is so because QSRs perform better when they are open near competitors. If you open a QSR that sells pizza nearby to one that serves tacos, you can get their customers, too, as they are willing to try new food.

Other factors to keep in mind when selecting the location of the QSR are as follows:

• Budget-friendly as they require minimal space and infrastructure to start.
• Accessibility to customers 
• Easily visible
• Goes with the USP of your QSR
• Ample space to run your accommodate your equipment and carry out cooking operations smoothly 
• The availability of the ground floor is preferred.

2. Calculating the Initial Investment 

Before starting a QSR, it is crucial to consider the upfront cost of opening your restaurant to make an informed decision. The costs of opening the QSR include the following:

• Renovation and interior design of the restaurant
• Kitchen appliances and equipment
• Acquisition of POS system and software
• Furniture and other fixtures
• Marketing 
• Acquisition and setting up self-serving kiosks
• Hiring and training staff
• Permit and licenses
• Getting initial supplies and inventory

Other factors, like the restaurant size, location, business requirements, insurance, and legal fees, can impact the cost of opening your quick-service restaurant. 

3. Secure Funds

The next step is to secure financing. You can use your personal savings, grants, and investors. You can also secure the funds through restaurant financing if you need more investment. 

Restaurant financing makes it easy to borrow money to start, expand, reimburse, and support your business. Some of the most popular ways by which you can get financing for your QSR are as follows:

• Brick-and-mortar bank loan
• Small Business administration (SBA) loan
• Merchant cash advance
• Business line of credit
• Crowdfunding

Also, you must compare and evaluate the financing options based on the approval process and timeline, the lender's reputation, the need for collateral, repayment duration, and the interest rate. Evaluating these factors will help you choose the right lender for your quick-service restaurant and ensure you get maximum financing at minimal interest rates.

4. Obtain Licenses, Permits, and Insurance

QSRs face the strongest health and safety regulations to ensure food quality. Thus, as a quick-service restaurant owner, you must meet compliance requirements and have up-to-date permits, licenses, and insurance. 

Some of the most essential licenses and permits that you must possess are as follows:

• Registered business name
• Business License
• Certificate of occupancy
• Food service license
• Employer identification number (EIN)
• Food handler’s permit
• Building health permit
• Liquor license
• Live entertainment and music license
• Resale permit
• Sales tax license
• Dumpster placement permit
• Seller’s Permit
• Valet parking permit

You should also check if you need additional licenses and permits in your city to avoid penalties and meet compliance with local laws.  

5. Create Your Menu

The next step to set up a QSR is to plan the menu. If you are opening a franchise, then this is the most straightforward job. If opening your first quick-service restaurant, you must carefully develop your menu.

Menus are an essential part of the customer experience and your restaurant's selling point; thus, you should take time to develop your menu. To make the menu, follow the following steps:

• Select the food and beverages you want to sell.
• Choosing the names of dishes and adding their description.
• Categorize your menu.
• Setting the prices for the food items.
• Highlighting the dishes that are popular and profitable.
• Designing your menu color scheme, layout, and design. 
• Make your menu accessible through your website, mobile application, QR scanner, and delivery platforms. 

Your menu management can be completely centralized and automated with software like OneHubPOS, where you can upload bulk menus from Excel or create and update them in real time across stores. 

6. Hire and Train Staff 

The staff of the QSR is its backbone. Hence, getting the right talent is a must. To begin hiring, you must create clear, concise job descriptions for different restaurants. You must highlight the job title and description to get the right talent. Once you have a suitable job description, you should look for staff via online portals, referrals, social networking platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook, and hiring agencies.

After hiring the right candidates, you must train the staff about your brand and their duties. To train them, you should provide a training manual that can act as a starting point for them. You must provide shadow and cross-training and educate them on food safety and cooking. 

Remember an important step - to educate the employees about the technology so that they can work effectively.  Also, free courses or live classes are essential to honing their soft skills and communication skills.  

7. Developing a Marketing Strategy

The marketing strategy for your business should start with setting goals, identifying the right marketing practices for your business, and determining the budget.

Target your audience through a mix of online and offline marketing. The popular way to target your audience via offline marketing is through mouth-of-words, hoarding, local advertisement, and pamphlets. 

On the other hand, you can create your brand online presence by greeting your QSR page on social media channels like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. You can select the right platform based on your target audience.  

We recommend listing your business on Yelp and Google My Business and asking your customers to drop their reviews to increase your restaurant's reach. Also, you can get a website for your restaurant to increase the brand visibility. 

8. Procuring Kitchen Equipment 

Kitchen equipment is one of the major components of the expense of opening a quick-service restaurant. You must prepare a list of necessary equipment while preparing your business plan. 

While starting a QSR, you will need the grill, fryers, refrigerator, mixer, convection oven, preparation tables, cutting board, knives, fry pans, utensils, dishwasher, and food storage equipment. You may also require other equipment based on the food you sell. 

You can procure this equipment from a supplier or even lease it from companies like North Star Leasing, Cater Renting, Rental Plus, etc. Leasing is a more cost-effective approach as it can reduce your substantial investment. You can instead pay monthly rent for the kitchen equipment. 

9. Implement a Self-Serve Kiosk 

A self-service kiosk is a touchscreen that allows customers to place orders without needing staff. You can easily integrate these kiosks in smaller spaces without compromising customer experience.

Customers can quickly order food, pay, get real-time menu updates, check the dish's availability, and save themselves from long lines. This, in turn, makes the customer experience better and frees up the staff's time, who can work on other tasks and cater to customers more effectively.

10. Go Live

Once you have completed all the steps mentioned above, you are ready to launch your quick-service restaurant. Make sure to create buzz about the QSR before opening it. You can do this through solid marketing, opening discounts, and brand advertisement.

Wrapping Up

The QSR restaurants are constantly increasing and will continue to increase. Thus, it is the right time to start one. By following the steps mentioned above, you can start your QSR, but what matters is the right execution of the steps with the right technology to meet your end goals.

Investing in the right technology in the initial phase of the restaurant can streamline restaurant operations. Solutions like OneHubPOS help optimize your restaurant operations by providing a user-friendly POS system. We offer various features and benefits, enabling you to make real-time menu modifications, pricing, and ordering on a single screen.

‍Contact us today to learn more!

Remember those good old days when having delicious food, excellent food service, and a charming setup were the keys to a successful restaurant? Well, times have changed! We now experience Augmented Reality, Robot servers, and uninterrupted self-serve experiences. 

The essentials are still the same. However, the industry is becoming more customer-centric and creating experiences with technology advancements. And the push to embrace tech solutions stems from the mounting challenges in the restaurant sector. With diner price sensitivity, rising food and labor costs, and dried-up VC funding, adapting to these changes is more than just a choice. It's the need of the hour. 

This article looks at the key trends shaping the restaurant industry in 2024. We will also provide insights into the factors driving these changes and their implications for restaurants.

Biggest Trends in the Restaurant Industry in 2024

The world is changing fast, and business leaders will have to adapt with speed and agility. Constant innovation and speed-to-market will help restaurants thrive as they serve guests where and when they want to be served.

— National Restaurant Association Research and Knowledge Group

The above quote suggests the speed of change and the hyper-competition the food service industry will face in the coming years. From quick service to fine dining, restaurants of all sizes need to stay abreast of the technology trends that are shaping the future of the food service industry.  

1. E-Loyalty

Creating a loyalty program can immediately increase your repeat customers. 

The e-loyalty trend in the restaurant industry is gaining massive momentum in 2024. About 92% of all top-performing restaurants offer mobile order-ahead and loyalty rewards programs or a combination of both.

Customers increasingly prefer digital loyalty programs because they make it easier for them to engage with restaurants. 

To leverage e-loyalty to the best of your ability, you must understand loyalty is moving beyond traditional incentives, primarily discounting. Indeed, it is crucial to integrate loyalty apps with mobile payments and online ordering, especially with advanced solutions OneHub e-loyalty and CRM software. It allows customers to effortlessly enjoy rewards while encouraging them to visit more often. With OneHub e-loyalty program not only streamline the ordering process but also empower customers to create more engaging and rewarding relationship.

2. Experimental Dining

Around 80% of diners are willing to pay extra for a unique experience. As customers seek more from their dining experiences, experiential dining is rapidly emerging as a significant trend. Technology, the key driver behind this force, can help you create unique and innovative dining experiences beyond traditional norms. 

As a restaurant owner, you can leverage technology and do a lot with Augmented and Virtual Reality to add an element of storytelling and enhance the dining experience. Take Dave & Buster’s, for example. It offers arcade games with food and drinks to improve customer experience. The chain grew by over 51% in 2022. And if you’re a small restaurant concerned about spending a lot of money, you can create DIY participatory and entertaining experiences. This can involve having themed restaurants, tableside cooking, etc. 

3. Ghost Kitchens

The trend of cloud kitchens started in the post-Covid era when people switched to online ordering more than going out. Since then, about 51% of restaurateurs in the U.S. have shifted to ghost or virtual kitchens. 

Fire Biryani, a ghost kitchen created by MayaEats, has over fifty locations in the US. Since ghost kitchens focus only on delivery, they help existing businesses stay afloat. Additionally, they are a less risky investment with lower operational expenses. 

If you already have a restaurant, opening a ghost kitchen in a different location allows you to increase your customer base. This expansion enhances production capacity and extends your delivery range. Given the increasing demand for delivery services, investing in a delivery-only model can be brilliant. You can also test new menu concepts, food items, and brands at lower rents and with less labor.

4. Online Ordering

New technology in the food industry is making waves. Right when you’re reading this blog, 70% of Americans shop online. Online ordering is one of the notable developments and has become one of the latest norms in restaurants. Food ordering has evolved from dine-in to takeout via phone calls to third-party apps. That’s not it. Now, the newest trend is native apps developed by restaurants themselves–a low-cost, high-return solution.

Now, restaurants like Domino's, Starbucks, Panera, Chipotle, Subway, Pizza Hut, and other number of successful chains offer their apps with rewarding loyalty programs to boost convenience and loyalty and reduce costs. 

Another benefit of online ordering is that it opens the door to reaching thousands of people. Your restaurant's seating capacity might be 100-200 or even less. But this trend allows you to serve a much larger audience without additional staff or infrastructure investments.

5. Contactless Payments

About 51% of American consumers leverage contactless payment methods like tap-to-go credit cards and mobile wallets. A trend once again initiated by the pandemic continues to grow in 2024. As per customer demands, contactless payment options are increasing, and restaurants are incorporating different payment methods as a new norm.  

The different ways of payment below can help you save time while increasing the table turnover rate. With quicker and seamless payments, you won't have to worry about order accuracy or increased costs associated with cash management. 

• Tap-and-pay options by leveraging NFC (near-field-communication)
• Credit and debit cards
• Apple Wallets 
• Google Wallets

Another apparent advantage of contactless payments is the time they save. Customers do not have to wait in long queues to order or pay. They can swiftly pay with cards, smartphones, watches, and wearable devices and get going. Contactless payment systems enhance efficiency and improve the customer experience. As a result, updating your payment system can upgrade the overall customer experience. With faster and more convenient paying methods, it can be a win-win for diners and you.

Ensuring a hassle-free payment experience is vital for guests — the smoother and more convenient the experience, the better. 

6. Digital Menus

Digital menus, often accessed via QR codes, are becoming a standard norm. These streamlined menus help customers decide faster and allow restaurants to update offerings in real-time. In addition, it also saves money and reduces waste, ultimately leading to more profitability.

“From talking to a variety of sources on both sides of the digital menu boards divide, both providers and end-users, is about 3 to 5 percent uplift in sales.”
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— Networld Media Group Digital Menu Boards and ROI Study

Unlike paper menus, digital menus can be updated instantly and often. You can even use them to add new dishes, change prices, and manage sold-out dishes in real time. When your digital menu is linked to your POS, it can automatically show customers which dishes are sold out. Besides, deploying digital menus can help you cut costs quickly while reaping longer-term, more strategic cost reductions. 

Zablong Pizza, for instance, transforms the waiting period into an interactive experience, fostering a sense of community among customers. CAFETIERO, a German cafe chain, cleverly integrates digital menu boards into its decor with framed displays, effectively blending aesthetics and functionality. Sodexo Defense Partners focuses on clarity and simplicity, minimizing clutter on menu boards to communicate swiftly with patrons. Starbucks Express takes a streamlined approach, optimizing digital menu boards for speed, strategically placing them at eye level for quick decision-making. Meanwhile, Baja Bistro demonstrates creativity with clean design and icon-based menu labeling, utilizing technology to present information in an appealing and easily digestible manner. These examples highlight how restaurants strategically employ digital menu boards to not only inform customers but also create engaging, efficient, and visually appealing experiences that ultimately contribute to increased sales.

Wrapping Up

Customer behavior significantly impacts buying habits, whether you run a quick-service restaurant (QSR) or a traditional family-style eatery. Adapting to these trends is essential to stay relevant and stay relevant in a highly competitive market.

Now that you're aware of these trends shaping the future of dining, you're just one step away from your game-changing idea. Take a moment to examine how technology trends can shake things up for your business. 

Utilize these food technology trends and take action in 2024! And on the way, if you need a modern and cost-effective point-of-sale solution to implement these trends quickly, consider checking out OneHubPOS.

OneHubPOS provides centralized POS software to streamline restaurant operations and enhance customer satisfaction. The user-friendly system seamlessly integrates with your existing processes, handling inventory, orders, and payments. Reach out now to learn more and try our solution for just $1!

As NRF 2024 unfolded, one resounding theme echoed through the halls of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center — the transformative power of AI in shaping the future of retail. NRF 2024 was an exhilarating experience. Let me tell you, the energy was nothing short of electrifying. 

Partnering with Innovation: OneHubPOS & iMin Technologies

Teaming up with our partner, iMin Technologies, we ignited the retail landscape by showcasing the power of OneHubPOS solutions on their state-of-the-art devices. The electrifying buzz in the event space was contagious, setting the stage for an unforgettable retail experience.

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Dive into the Retail Mosaic: POS, Supply Chain, and Beyond

In the bustling event space, I navigated through a mosaic of retail dimensions, exploring exhibitors in POS, Supply Chain, food service technology, AI, AR/VR, and Security. Each corner held a promise of innovation, and my journey through these realms left me with a tapestry of insights.

Decoding Shopper Behavior with Jonathan Jimenez

One highlight was Jonathan Jimenez's Tech Talk, where he delved into in-store analytics, particularly focusing on the beauty category. The emphasis on creating unforgettable shopping experiences through data-driven decisions underscored the transformative potential of AI in the retail sphere.

Supply Chain Excellence with FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam

A fan moment awaited as I delved into a keynote by none other than FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam. The discussion on supply chain excellence and unveiling the "fdx" initiative showcased FedEx's commitment to making the supply chain smarter using AI and machine learning.

Unveiling Digital & Cash Management Solution

A very proud moment for us was witnessing the surge of interest in our latest cash management solution. Our customer Loomis launched a robust cash management solution for their smart safes (powered by OneHubPOS), attracting many retailers and partners. 

This is a great time to discuss cash management with an increase in cash thefts, and retailers will benefit from implementing a solution that can safely move your cash from registers to a safe while being accountable throughout the process. Know more about our cash management solution. Let’s talk. 

Visionary Wisdom: Edward Stack’s NRF 2024 Visionary Award

Post-receiving the NRF's 2024 Visionary Award, Edward Stack, the Ex-CEO and Executive Chairman of DICK’s Sporting Goods, shared insights resonating with continuous innovation, the value of learning from mistakes, and the dynamic nature of the retail industry.

Future of Checkout Experiences: Insights from a Dynamic Panel

A dynamic panel featuring Jon Hsu, CEO of Copay, Toby Awalt, VP of Marketing of Mashgin, and Thea Myhrvold, Founder & CEO of GetBee delved into the future of checkout experiences with AI. The consensus on AI's transformative potential, the human factor, and the imperative to educate frontline staff about AI adoption underscored the evolving retail landscape.

Additional Insights from NRF 2024

• Salesforce and Walmart CEOs Fireside Chat explored current and future opportunities in AI and why businesses are investing in the technology now.
• U.S. retailers learning marketing lessons from Shein and Temu, focusing on strong social media presence, diverse affiliate programs, and gamifying shopping experiences.
• AI emerged in nearly every conversation, with discussions on generative AI, autonomous AI, and artificial general intelligence.
• The line between online and in-store retail continues to blur, emphasizing thinking like an omnichannel retailer for success.
• A guarded optimism prevailed about the economy in 2024, focusing on consumer spending and sentiment. However, potential threats like inflation, interest rates, geopolitical strife, and crime kept retailers on their toes.

Clearly, NRF unveiled the omnipresence of AI but also brought forth a crucial realization — a limited focus on sustainability. As holograms and robotics took the spotlight, discussions around transparent reporting on ESG and the role of AI in achieving sustainability goals emerged as significant points of contemplation.

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As I bid adieu to NRF 2024, the resonance of AI's dominance, the retail innovation tapestry, and the imperative of sustainability echo in my mind. The retail landscape stands on the brink of unparalleled transformation, driven by the fusion of technology and consumer-centric strategies. 

Here's to the thrilling journey that lies ahead in retail innovation!

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In the restaurant industry, there is a mixture of optimism and caution as we enter the new year. The average U.S. household spends about $2,375 yearly on dining and takeout – that's a whole lotta love for good food!

Whether your place is a fancy restaurant or a cute cafe, we're here to give you the inside scoop on trends that might raise your game. So, let's get those apron strings right and check out the latest trends in restaurant industry in 2024.

Ready to see what's cooking? Let's dive in!

Top 8 Trends Reshaping the Restaurant Industry

The way we do restaurants? It's getting a serious makeover. We're talking about new technology in the food industry and a sincere desire to simplify things for customers. It's not merely about spicing up the menus anymore.

Join us as we dish out the deets on the trends in the restaurant industry that every restaurant owner should know. 

1. Contactless payments

Restaurants these days make payment simple by offering contactless payment options. You have various options, such as smart cards, cellphones, and even smartwatches. Although this practice was beginning to gain traction on a worldwide scale, the pandemic helped it take off. In the US, eateries and grocery stores are leading the way in contactless payments. 

According to Mastercard, 51% of Americans use it daily, tapping their cards or using Apple Pay without missing a beat. Why? Well, safety and hygiene are big reasons. People like less touching and faster payments. OneHubPOS makes creating QR codes simple for restaurant owners, ensuring customers can smoothly pay with their smartphones.

2. Self-order kiosks

A self-ordering kiosk is the latest tech trend and the future of the restaurant industry. It lets guests order and pay on their own. A big plus with this trend is it boosts how much people spend. After ordering, customers can chill while waiting for their food at a special counter. 

3. Plant-based menu options

In 2024, plant-based menu options will be the latest food technology trends. They desire plant-based foods since they understand the benefits to their health and the environment. Nearly half of US restaurants, according to the PBFA, serve plant-based cuisine. Offering plant-based choices fits with the trend of conscious eating. It's not just about being healthy; it also makes your restaurant trendy. 

4. Food ordering apps

These days, food delivery apps like DoorDash are a common occurrence in our everyday lives. There is a sustained need for food delivery services, rather than being a fad. Users can review menus, place orders, and make payments with only a few touches on their phones. You can customize your orders and explore different types of food while keeping track of your delivery in real-time. These apps have become a simple and convenient way for everyone to enjoy various meals. They show how technology has made dining more manageable and accessible.

5. AR and VR dining

Restaurants are experimenting with AR and VR (augmented and virtual reality). These fancy tech tools are helping restaurants do better for their customers and grow their brands. AR and VR are not just for fun; they're used in marketing and making customer experiences more exciting. Have you visited a restaurant and seen menus with 3D pictures of dishes and detailed info about ingredients? That's AR for you!

Besides, VR customers may sample new cuisines and experience dining at various places from the comfort of their homes. As a customer, these tech experiences keep you coming back for more. 

6. QR code menus

QR menus give you a peek into customer preferences—what they love,how much they spend, and how often they swing by. In the pandemic chaos, QR codes were a godsend. They brought contactless ordering to customers and gave busy restaurant staff a break. 

Now, even with things getting better, staffing headaches linger. QR menus still shine, keeping things easy for customers and giving restaurant owners cool insights. And hey, in-house menus can spice things up with QR codes, making them user-friendly too. OneHubPOS makes running a restaurant a breeze, ensuring menus and orders get updated quickly.

7. Online table reservation system

Booking a table just became much easier with online table reservation systems! Imagine booking a table hassle-free, making customers happy, and keeping everything organized – that's what these platforms do! 

They help customers and make managing reservations a breeze for restaurants. These online systems are designed to meet consumer demands and streamline restaurant operations. This latest trend fits perfectly with today's mobile-savvy crowd and is easily the future of restaurants.

8. Chatbots for customer service

In today's world, nobody is oblivious to the magic of 24/7 chatbots! These trendy chatbots help you connect with customers anytime, saving on operational costs.

Chatting with these bots isn't just incredible; it's like getting instant feedback for your restaurant. Users can interact with chatbots and get quick responses. This makes their experience even better.

Wrapping up

In 2024, expect the restaurant industry to thrive. Dining will see growth but at more realistic rates. The future of the restaurant industry is about exciting developments, and we're eager to see the trends take flight.

Ready for a revolution in restaurant management? With OneHubPOS, you can transform your diners’ experience. Leverage our user-friendly POS system for flawless order management and increased profitability. Book a call with our team today!

Who doesn't like discounts, whether on food bills or beverages? Happy Hours are all about that. In today's competitive hospitality industry, a well-executed Happy Hour can make a big difference to your business. Happy Hour presents a golden opportunity- whether you own a bar, restaurant, or lounge- to attract customers and maximize profits strategically. 

Welcome to our guide on maximizing profits through Happy Hour strategies! The proven strategies in this guide will help transform your establishment into a profitable and lively space by planning and executing a successful Happy Hour. 

Learn about effective pricing models, innovative promotions, and enticing offerings beyond the ordinary. Find out how to provide a welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers returning, turning casual visitors into loyal customers. 

What is Happy Hour?

Restaurants often use Happy Hour to attract customers during slower times of the day. It's a promotion offering discounted prices on food and drinks for a limited time. The idea is to create a lively atmosphere and boost revenue. So, during Happy Hour, you'll usually find special deals on appetizers, drinks, or both, and sometimes even freebies. The goal is to make customers happy and increase sales while building a positive brand image. 

Happy Hour is nowadays quite common for restaurants and food establishments. By offering lower prices on particular food and drinks, restaurants encourage people to come during slower times as well. This maximizes revenue and enhances the overall dining experience for customers who prefer to eat and drink peacefully without the crowd one might encounter during rush hour. 

Happy Hour also creates a fun and social atmosphere, which makes people like your restaurant more. It's a great opportunity for restaurants to show off their menu, differentiate themselves, and attract new customers. Overall, Happy Hour is a dynamic and effective way to make more money and create a lively dining experience while fully utilizing your staff and premises.

Tips to Have a Successful Happy Hour at Your Restaurant

Having a successful Happy Hour at your restaurant can increase customer satisfaction, boost sales, and create a positive atmosphere. Here are some tips to ensure a successful Happy Hour:

1. Understand Your Customers to Tailor Your Happy Hour Offerings

To make a successful Happy Hour, it's important to know who your target customers are and what they like. Market research and analysis of customer data to find out things like age, income, and interests are necessary to profit from Happy Hour. For example, if your customers are young professionals, they might prefer specialty cocktails, craft beers, and fancy appetizers. They might prefer early evenings when returning home to chill over beer with their colleagues at a place away from home and the office. 

When you offer Happy Hour options that match your customers' wants, you give them a personalized experience. This not only gets their attention but also makes them more likely to come back again. It's a good way to make your Happy Hour successful and profitable.

2. Create a “Happy Hour Only” Menu

Introduce special drinks and dishes exclusive to the crowd you expect during the Happy Hour. This can greatly impact your restaurant. Creating unique items for this time sets you apart and makes customers feel special.

Create visually appealing cocktails that showcase your mixology skills. Use flavors that match the season or local ingredients for a regional touch. A special drink can start conversations and make people share their experiences on social media.

In addition to drinks, offer exclusive appetizers that pair well with the beverages. These can be chef-inspired dishes, creative spins on favorites or personalized drinks with better add-ons for a few extra bucks. This adds something new to your menu and encourages customers to try the unique food during Happy Hour.

Modern POS systems like OneHubPOS can help you create special Happy Hour menus with a few clicks. It can also help you monitor its performance. You can track which items are popular during Happy Hour, to adjust your menu accordingly and maximize profits.

3. Offer Exciting Discounts and Offers

Offering exciting discounts and offers during Happy Hour is a key strategy to attract and retain customers. Introduce lower prices on popular drinks. This will create an exciting atmosphere with specials like the "drink of the day." You can also offer discounted appetizers or combo deals with a theme to improve the overall dining experience. Encourage group engagement and socializing by offering two-for-one deals. 

To give customers more flexibility, consider having early bird specials and extending the duration of Happy Hour. Keep customers coming back by offering frequent visitor cards with loyalty rewards. Your Happy Hour will become an exciting and irresistible opportunity by offering various discounts and special offers. This will ensure you have a constant flow of satisfied customers and build a positive reputation for your restaurant. 

4. Train Your Team

Ensure your staff is well-trained to handle the increased traffic during Happy Hour. Provide them with product knowledge, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to upsell. Their training should ideally include efficiently handling orders, maintaining composure under pressure, polite behavior, and fostering teamwork. Continuous education, which includes mock service scenarios and a feedback mechanism, ensures that your staff remains adaptable and responsive to the dynamic demands of Happy Hour. This contributes to a successful and satisfying dining atmosphere.

5. Include Non-alcoholic Beverages

Attract more people to your Happy Hour by offering non-alcoholic options, and adding mocktails in vibrant flavors to your menu. This will provide a refreshing choice for people who don't prefer alcohol. You can also offer specialty sodas with unique blends or sugar-free fresh juices. Another idea is to experiment with virgin drinks that taste like their alcoholic counterparts. When you include these non-alcoholic choices in your Happy Hour menu, you make everyone feel welcome. This will bring in more customers. It ensures that everyone, no matter what they drink, can enjoy the lively atmosphere of your Happy Hour.

6. Experiment with Entertainment Nights

Make your Happy Hour better by adding live entertainment nights. This will make it more fun and engaging. You can have live music or trivia nights, as these activities will keep people entertained and make them want to stay longer. You can also have themed events for holidays or cultural celebrations. This will make your Happy Hour more exciting and diverse. 

Live entertainment will improve the atmosphere, make it more lively, increase your sales, and give customers a memorable experience. Adding entertainment to your Happy Hour creates a welcoming space where customers can unwind, socialize, and enjoy your restaurant offerings.

Additional Tips to Ensure Happy Hour Is a Profit-making Deal for Your Restaurant:

• Upsell: You can encourage your customers to upgrade their beverages or add appetizers by offering exclusive deals during Happy Hour.
• Cross-sell: Train your staff to suggest complementary items, such as pairing a discounted cocktail with a well-liked appetizer.
• Add Menu Modifiers: Introduce unique Happy Hour menu modifiers that allow customers to customize their orders. For example, let them create their sampler platter or add extra toppings to their pizzas or add a complimentary side dish to the main one.
• Mix in Premium Items: Feature premium or specialty items at a discounted price during Happy Hour to attract customers seeking a higher-end experience. You can do this by creating signature cocktails, unique appetizers or smaller helpings of popular dishes that are exclusive to the Happy Hour menu.
• Use Overstock Materials: It’s wise to utilize ingredients that must be used promptly to avoid waste. Feature dishes or drinks incorporating these ingredients during Happy Hour to manage inventory effectively. This helps reduce food costs and increases profit margins.

Ready to Increase Traffic and Sales for Your Restaurant?

Implementing a well-crafted Happy Hour strategy is not just about enticing discounts; it's about creating an unforgettable experience for your patrons without decreasing profit margins. By incorporating signature dishes, tailoring offerings to diverse tastes, and providing exceptional service, your restaurant can stand out in the competitive hospitality landscape. 

OneHubPOS can help you leverage the best of Happy Hour by helping you create quick digitized menus, connect your back kitchen to table orders, and offer an enchanting dining experience to your customers. 

‍Talk to our team to learn more about how we can help your restaurant succeed.

Did you know that 82% of all businesses fail due to poor cash flow management? Among other reasons, a lack of efficient cash handling can push many small businesses backward.

For any business that accepts cash, efficient and secure cash handling at the point of sale (POS) and in the back office is essential. However, we understand that the task may seem overwhelming for retailers and small restaurants.

This blog will address the issues related to cash management and provide solutions to tackle them. Join us as we guide you through tips and strategies to overcome cash management challenges.

Cash Management for Restaurant and Retail Businesses

Cash management is a critical aspect of restaurant and retail businesses. It involves handling, storing, and transferring cash. The following is a list of tasks that encompass restaurant and retail store cash management:

1. Using cash registers to ensure accuracy.
2. Maintaining an adequate float for change.
3. Securely storing cash in designated locations.
4. Implementing transaction documentation practices, such as providing receipts and keeping detailed records.
5. Conducting end-of-day reconciliations to identify discrepancies.
6. Implementing security measures such as surveillance and clear cash handling policies.
7. Providing employee training to minimize errors and promote security awareness.
8. Making regular bank deposits.
9. Analyzing cash flow and forecasting for effective cash management.

Despite being aware of these processes, restaurant and retail owners sometimes fail to implement them. Several reasons, such as theft, improper accounting systems, and lack of technology to track cash flow, make it challenging for them to ensure accuracy. 

Let's discuss each of these challenges in detail.

Cash Management Challenges in 2023 and 2024

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There is no doubt that businesses face many cash management challenges now and then. Here are the challenges that you must have come across while managing the cash flow of your business:

1. In-house mishandling of funds

When dealing with a lot of cash, there’s always a chance of staff making mistakes or intentionally mishandling money during processing. While trying to save money and the cost of outsourcing the cash processes, you lose more money with the traditional cash management system.

No matter how many preventive measures you take, like quickly noting receipts, keeping cash safe, depositing money on time, and making sure different people handle recording and depositing, you can only partially erase the risk of funds missing.

2. External theft risks

Taking cash from your place to deposit is the most risky deal with money because of the potential for theft. This is a more significant concern for smaller shops since they usually need more security, making them more tempting for thieves. If your staff is moving the money, it puts them at risk of violence and could land your business in legal trouble. Also, remember that if your in-house team carries the cash, insurance might not cover it if it gets stolen.

3. Manpower costs

Managing cash, whether you do it in-house or not, involves staffing. Those hours spent dealing with money and waiting in line at the bank are a significant hidden cost when you handle cash internally. And remember the time and energy it takes to hire, check backgrounds, train, and oversee the staff responsible for cash handling.

4. Cash reconciliation

Even with a careful cash handling system, you can't escape the occasional human error when reconciling books. Handling big piles of cash takes up much of the workforce and opens the door to counting mistakes and discrepancies. Switching to cash recycler technology can wipe out these issues and save you from those time-consuming cash audits. 

5. Lack of visibility into cash

Another significant challenge in cash management is the lack of visibility into cash. It means not having a clear view of cash across a business. This makes it tough to keep tabs on where the money is going and what's happening in different parts of the business. Without a POS system, restaurant owners and retail businesses drown in manual paperwork or spreadsheets. Yet, they can't have complete visibility 

How is OneHubPOS Changing the Future of Cash Management?

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To effectively manage cash in restaurants and retail businesses, it is essential to focus on the following things:

• Accurately handling cash transactions.
• Ensuring fast and efficient transactions.
• Optimizing cash storage to ensure safety and convenience.
• Real-time tracking of cash transfers.

A POS system is an essential tool for retail and restaurant businesses, as it can ensure that the physical cash matches the cash recorded in the system with utmost accuracy. Similarly, a safe and secure cash handling system like Loomis smart safes can guarantee the safety of your physical cash.

With the OneHubPOS cash management feature, it is now easy to maintain the cash log of every terminal in your store and across stores. Our integration with Safe Point enables us to manage your cash from the register to the smart safe. When your register limits its cash capacity (set by you) - your employees are forced to transfer it into a smart safe with an automated trigger and take a receipt every time a transfer happens. At the end of the day, reconcile your books by matching cash transactions to account for sales made with cash versus other payment methods.

Step right into the future of retail tech with OneHubPOS at the NRF Retail Big Show in New York City! We are ready to dive into a world of innovation and seamless retail solutions as we gear up to blow your mind at Booth #5681 (Level 3) with state-of-the-art Imin hardware powered by OneHubPOS.  

What's waiting for you at our booth?  

Picture this: modern POS systems that aren't just user-friendly—they're practically intuitive! Experience how our workflow seamlessly works with you and settle into your day-to-day operations. You don't have to worry about rigid systems and traditional POS.  

Meet our team

Our team is all set to give you live demonstrations at Booth 5681, that'll make you say, "Whoa, this is exactly what I need!" Swing by our booth to experience OneHubPOS, OneHub Kiosk and OneHub KDS first-hand. Our Director of Business Development will be attending NRF, and eager to meet you. If you already know you love us, book a meeting with Roopak beforehand here.  

A sweet surprise!  

We've partnered with Loomis to bring you the future of cash management. The Loomis Smart Safe with OneHubPOS cash management software is a game-changer—it's like having a genius cashier and security guard rolled into one. Want to see this marvel in action? Join Booth #1220 for a live demo that'll leave you in awe.

So, mark your calendars for January 14th-16th! Come be a part of the revolution in retail tech at the NRF Retail Big Show. We're not just showcasing products; we're setting the stage for innovation, efficiency, and the future of retail. Trust us, you don't want to miss this! See you at Booth 5681, Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York City!

Event Details

🗣 NRF Retail Big Show

🗓 Dates: January 14-16, 2024

📍Location: Booth 5681, Jacob Javits Convention Center – New York

There truly is nothing quite like the holidays in the States—from the extravagant Christmas window displays to the tall and beautiful Christmas trees. It is a time when friends and family come together and merrily celebrate the festivities.

And what better way to truly embrace the spirit of the holidays than to enjoy seasonal treats with your loved ones? Restaurants during this time go out and beyond to attract customers and give them a wonderful dining experience. They want to serve customers a wholesome experience that is not only about dining but also about the ambiance and the festive atmosphere.  

With Christmas around the corner, we have shortlisted nine restaurants that embody the holiday season’s festive spirit, cheer, and merriment. These restaurants also have a warm and celebratory atmosphere.  

Best Christmas-Decorated Restaurants in the US

From bright lights, decorative ornaments, tinsels, trees, gifts, and more, this list of Christmas-decorated restaurants welcomes diners to a winter wonderland. They want the customers to get in the spirit of holidays while enjoying a delicious meal. Checkout the below options of restaurants to make your Christmas bright and merry. Enjoy with your loved ones while indulging in good food and a good mood.

Rolf's German Restaurant

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Located in New York City, this restaurant is a holiday spectacle. It's nestled in the heart of Gramercy Park. Every year, visitors are captivated by the restaurant's Christmas decorations. The interior is transformed into a festive wonderland. Thousands of twinkling lights, ornaments, and greenery cover every inch of the restaurant. It creates a magical experience. The decor is like a European Christmas market. It complements the delicious German cuisine. Diners can relish their meals surrounded by the warm glow of Christmas lights.

Angus Barn

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Situated in Raleigh, North Carolina, this beautiful and welcoming restaurant starts decking up for the holidays at the beginning of October. It uses ornaments to cover the entire ceiling, lending the place a bright and merry atmosphere. Like its décor, its menu is equally celebratory as it serves some of the best delicacies during this period. Travelers from all around the country make reservations in advance to enjoy and soak in this restaurant’s stunning holiday transformation.

Tulio

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A warm and welcoming restaurant in Seattle, Washington, Tulio is decorated with white candles that flicker through the dining rooms. Traditional Italian dishes are served during this time, with plenty of options for vegetarian and vegan eaters, making it a good choice for all food lovers. It also decorates its stairs with garlands, lights, and bows, making the ambiance even more magical.  

Tavern On The Green

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Located in the city of lights, New York’s Central Park, this restaurant is a site for sore eyes during the holiday season. Just outside the place is a giant Christmas tree with ornaments and decorations, while inside the restaurant are a couple of decorated trees covered with lights and small décor pieces in the shape of gingerbreads. They have some mouthwatering dishes that are said to leave everyone’s palette satisfied.  

Hey Nonny

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This restaurant is in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and is known better for its farm-to-table fare and live entertainment. It amps up its decoration game during the holiday season and is inspired by the classic “A Christmas Story.” So, if you are looking for photo props, you might also find the leg lamp and flag pole from the movie here during this time.  

Grill 23 & Bar

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Grill 23 & Bar is an award-winning steakhouse in Boston. The two floors of dining rooms are decorated with ribbons, wreaths, Christmas trees, and bright lights. Also, the staircase is covered with white lights and red bows that give it the perfect Christmas vibes. The menu during this time has some drool-worthy dishes followed by some of the best-tasting champagne and sparkling wine.

Chase Restaurant

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Going all out for the holiday season is one of the traditions of this restaurant located in Santa Barbara, California. Its unique decorations include a golden Santa near the doorway, vintage pieces of antique nutcrackers, a Christmas tree, etc. The bar area in the restaurant is decorated with red bows, golden balls, sparkles, and white lights. It has also won a coveted holiday décor contest for its beautiful and cozy décor.

Craftsman Row Saloon

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This restaurant and bar in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, leaves no square inch of space for decorations. Everywhere your eyes can reach, you will see boughs of green drape from the ceilings and walls. Lights, ornaments, garlands, etc., fill up the booth and banquette. The Christmas theme of red, green, and white color adorns the restaurant, with a special holiday menu for drinks and milkshakes served in holiday-shaped ornaments with seasonal specials.

Casa Juancho

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Located in Miami, Florida, which witnesses a warmer Christmas than most other places in the US, this restaurant is a place for Floridians looking for a winter wonderland escape. The tapas-style menu is excellent for the holiday feast, and the décor at this wood and brick expanse is a mix of garlands, Christmas ornaments, and lights that resonate with the North Pole in the South.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to holiday spirit and joy, these restaurants raise the bar! They give a memorable Christmas experience, an enchanted festive vibe, and a great atmosphere to be with your loved ones!

Food, drink, and a festive vibe are all we want for Christmas. As a restaurant owner, you must realize that the holiday season is an excellent opportunity to make sure your customers have a good experience. To provide a unique and magical setting for celebrating the most beautiful time of the year, you could use a flexible and easy-to-use solution that helps you handle the busy holiday crowd while making your diners happy.  

A modern restaurant POS system, like OneHubPOS, can help you manage all your sales and restaurant operations in one place. It is an affordable, user-friendly, and feature-rich software that can help you manage the festive rush better and make this Christmas season a success for your restaurant.