Report

Basket of hot chicken wings
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Datassential: The Flavors of 2023

Datassential: The Flavors and Menu Items of 2023

by David Klemt

Basket of hot chicken wings

Food and beverage market research agency Datassential has some data-driven thoughts on the flavors and menu items that will define 2023.

Featured in their latest Foodbytes report are 20 items for operators to consider this year. There are ten food items, drinks, and ingredients Datassential predicts will be on basically every menu.

And there are another ten food items, drinks, and ingredients the agency feels could suddenly hit in 2023.

For you own copy of Datassential’s 2023 Food Trends, click here.

Prolific Performers

As Datassential refers to them in their report, these are the items “that will be everywhere” this year.

Food

  • Birria. This one makes sense as birria only appears to be capable of continually growing in popularity.
  • Mushroom. In Datassential’s opinion, we should expect more menus to feature mushroom snacks. Also, expect to see (or add yourself) lesser-known, rare, and exotic mushrooms on menus.
  • Salsa macha. Over the past four years, according to Datassential, salsa macha as grown a staggering 339 percent on menus.

Drink

  • London Fog. A compelling earl grey tea latte.
  • Mangonada. Salty, tart, fruity, and bold, the Mangonada is a flavorful frozen drink.
  • Ranch Water. Simple, timeless, and refreshing. In 2022, per Datassential, Ranch Water was the fastest-growing cocktail.
  • Soju. According to Datassential, soju is the third fastest-growing spirit on restaurant and bar menus.

Ingredient

  • Spicy maple. As the image atop this article suggests, expect spicy maple to replace or at least give hot honey a run for its money.
  • Ube. A striking purple yam from the Philippines.
  • Yuzu. Datassential predicts this citrus fruit will start showing up on many chain restaurant menus.

Promising Performers

In Datassential’s data-driven opinion, the following items need to be on every operator’s radar.

These are the items that have the potential to “hit it big” in 2023.

Food

  • Pickled strawberries. Interestingly, this matches up with Technomic’s trend prediction for the US, Canada…worldwide, really.
  • Savory granola. Not only on its own but as an element of savory, healthy bowl.
  • Sisig. A Filipino delicacy with pork belly, pig’s face, and chicken liver as key elements.

Drink

  • White coffee. As Datassential states, “there’s always room for coffee innovation on menus.”

Ingredient

  • Black tahini. The appearance of black tahini is quite striking, making for dramatic presentations. And as we know, striking presentations are perfect for social media marketing and engagement.
  • Cannabis. The legalization of recreational cannabis use in almost half of US states is leading to innovation in this space. And as more markets legalize public consumption in the form of F&B items on-premise, restaurants and bars will add cannabis-infused items to their menus.
  • Cherry blossom, or sakura. It seems that cherry blossoms are poised to take off in the US market.
  • Chestnut flower. Per Datassential, this ingredient is gaining popularity for use in winter baked goods.
  • MSG. For decades, restaurants proudly proclaimed “no MSG” or “MSG-free” on menus due to misconceptions. Now that consumers are better educated about ingredients, restaurants are proudly proclaiming their use of MSG.
  • Verjus. An ancient juice made by crushing unripened wine grapes. It can be an ingredient in a sauce, as a condiment, or to deglaze a pan.

There you have it—20 items to consider adding in your next menu update, featuring in your next LTO, or at least keeping an eye on in 2023.

Image: Scott Eckersley on Unsplash

Shawarma stacked with fire in the background
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Global Trends 2023: Technomic

Global Trends 2023: Technomic

by David Klemt

Shawarma stacked with fire in the background

Not content to focus solely on North America, foodservice research firm Technomic is predicting foodservice trends that will span the globe in 2023.

As the firm points out themselves, making predictions is a best-guess proposition. Many of Technomic’s 2022 predictions for Canada, the USA, and the globe have proven true. However, a handful of their trend predictions have yet to manifest.

Further, not all trends will work for all operators and their concepts. Chasing every passing fad or trend is great if you like to watch your costs spiral. Doing so is also an excellent way to confuse guests and stress staff.

So, when considering any trend, make sure it works with your concept, has some staying power, and will resonate with your guests. Speaking to that last point, this is one reason it’s crucial to collect guest data. Making important menu and guest-impacting operational decisions without data just doesn’t make sense.

When you’re done with this article, take a look at our examination of Technomic’s other predictions. The firm’s Canadian predictions are here. And you can read the American trends by clicking this link.

For your own copy of Technomic’s international trends report, click here.

Operations

For 2023, Technomic is making predictions that certainly appear plausible. A number of them pertain to operations.

Kicking things off, sustainability. Driven in part by the global impact of the pandemic, the health of our planet is top of mind for many people.

For example, Canada’s single-use plastics ban is now in effect. England plans to move forward with a similar ban by October of this year.

Alongside such bans, Technomic believes operators—small independents and global chains alike—will implement entire sustainability strategies. These will range “from packaging and restaurant operations to marketing and menu development.”

Does your concept have a dedicated pickup window? Perhaps a takeaway counter? Maybe even a drive-thru? If not, 2023 may be the year you make that change. Not only that, you’ll likely want to position them front and center.

Per Technomic, many consumers are done with delivery. From rising costs outweighing convenience to delivery failures, pickup may become more appealing. Pickup is still convenient, it’s less expensive, and the consumer is in control.

Additionally, many people are well aware of how costly third-party platforms are to operators. In fact, Technomic identifies these platforms and their fees as “the biggest industry villain” of 2023.

Menu

One of Technomic’s predictions is particularly enticing: Lebanese street foods. To clarify, the firm believes all manner of street foods from around the globe will perform well in 2023.

However, they feel Lebanon’s street foods will stand out from the rest. So, think shawarma, labneh, kibbe, and pickled vegetables. That last item, by the way, follows Technomic’s prediction that pickling and fermenting will be hot trends in the US and Canada.

Of course, there are other items that Technomic thinks will shine in 2023. If the firm is correct, there’s a new “holy trinity” to keep an eye on and consider for your menu: sushi, poke, and ceviche. According to Technomic, each performs very well when it comes to takeout.

Interestingly, the research firm suggests that this particular holy trinity will spawn new virtual brands. If Technomic’s predictions prove accurate, some of these brands will focus on fried chicken or plant-based versions.

Speaking to that last point, Technomic is predicting that plant-based will “evolve” in 2023. This evolution will focus on more traditional meat counterparts. Providing examples, Technomic suggests that avocado, modern takes on black bean patties, cauliflower, tofu, tempeh, and seitan will be this year’s plant-based rock stars.

Are this year’s 2023 Technomic predictions going to prove accurate? It’s far too early to tell. However, one thing I can say with confidence is this: their predictions are rooted deeply in data. When Technomic makes a “guess,” it’s always an informed one.

Click here to read Technomic’s report in its entirety.

Image: Slashio Photography on Unsplash

KRG Hospitality Restaurants & Cafes, 2023 icon

Pink pineapple against pink background
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

American Trends 2023: Technomic

American Trends 2023: Technomic

by David Klemt

Pink pineapple against pink background

Foodservice research firm Technomic has some interesting predictions for the hospitality industry in the United States of America this year.

On the topic of operations, Technomic foresees more negotiating power among workers. Additionally, the firm looks at both the economy and pent-up guest demand.

When it comes to food, the US and Canada have a trend prediction in common. And as the image atop this article signifies, a particular color may be a hit on menus in 2023.

Before we jump in, Technomic’s 2023 Canadian trend predictions are here. Last year’s Technomic predictions for America are here. Curious readers can review the firm’s 2023 predictions in their entirety here.

Okay, let’s go!

Think Pink

I want to address this prediction first. According to Technomic, pink is going to be the F&B color of 2023.

As they explain, the color is fun, nostalgic, and photogenic. Yes, operators must still consider the Instagram-worthiness of their menu items. That may change one day, but it’s not today.

Per Technomic, pink also signals that a food or drink may have antioxidants.

Some of the items the research firm names specifically: pink pineapple, pink salt, pink celery, cara cara oranges, and schisandra berries.

Pickle It

This is the culinary trend that, per Technomic, Canada and America will share in 2023.

Along with fermenting, pickling gives the kitchen and bar teams a unique experimentation method to explore. So, encourage these teams to get creative and add pickling and fermentation to your next menu update.

Of course, that’s not the only reason to consider putting pickling front and center. For many, these preparations indicate a healthy F&B choice. Think kombucha, as an example.

As we know, healthy choices continue to be top of mind for many guests.

One more note: Technomic suggests being transparent and identifying the pickling and fermenting processes your team leverages to produce each menu item.

Economics

For those looking for a bit of optimism in these trying times, Technomic may have what you’re looking for. This year’s report, What We Foresee for 2023, says the following about the possibility of a recession:

“There is reason for optimism in the coming year, however, as any recession is expected to be relatively mild.”

Yes, that’s just one source’s opinion. However, Technomic is known for their voraciousness when it comes to data. So, if this firm is optimistic it could be a solid sign that things are looking up in 2023.

“Pent-up consumer demand” and variations thereof have been making the rounds since 2o21. However, it’s still a relevant phrase.

As it pertains to 2023, Technomic believes on-premise dining may “bounce back” this year. In fact, the firm suggests that people want to socialize and dine in person now more than ever.

Also, delivery and pickup times appear to be growing. So, plenty of people will see in-person dining as the more appealing option in 2023.

Operations

In part due to legislation addressing minimum wage and workplace conditions, employees may have the upper hand this year.

Add the fact that many people seeking work know many operators are dealing with a labor shortage and their negotiating position looks even stronger.

So, we could finally be in for a significant change when it comes to how the industry looks at compensation. More and more workers—and the guests they serve—are taking issue with tipping. Instead, many people outside and inside of the industry want to see operators pay staff a competitive, living wage.

Of course, there are also the hospitality professionals who prefer tips to minimum wage. In 2023, the industry could experience the start of a sea change. Time will tell.

For more predictions and this Technomic report in its entirety, please click here.

Image: Alex Gruber on Unsplash

Tortilla with beans, cotija cheese and egg
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Canadian Trends 2023: Technomic

Canadian Trends 2023: Technomic

by David Klemt

Tortilla with beans, cotija cheese and egg

Restaurant, bar, and hotel operators will find this year’s data-driven trend predictions from Technomic for 2023 insightful.

Interestingly but perhaps not surprisingly, some operators may be looking beyond North America for inspiration.

Per Technomic, Central and South American cuisines could influence menus in Canada this year. Other food trends that might take hold are “retro” health items, and all manner of pickled foods.

Of course, not every Canadian trend prediction involves F&B. According to Technomic, tech and the guest experience will play important roles.

To review last year’s Technomic predictions, click here. Now, let’s jump into Technomic’s 2023 predictions.

Guest Experience

Certainly, the guest experience should always be top of mind for operators, their leadership teams, and their staff.

In this instance, Technomic isn’t suggesting that the guest experience in general will be a trend. Obviously, with as important as it is to the success of any business, it’s a cornerstone.

Rather, Technomic predicts that guests will continue to feel the need to rein in their spending due to ricing costs and prices. However, the foodservice research firm also believes there’s still heavy desire for social interaction.

So, both those financial and social influences translate to the following: overdelivery.

Operators and their teams must ensure they position their brands well; make guests feel special every visit; and really dial in the guest experience. Specifically, Technomic suggests focusing on younger generations and menus with at least a couple specialty items that aren’t easy for a guest to replicate at home.

In other words, do whatever it takes to entice guests with memorable experience and quality menu items, and keep them coming back for more.

Technology

Multiple industry sources believe that 2023 is the Year of Tech for the hospitality industry. In particular, some sources believe that POS systems will receive significant attention from operators looking to upgrade.

Compellingly, Technomic sees the situation a bit differently. In particular, they’re suggesting that QR code menus may find themselves on the sidelines. Traditional menu, according to Technomic, will make their comeback this year.

Also making a (possible) resurgence? Per Technomic, in-person ordering for carryout and in-person dining.

As far as tech innovations that Technomic expects to take off this year, they see the following as standouts:

  • loyalty programs;
  • enhanced/upgraded cooking equipment;
  • automated inventory software/platforms; and
  • digital menu boards for back of house.

Culinary

As hinted at above, Central and South American cuisines are expected to take off in Canada, per Technomic.

The research firm provides specific—and delicious—examples:

  • Honduras: Baleadas tacos
  • Dominican Republic: Wasakaka sauce
  • El Salvador: Curtido slaw or relish
  • Peru: Aji amarillo and rocoto peppers
  • Bolivia: Saltenas, similar to empanadas

Another culinary trend Technomic predicts will perform well in Canada? Pickled everything.

Okay, maybe not everything. However, Technomic expects “pickling, fermenting, dehydrating and freeze-drying” to “increasingly pop up on menus.” The firm expects that operators will offer a wide range of “unusually pickled items outside of the typical veggies, including proteins and seeds.”

So, if you’re an operator reading this, it may be time to motivate your back-of-house staff to get creative with their pickling ideas.

Finally, pandemic-driven, health-based trend foods like turmeric and ginger may start to fade in popularity. Instead, predicts Technomic, items with “classic” health descriptors such as “natural,” “real,” “free,” “reduced,” and “lower” will get attention from guests looking to eat and drink healthier.

For your own copy of this Technomic report in its entirety, click here.

Image: Roman Odintsov on Pexels

Margarita with dehydrated citrus garnish
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Top 2022 Grubhub & Uber Eats Drinks

Top 2022 Grubhub and Uber Eats Drink Orders

by David Klemt

Margarita with dehydrated citrus garnish

The year-end Grubhub 2022 Delivered and 2022 Uber Eats Cravings reports identify this year’s delivery order drink trends.

Last week, we dove into Grubhub and Uber Eats’ top food orders. If you haven’t already, read that article here.

This week we’re going to check out what drinks were most popular in 2022 for both platforms.

Top Grubhub Coffee Orders

People are still working from home, full- or part-time. So, it makes sense that consumers are placing coffee orders for breakfast, snack, and lunch dayparts.

  1. Iced Coffee
  2. Hot Coffee
  3. Iced Caramel Coffee
  4. Iced French Vanilla Coffee
  5. Frozen Coffee

Top Grubhub Milk Alternatives

Of course, with coffee orders come milk orders. And as you’re probably well aware, milk alternatives are only growing more popular with consumers.

So, below are the top milk alternatives among 2022 Grubhub users.

  1. Oat Milk
  2. Almond Milk
  3. Coconut Milk
  4. Soy Milk
  5. Cashew Milk

As a possible explanation for the dominance of oat milk, sustainability could be a driver. According to available data, producing a pound of oats is much more sustainable than producing one pound of almonds.

It’s believed that oats are more favorable when it comes to basically every measure of sustainability.

Top Grubhub Alcohol Orders

I can’t say that I’m shocked to find the Margarita is the top cocktail order. It is, after all, the long-reigning Queen of Cocktails.

  1. Beer
  2. Margarita
  3. Hot Sake
  4. Piña Colada
  5. White Wine (Sauvignon Blanc)

I’ll admit that I’m slightly surprised that a red wine isn’t among the top five.

Top Uber Eats Alcohol Orders

Interestingly—perhaps a bit frustratingly—Uber Eats took a different approach to identifying their top drinks.

Rather than dedicating space solely to alcohol orders, their top drinks are part of combinations. As in, the “most frequently paired food + alcohol” combos.

So, here’s their list in its entirety:

  1. Steak + Margaritas
  2. Pizza + White Claw
  3. Burritos + Margaritas
  4. Chicken + Sangria
  5. Wings + Beer

However, there’s another drink in the Uber Eats “most unexpected food combos” section:

  • Ham + Cream Cheese
  • Fruit Roll Up + Hot Cheetos
  • Pickles + Whipped Cream
  • Popcorn + Pickle Juice
  • Dark Chocolate + Tomato Salad
  • Pizza + Applesauce
  • Sushi + Ranch
  • Peanut Butter + Pizza
  • Cheese + Martinis
  • Watermelon + Mustard

Therefore, we can reasonably extrapolate that the top 2022 Uber Eats alcohol orders are the Margarita, White Claw, Sangria, beer, and Martini.

Takeaway

If we compare reports and look for similarities, we see that two drinks are at the top: beer and Margaritas.

Both make sense. Beer, in can, bottle, and growler forms, travels very well. That makes beer ideal for delivery where it’s legal.

And as far as Margaritas go, there’s a wide array of canned options available. Again, canned cocktails travel well for delivery. Of course, restaurants and bars can also obtain the equipment to prebatch and package their signature Margaritas.

Ideally, your POS system can run reports to identify which drink orders are most popular for your delivery customers. Also ideal: operators should take as much control over their business as they can, implementing direct delivery as long as it’s feasible.

So, look into direct delivery, run your reports, and take more control while reducing costs.

Image: Edward Howell on Unsplash

Burgers, French fries and milkshakes
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Canada’s Top 2022 DoorDash Orders

Canada’s Top 2022 DoorDash Orders

by David Klemt

Burgers, French fries and milkshakes

Operators curious about the most popular delivery items in 2022 will be happy to learn that DoorDash’s year-end report is ready for viewing.

Those who want to compare it to predictions from several sources earlier this year can click here. The DoorDash Canada report can also be compared to consumer trends in Canada revealed back in October.

Before we jump in, I’m not detailing the DoorDash report in its entirety here. To review the entire report, please click here.

Instead, I’ll be sharing the top takeaways in terms of top menu items; top cuisines; and top items by province.

Speaking of provinces, a word to New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, and the Yukon. Please don’t break out the pitchforks and come for me for not including you in this article. DoorDash’s report only covers data from six provinces—I didn’t leave you out intentionally.

Top DoorDash Cuisines in Canada

  1. American
  2. Mexican
  3. Japanese
  4. Thai
  5. Mediterranean
  6. Indian
  7. Chinese
  8. Italian
  9. Korean
  10. Filipino

Top DoorDash Items in Canada

  1. Burgers & Fries
  2. Fried Chicken
  3. Poutine
  4. Sushi Rolls
  5. Chicken Wings
  6. Burritos
  7. Chicken Rice Bowl
  8. Shawarma Wraps
  9. Curry
  10. Pad Thai

I think there’s one key takeaway that stands out in regards to this list. Notably, it appears that while chicken isn’t number one, it’s undeniably popular amongst Canadian DoorDash users.

In fact, according to DoorDash data, chicken reigns supreme in British Columbia. When you reach the province-specific sections below, you’ll see how powerful the cravings in BC are for chicken.

Top DoorDash Late-night Items

Again, chicken rules the DoorDash roost in this category.

  1. Chicken Nuggets
  2. Fries
  3. Poutine
  4. Chicken Wings
  5. Chicken Burgers
  6. Apple Pie
  7. Cheeseburger
  8. Spinach & Cheese Dip
  9. Chocolate Fudge Sundae
  10. Crispy Chicken

Top DoorDash Items: British Columbia

  1. Burrito Bowl
  2. Szechuan Chicken Lettuce Wraps
  3. Butter Chicken
  4. California Roll
  5. Crispy Chicken Sandwich
  6. Tofu Bowl
  7. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Top DoorDash Items: Ontario

  1. Cheeseburger
  2. Coffee
  3. Burrito Bowls
  4. Chicken Shawarma
  5. Crispy Chicken
  6. Bagels
  7. Pad Thai
  8. Beef Patty
  9. Pizza
  10. Onion Rings

Top DoorDash Items:Alberta

  1. Spinach and Cheese Dip
  2. Chicken Cheddar Sandwich
  3. Chilli Chicken
  4. Kale Salad
  5. Margarita Pizza
  6. Hot Apple Turnover

Top DoorDash Items: Québec

  1. Poutine
  2. Cappuccino
  3. Pad Thai
  4. Steak and Cheese
  5. Croissant
  6. Dumplings
  7. Chips
  8. Tacos

Top DoorDash Items: Saskatchewan

Interestingly, a beverage item holds the top spot in Saskatchewan.

  1. Bubble Tea
  2. Pepperoni Pizza
  3. Pork Bun
  4. Crispy Pork
  5. Garlic Bread
  6. Pasta

Top DoorDash Items: Manitoba

  1. Fries
  2. Butter Chicken
  3. Red Velvet Cake
  4. Poke Bowl
  5. Shawarma Wrap

As I stated in Wednesday’s article detailing Grubhub and Uber Eats’ reports for the US, we believe operators should take as much control over their restaurants and bars as possible. At KRG Hospitality, that means implementing direct delivery if it makes sense: ease of use, delivery capabilities, favorable costs, etc.

It’s also helpful to know what consumers in your area are craving and ordering. Such information can provide a useful baseline for many concepts’ menu development.

Image: John Fornander on Unsplash

Chef pointing burrito halves toward camera
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Grubhub and Uber Reveal Top 2022 Items

Grubhub and Uber Reveal Top 2022 Items

by David Klemt

Chef pointing burrito halves toward camera

Grubhub’s 2022 Delivered and Uber Eats’ 2022 Uber Eats Cravings reports are live and there’s one surprise that’s immediately evident.

The top food item lists for both platforms make one thing clear right away: the chicken sandwich is no longer sitting on its throne.

Instead, as far as the data for these two delivery powerhouses show, there’s a new food item king. More compellingly, this menu item holds the throne on both platforms.

Now, I’m not suggesting the fried chicken sandwich is in the dungeon. In fact, the popular sandwich causing “wars” in the QSR space is still holdings it own. Indeed, the sandwich is still in the top five overall at Uber Eats.

Shockingly, it’s not in the top five overall at Grubhub. However, the fried chicken sandwich is among the top five Grubhub lunch and late-night orders.

So, which menu item wears the crown for 2022 in the kingdoms of Grubhub and Uber Eats? The burrito.

That’s awesome news for most operators. Much like the humble but mighty chicken sandwich, concepts can put their signature spin on a burrito. In fact, most concepts can put multiple signature spins on the new king of delivery items. One way to approach this would be to create a permanent signature and then seasonal LTOs.

Top 10 Grubhub Items

In 2022, the fried chicken sandwich only clinches the number seven spot at Grubhub.

Just like Uber Eats, cheeseburgers and pizza outperform the chicken sandwich.

  1. Burrito (bowl or regular)
  2. Cheeseburger
  3. Cheese Pizza
  4. Pad Thai
  5. Chicken Quesadilla
  6. California Roll
  7. Fried Chicken Sandwich
  8. Caesar Salad
  9. Chicken Tikka Masala
  10. Boneless Wings

Top 5 Grubhub Breakfast Items

  1. Sausage, Egg + Cheese Sandwich
  2. Donuts
  3. Sausage Burrito
  4. Bagel with Cream Cheese
  5. Muffins

Top 5 Grubhub Lunch Items

  1. Burrito
  2. Cheeseburger
  3. Fried Chicken Sandwich
  4. Cheese Pizza
  5. Chicken Quesadilla

Top 5 Grubhub Late-night Items

  1. Chicken Quesadilla
  2. Fried Chicken Sandwich
  3. Cheeseburger
  4. Mozzarella Sticks
  5. Cheese Pizza

As we see, the chicken quesadilla does some heavy lifting at Grubhub. The item holds the number five spot overall, at lunch, and during the late-night daypart.

Top 10 Uber Eats Combos

For their 2022 report, Uber Eats takes a different approach than Grubhub. Instead of just listing individual items, the platform identifies their top combos.

  1. Burrito + Cheese
  2. French Fries + Salt
  3. Cheeseburger + Diced Onions
  4. Chicken Sandwich + Fries
  5. Breakfast Sandwich + American Cheese
  6. Soup + Bread
  7. Pancakes + Sausage
  8. Pizza + Mozzarella
  9. Salad + Balsamic Vinaigrette
  10. Quesadilla + Sour Cream

Most “Unexpected” Uber Eats Combos

  • Ham + Cream Cheese
  • Fruit Roll Up + Hot Cheetos
  • Pickles + Whipped Cream
  • Popcorn + Pickle Juice
  • Dark Chocolate + Tomato Salad
  • Pizza + Applesauce
  • Sushi + Ranch
  • Peanut Butter + Pizza
  • Cheese + Martinis
  • Watermelon + Mustard

To read both reports in their entirety, click here for Grubhub and here for Uber Eats. There are more insights, including beverages and beverage combos.

Of course, longtime readers and our clients know where we stand on third-party delivery platforms. Ideally, operators should take as much control over their business as they can. For us, that means implementing direct delivery as long as it’s feasible and incurs lower costs than third-party.

We view delivery platform reports as menu development resources. It’s always wise to keep up to date on consumer and food trends, after all.

Image: Kamila Bairam on Pexels

2023 KRG Hospitality Milestone Checklist
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

The Major Milestones You Must Reach

The Major Milestones You Must Reach to Open a Restaurant

by David Klemt

2023 KRG Hospitality Milestone Checklist

Opening a restaurant is no small task, with projects requiring the completion of 500 unique tasks before welcoming guests.

KRG Hospitality president Doug Radkey identified these tasks several years ago. The commitment to systematically accomplish these tasks is a cornerstone of our approach to all projects.

Our feasibility studies, branding, concept and brand development, and programming are unique and customized to every client. However, the journey from idea to grand opening is a path dotted by hundreds of waypoints.

There’s a reason we call our project plans Roadmaps to Success: we’re here to help guide our clients to and through each waypoint on the map.

Below you’ll find just 50—just a tenth—of the unique tasks we at KRG believe you must complete before your grand opening. You’ll find more than 80 tasks in the brand-new 2023 KRG Hospitality Restaurant Start-up Cost Report + Checklist.

Both the list below and the checklist included in our free Restaurant Start-up Cost Report download will give you an idea of what we work on with each of our clients. These tasks should also highlight the enormity that is taking your concept from idea to brick and mortar.

To download your free copy of our 2023 Restaurant Start-up Cost Report + Checklist, click here.

Planning & Admin Tasks

  • Complete your project feasibility study.
  • Develop your concept and brand plan.
  • Develop and test a layout/drawing.
  • Complete a strategic business plan.
  • Complete a marketing and tech stack plan.
  • Finalize your start-up budget.
  • Analyze and secure necessary funding.

The Support Team Tasks

You’ll need to secure:

  • Business insurance broker
  • Business and liquor license attorney
  • Restaurant and bar consultant
  • Project manager
  • General contractor and trades
  • Mentor or coach

Site Development Tasks

When it comes to these tasks, you may have an idea of roughly what to expect.

For example, one necessary task is…securing your property of choice. Another task to cross off or set a check next to? Signing the lease.

But there are other tasks you may not anticipate or think of when planning to open a restaurant:

  • Submit drawings to municipality.
  • Start and manage project renovations.
  • Set a SMART opening date proposal.
  • Set up and submit deposits for utilities.
  • Develop your service sequence (flow).

You’ll also need to source the following:

  • Exhaust hood supplier
  • Millworker and specialty supplier
  • Interior and exterior signage company
  • Grease trap cleaning
  • Used oil pickup/recycling
  • Exhaust hood cleaning

Operations Development Tasks

  • Complete a kitchen workflow plan.
  • Complete service sequence analysis.
  • Source take-out container suppliers.
  • Secure security, sound, and video, plus applicable licenses.
  • Secure point-of-sale and tech Systems.
  • Develop recipe books for kitchen and bar.
  • Develop package of standard operating procedures.

Brand Development Tasks

Developing your brand involves much more than choosing a logo and colors.

Consider every design and service element a branding opportunity. Your brand development tasks will include developing:

  • your core statements;
  • graphic design/branding kit;
  • website and social media accounts;
  • a promo video strategy;
  • a “coming/opening soon” plan; and
  • your media strategy for the launch.

You’ll also need to:

  • complete the F&B concept stage;
  • complete the F&B testing stage;
  • source menu cover supplier (for dine-in version)
  • complete a photo shoot; and
  • plan for and execute a soft opening.

Team Development Tasks

  • Develop your staff hiring strategy.
  • Plan for and complete HR and compliance forms.
  • Develop onboarding manuals.
  • Source staff uniform suppliers.
  • Promote job fair or interview dates.
  • Hold a staff orientation night.
  • Execute a staff-building exercise shift.
  • Create a brand ambassador program.

Image: KRG Hospitality

2023 KRG Hospitality Start-up Costs Guide
by krghospitality krghospitality No Comments

KRG Unveils 2023 Start-Up Guide

KRG Hospitality Unveils 2023 Restaurant Start-Up Cost Report + Checklist

2023 KRG Hospitality Start-up Costs Guide

KRG HOSPITALITY RELEASES FIFTH ANNUAL RESTAURANT START-UP COST REPORT + CHECKLIST

Toronto-based hospitality industry consulting firm with offices in key markets throughout Canada and the United States of America unveils their latest restaurant cost report, milestone checklist, and interactive hospitality calculator.

December 15, 2023 (TORONTO)—Today, KRG Hospitality unveils their 2023 Restaurant Start-up Cost Report + Checklist. The Toronto-based consulting firm specializes in startup restaurant and bar projects along with boutique hotels, experiential concepts, and entertainment venues. KRG also has offices in key markets throughout the United States of America.

For the past five years KRG has researched, reviewed, and published the annual start-up cost guide, one of the industry’s leading resources dedicated to restaurant project costing.

And each year this informative and transparent guide is used as a trusted budgeting tool by developers, lenders, contractors, consultants, and aspiring restaurateurs. The guide is founded upon KRG Hospitality’s proprietary database of previous project costs, which includes project data from restaurants, bars, and cafes developed over the past 24 months.

Further, this annual KRG Hospitality also includes a start-up checklist that identifies an array of crucial milestones: KRG president Doug Radkey has identified 500 unique tasks that must be completed for a successful restaurant opening.

This year’s checklist reveals a number of these crucial tasks. Updated for 2023, the guide also includes the interactive KRG Hospitality Calculator.

The costs to start a restaurant have been on a steady rise over the past 5 years. Major drivers are increases in inflation, interest, labor, construction, equipment. Of course, there are also the unique materials required to deliver a scalable, sustainable, memorable, profitable, and consistent on-premise, off-premise, or hybrid-style concept.

Drawing upon this comprehensive guide, an industry-leading expert has analyzed the information and provided a succinct and user-friendly summary of the findings for each major start-up category. This isn’t simply a couple of pages identifying a few costs. Rather, the fifth annual guide is a deep dive that provides real insight into what to expect in 2023.

The Checklist

As stated, there are 500 unique tasks an operator needs to complete over the course of developing and opening the doors to their concept.

To make it simple to navigate, the 2023 checklist is organized into sections: Planning & Admin, the Support Team, Site Development, Operations Development, Brand Development, and Team Development.

From starting off with the targeted, customized, and in-depth feasibility to planning and executing the soft opening, KRG identifies dozens of key milestones in this year’s guide.

Download your copy of the 2023 KRG Hospitality Restaurant Start-up Cost Report + Checklist today! Click here.

About KRG Hospitality

KRG Hospitality is a storied and respected agency with proven success over the past decade, delivering exceptional and award-winning concepts throughout a variety of markets found within Canada, the United States, and abroad since 2009. Specializing in startups, KRG is known for originality and innovation, rejecting cookie-cutter approaches to client projects. The agency provides clients with a clear framework tailored to their specific projects, helping to realize their vision for a scalable, sustainable, profitable, memorable, and consistent business. Learn more at KRGHospitality.com. Connect with KRG Hospitality and the Bar Hacks podcast on social: KRG Twitter, Bar Hacks Twitter, KRG Media Twitter, KRG LinkedIn.

Disclaimer

While using this guide helps develop a rough preliminary financial and strategic milestone plan, it is strongly recommended that you seek professional expert advice to provide you with a more precise, project specific estimate as each concept and market will be slightly different. KRG Hospitality Inc. is not responsible for any project that is not currently under contract within the company.

Image: KRG Hospitality
Tower Bridge in Sacramento, California
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Top 10 US Metro Areas by Inflow, Q3 2022

US Metro Areas with Greatest Outflow and Inflow, Q3 2022

by David Klemt

Tower Bridge in Sacramento, California

Real estate brokerage Redfin identifies the top ten American cities in terms of inflow and outflow, according to Q3 data.

Interestingly, a quarter of people appear to be searching for homes in cities different from where they currently live. Also compelling: one state, per the brokerage’s data ending in the month of October, is a clear favorite.

Obviously, this is important data for operators to have. When it comes to labor and guest pool changes, inflow and outflow information can be quite useful.

Top Inflow Cities: August to October 2022

Review the list below to see the metro areas experiencing the greatest inflow.

  1. Orlando, Florida
  2. Dallas, Texas
  3. North Port, Florida
  4. Cape Coral, Florida
  5. Phoenix, Arizona
  6. Tampa, Florida
  7. San Diego, California
  8. Miami, Florida
  9. Las Vegas, Nevada
  10. Sacramento, California

Did you spot the big trend? The state of Florida represents 50 percent of the list. Per Redfin‘s interpretation of the data, home buyers want leave expensive coastal cities behind.

Interesting to us in particular, two cities—Las Vegas and Orlando—are key KRG Hospitality markets. Also interesting is that Nevada and Florida are on the back half of Forbes’ best cities for starting a business in 2023.

However, we’ve seen strong hospitality industry recovery in Las Vegas this year. In fact, even the entertainment industry in Las Vegas is exploding. Additionally, we continue to gain clients in Orlando.

Top Outlow Cities: August to October 2022

Below are the metro areas seeing the greatest outflow.

  1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  2. Seattle, Washington
  3. Denver, Colorado
  4. Detroit, Michigan
  5. Chicago, Illinois
  6. Boston, Massachusetts
  7. Washington, DC
  8. New York, New York
  9. Los Angeles, California
  10. San Francisco, California

If we compare Redfin’s Q2 data to the list above, it’s mostly the same. In fact, the top four outflow cities are identical. Spots five through nine are simply a reshuffling of Q2 and Q3 data.

However, Minneapolis, number ten in Q2, is replaced by Philadelphia in Q3. According to Redfin data, those Philly residents searching for homes elsewhere are showing interest in Salisbury, Maryland.

Consider how expensive it can be to move to and live in LA and San Francisco. It makes sense that California is the only state with two cities on the list above, doesn’t it?

Per Redfin, San Francisco residents are searching Sacramento and Seattle. Those in LA are looking at San Diego and Las Vegas.

Takeaway

It’s important to know where people are moving to and what cities they’re leaving behind. And it’s interesting to get a data-driven view of which states may be best for starting a business.

However, it’s far more useful to know how feasible a given ZIP code may be for a specific concept. So, while these types of lists are helpful, they’re not as practical as a targeted feasibility study.

Moreover, the dust doesn’t appear to have settled when it comes to migratory patterns of home buyers. It’s quite possible that Redfin’s 2023 inflow and outflow data will change once again in Q1 and Q2.

Image: Stephen Leonardi on Unsplash

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