December 25th QSR Roundup: Merry Christmas

QSR news for Dec 25th, 2024. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 45 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 105 minutes. It'll take you only 8 minutes to catch up.

Celebrating Haitian Independence with Soup Joumou

Source: Eater

Soup joumou, a traditional Haitian squash soup, embodies freedom and resilience. Enjoyed on New Year's Day, it's a culinary symbol of Haiti's independence from France in 1804.

• Historical Significance: Once reserved for French enslavers, the soup became a symbol of liberation when Haitians gained their freedom.
• Ingredients: Typically made with calabaza squash, root vegetables, and a carb like rigatoni or rice.
• Cultural Celebration: Chefs like Nadege Fleurimond and Wesly Jean Simon promote the soup to honor heritage.
  • Simon aims to distribute 2,000 bowls annually to Haitians and non-Haitians alike.
• Building Connections: The tradition unites communities, inviting everyone to partake in celebrating Haitian culture.

Buona's Impressive 20% Sales Growth

Source: Fast Casual

Buona Companies, famous for Buona Chicago's Original Italian Beef and The Original Rainbow Cone, achieved a remarkable 20% sales growth in 2024.

• Expansion Highlights:
  • Opened nine new locations in Texas, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
  • Plans to expand into Tennessee, Southern California, and Arizona.
• Strategic Moves:
  • Launched an enhanced rewards program to deepen customer engagement.
  • Focused on authentic Chicago food traditions to differentiate in the market.
• Leadership Insight:
  • EVP Joe Buonavolanto credits commitment to quality and tradition amid industry challenges.
• Growth Opportunities:
  • Seeking multi-unit operators to join their expanding brand footprint.

SNAP Shoppers: Key Insights and Trends

Source: Food Business News

Understanding SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) shoppers is crucial as they represent a significant portion of the market.

• Demographics:
  • 1 in 8 Americans rely on SNAP benefits.
  • 41.5 million participants on average monthly; a slight decline from 2023.
  • 79% of SNAP households include children, elderly, or disabled members.
• Financials:
  • Average monthly benefit is $297, increasing to $515 for households with children.
  • SNAP supplements about 31% of income, rising to 41% for families with children.
• Spending Habits:
  • SNAP households spend 18% more on food than non-SNAP shoppers.
  • General food accounts for 32% of purchases; produce is the only category with sales growth.
  • Increased spending on baking products, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
• Shopping Preferences:
  • Shift towards club, dollar, and mass stores over traditional grocery outlets.
  • SNAP shoppers made 22% more trips than non-SNAP counterparts.
• Market Impact:
  • SNAP's retail dollar share dropped 4.6% year-over-year to 19% of the market.

Organic Market Outlook 2025: Surplus and Price Pressures

Source: Food Business News

As 2025 nears, the US organic market faces downward price pressure due to oversupply and sluggish demand growth.

• Soybeans:
  • Production down by 7%.
  • Imports expected to decrease by 2%.
  • Africa is the primary source of organic meal imports but is under USDA scrutiny.
• Corn:
  • Production projected to rise by 8% thanks to better yields.
  • Anticipated 25% reduction in corn imports.
• Wheat:
  • Set for record production levels with a 3% increase due to favorable weather.
• Implications:
  • Strong domestic production coupled with imports keeps prices low.
  • May influence farmers' planting decisions for the next season.
  • Lower prices could affect profitability for organic growers.

Food as a Connection: Tales from Holiday Travels

Source: Salon

During the holidays, airports become showcases of edible treasures that travelers carry, highlighting:

• The emotional connection food provides to family and home.
• A variety of items like deep-dish pizzas, homemade sweets, and other regional specialties.
• Stories of love and tradition that accompany these foods.

The author finds comfort in observing these moments, noting that:

• Food acts as a bridge between loved ones, especially during stressful travels.
• Sharing and transporting food is a way to carry a piece of home wherever one goes.

Loaning Money to Staff: Lessons Learned

Source: /r/restaurantowners

An owner shares regret over loaning $1,000 to an employee who has now vanished, repaying only $300.

• Dilemma: Considering withholding the last paycheck as repayment but unsure due to legal and ethical concerns.
• Community Advice:
  • Avoid personal loans to employees; it blurs professional boundaries.
  • If loans are given, establish a formal agreement and consider payroll deductions for repayment.
  • Be aware of labor laws regarding withholding wages.
• Shared Experiences:
  • Many owners have faced similar situations, often resulting in financial loss.
  • Emphasize the importance of a solid compensation structure to reduce employees' financial emergencies.
• Takeaway: Balance compassion with business responsibility to protect both parties.

Determining Effective Bonus Structures

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Seeking advice on setting a bonus for a GM aiming for €4 million in revenue.

• Recommendations:
  • Tie bonuses to controllable metrics like food costs, labor, and profit margins.
  • Simple Structures:
    • Offer a bonus of 1% for each percentage point of revenue growth.
    • Align incentives directly with performance.
  • Profit-Focused Bonuses:
    • Encourage practices that improve net profit, not just revenue.
    • Consider bonuses as a percentage of increased profit or a significant portion of the GM's salary.
• Key Considerations:
  • Ensure the bonus is substantial enough to motivate.
  • The structure should be clear and achievable.
  • Support the GM with resources to reach targets.

Current Tipping Standards in the US: A Debate

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Discussing what constitutes acceptable tipping in today's dining landscape.

• General Consensus:
  • 15-20% tip for dine-in service is standard.
  • Tips for takeout or self-service are less common and vary widely.
• Influencing Factors:
  • Service quality significantly impacts tipping decisions.
  • Regional wage differences affect expectations (e.g., lower in some states, higher in others).
• Diverse Opinions:
  • Some diners believe tipping should not replace fair wages paid by employers.
  • Others adjust tips based on the complexity of service and interactions.
• Notable Points:
  • There's a push for owners to pay staff adequately, reducing reliance on tips.
  • The tipping culture varies greatly, leading to confusion and inconsistent practices.

Transitioning to a Managerial Role: Setting Boundaries

Source: /r/Restaurant_Managers

A new manager seeks guidance on establishing authority after being promoted from within.

• Challenges:
  • Maintaining professional relationships with former peers.
  • Setting boundaries without alienating the team.
• Advice from Experienced Managers:
  • Lead by example and uphold the standards you expect from others.
  • Communicate expectations clearly and consistently.
  • Avoid favoritism and treat all team members equally.
  • Invest time in learning operational aspects like financial management.
• Key Strategies:
  • Stay neutral and approachable.
  • Enforce rules fairly, which earns long-term respect.
  • Recognize that some friendships may shift, but professionalism is paramount.

Restaurants Open on Christmas: Where to Dine

Source: /r/fastfood and /r/restaurant

Finding a place to eat on Christmas can be a challenge.

• Common Closures:
  • Major chains like Chick-fil-A are closed, often due to regular Sunday closures.
• Open Options:
  • Many Chinese restaurants remain open, a long-standing tradition.
  • Some local diners and fast-food spots may operate with limited hours.
• Tips:
  • Call ahead to confirm hours and availability.
  • Reservations might be necessary for sit-down establishments.
• Cultural Notes:
  • Dining out at Chinese restaurants is a popular custom for some during Christmas.

Creating a Glass Display Case: DIY Solutions

Source: /r/restaurant

A business owner seeks a glass display case—advice leans towards a do-it-yourself approach.

• DIY Tips:
  • Purchase pre-cut glass pieces and assemble using clear silicone.
  • Use methods similar to building a fish tank.
• Enhancements:
  • Incorporate stainless steel edging for durability and aesthetics.
  • Consult a local metal shop to fabricate custom components.
• Benefits:
  • Customization to fit specific needs.
  • Potentially lower cost than purchasing a pre-made unit.

Handling Backhanded Comments at Work

Source: /r/restaurant

An employee faces subtle, negative remarks from a coworker, impacting her workplace comfort.

• Situations Described:
  • Comments on her appearance and demeanor.
  • Coworker seems to deflect when confronted.
• Advice from the Community:
  • Address the issue directly with the coworker in a calm manner.
  • Document incidents in case the behavior escalates.
  • If necessary, involve management or HR for mediation.
• Self-Care:
  • Recognize it's not a reflection of your worth.
  • Set firm boundaries to protect your well-being.

Feeling Rushed at Restaurants: How to Slow Down

Source: /r/restaurant

Patrons feel hurried when dishes arrive too quickly.

• Common Experiences:
  • Appetizers and entrees served together.
  • Little time to enjoy each course.
• Solutions:
  • Communicate your desired pacing to the server upfront.
  • Order appetizers first, then place entrée orders after.
• Industry Insights:
  • Servers may default to faster service due to training or high turnover goals.
  • Staffing shortages can affect service quality and pacing.
• Creating a Better Experience:
  • Be proactive in your ordering strategy.
  • Patience and clarity can enhance your dining enjoyment.

Challenges with Appetizer and Entrée Timing

Source: /r/restaurant

Diners and industry professionals discuss issues with meal pacing.

• Problems Identified:
  • Inexperienced staff may not understand proper course timing.
  • Kitchen practices or POS system limitations could contribute.
• Changes Post-Pandemic:
  • Experienced staff shortages lead to service hiccups.
  • Emphasis on quick table turnover over guest experience.
• Recommendations:
  • Restaurants should invest in training focused on pacing.
  • Guests can request specific timing to ensure a relaxed meal.
• Balancing Act:
  • Finding a middle ground between efficiency and hospitality is key.

Losing Interest in Music: The Bar Industry's Toll

Source: /r/BarOwners

Workers in bars and clubs share how constant exposure to loud music affects them.

• Common Sentiments:
  • Prefer silence or gentle sounds after shifts.
  • Certain songs or genres become unpleasant due to overexposure.
• Emotional Impact:
  • Music may trigger stressful or negative memories associated with work.
• Coping Mechanisms:
  • Seeking out different hobbies or interests outside of work.
  • Embracing quieter environments to decompress.

Considering an Equity Offer in a Craft Cocktail Bar

Source: /r/BarOwners

A head bartender contemplates buying 10% equity for $100,000 in a new venture.

• Concerns Raised:
  • High valuation ($1 million) may not be justified.
  • Unclear details about business debts and financial projections.
• Advice from Peers:
  • Thoroughly review all financial documents.
  • Consult with a business attorney before making decisions.
  • Be wary of becoming an investor without operational control.
• Risks Highlighted:
  • Potential to be buying into a job rather than a profitable investment.
  • The F&B industry is facing challenges; caution is advised.
• Key Takeaway:
  • Ensure full transparency and assess personal risk before proceeding.

Is an 18% Tip Average in Nightclubs Low?

Source: /r/BarOwners

An owner questions whether an 18% tip average warrants adding auto-gratuity.

• Community Feedback:
  • 18% is standard for high-volume, quick-service bars.
  • Auto-gratuity might deter customers; it's better used for large parties.
• Improving Tips:
  • Focus on enhancing service quality to organically boost tips.
  • Analyze bartender performance for inconsistencies.
• Factors Affecting Tips:
  • Customer demographics and expectations in a nightclub setting.
  • Speed and friendliness of bartenders can influence tipping.
• Technology Aids:
  • Implementing handheld devices can streamline transactions.
• Consensus:
  • While higher tip percentages are ideal, 18% is acceptable in this context.

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