February 9th QSR Roundup: Revolutionizing Food Manufacturing, Industry Outlook, and Super Bowl Snack Recipes

Interviewy Team

Interviewy Team

— 6 min read
February 9th QSR Roundup: Revolutionizing Food Manufacturing, Industry Outlook, and Super Bowl Snack Recipes
QSR news for Feb 9th, 2025. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 16 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 60 minutes. It'll take you only 8 minutes to catch up.

Restaurant Industry Outlook 2025: Embracing Innovation Amid Challenges

The restaurant industry is looking ahead to 2025 with optimism, as over 80% of operators predict sales to match or surpass 2024 levels. However, rising competition and persistent challenges like labor and food costs demand innovation in service and customer experience.

Key Insights:

  • Interactive Dining Soars: 70% of consumers are eager for interactive dining experiences, such as tasting events. This demand is especially pronounced among younger demographics seeking more engaging in-person dining.
  • Loyalty Programs Matter: Over half of diners are influenced by loyalty programs when choosing where to eat, making them pivotal for customer retention.
  • Off-Premises Dining Remains Crucial: While in-person dining grows, takeout and delivery continue to be significant revenue streams.
  • Balancing Value and Hospitality: Operators are urged to focus on providing value, cleanliness, and excellent hospitality to meet evolving consumer expectations.

Source: Modern Restaurant Management

Super Bowl Specials and Chefs' Recipes: Elevate Your Game Day Experience

As the Super Bowl approaches, restaurants and chefs are offering exciting deals and recipes to enhance your game day festivities.

Chef Highlights:

  • Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, renowned from their '90s show "Too Hot Tamales", share a spicy pimento cheese recipe perfect for the Super Bowl.
    • Their recipe is versatile, great for burgers, hot dogs, or as a snack with crackers.
    • They discuss the evolution of stadium food and reminisce about tailgating experiences, highlighting the importance of elevated food options during big events.

Super Bowl Deals:

  • Cracker Barrel: 15% off family meals and platters.
  • Popeyes: $10 deal for 12-piece wings or tenders.
  • Wawa: Free any size hot coffee on Super Bowl Sunday.
  • Wienerschnitzel: $7 for 7 chili dogs.
  • Smokey Bones: $15 all-you-can-eat chicken wings.

Users have shared positive experiences, especially praising Popeyes' deal as an excellent value.

Source: Salon, /r/fastfood

Revolutionizing Food Manufacturing with ERP, MES, and APS Technologies

In a recent webinar, experts Laura Baumann and Mark Gregory discussed how integrating ERP, MES, and APS technologies is transforming the food and beverage manufacturing industry.

  • ERP Systems serve as the backbone, enhancing batch efficiency, inventory management, compliance, and traceability.
  • MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) provide real-time production monitoring, enabling immediate identification of bottlenecks and improving quality control.
  • APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling) Systems offer visual planning flexibility, adapting to production changes and aiding long-term planning.

Synergistic Impact: The integration of these systems enhances visibility, reduces waste, and leads to higher productivity and agility in responding to market demands.

Takeaway: By harnessing these technologies, manufacturers can significantly enhance efficiency and profitability in a competitive landscape.

Source: Food Industry Executive

Food and Beverage Industry Expansion: Over $700 Million in New Investments

The food and beverage sector is witnessing substantial growth with 62 new projects totaling over $700 million in planned investments.

Major Projects Include:

  • Agristo's $450 million processing facility in Grand Forks, ND, set to begin construction in 2025 and complete by 2028.
  • Texas: A $410 million, 450,000 sq ft facility in Lancaster, expected to be completed by 2030.
  • Kentucky: A $129 million distribution center in Bowling Green.
  • North Carolina: Renovations on a 387,000 sq ft warehouse.

Top States for New Projects:

  • Wisconsin leads with 10 projects, followed by New York and Texas with 5 each.

Industry Growth: These investments highlight the sector's expansion and the importance of strategic capital investments tracked by Industrial SalesLeads.

Source: Food Industry Executive

Aspiring marketing consultants are exploring opportunities to assist restaurants struggling with online presence, social media, SEO, and web design.

Community Insights:

  • Challenges with Small Restaurants:
    • Owners may be overwhelmed with daily operations and hesitant to invest in marketing due to tight budgets.
    • Engagement can be difficult as they might not see immediate ROI.
  • Strategies for Success:
    • Offer Free Audits: Providing complimentary assessments can build credibility and demonstrate value.
    • Target Larger Businesses: Focusing on franchises or established restaurants with bigger budgets may yield better results.
    • Build a Portfolio: Offering initial services for free or at a discount can help establish a track record.

Noteworthy Comments:

  • Some users highlight the irony of seeking free advice to charge others for consulting.
  • Emphasis on respecting restaurant owners' time and needs when proposing services.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Cleaning Up: Tackling the Challenges of Revamping Old Restaurants

Restaurant owners often face the daunting task of cleaning and renovating old establishments.

A new owner purchased an old restaurant and discovered a storage room with a mysterious, sticky floor residue, seeking advice.

Community Advice:

  • Commercial-Grade Degreasers: Use with hot water and scrubbing tools for effective cleaning.
  • Pressure Washing: Recommended for thorough removal of stubborn grime.
  • Safety Precautions: Wear masks and ensure proper ventilation when using strong chemicals.
  • Alternative Methods: Some suggest steam cleaning or specialized cleaners depending on the floor material.

Humorous Takes: Fellow owners share light-hearted comments to encourage and empathize with the situation.

Consensus: With the right tools and precautions, the mess can be managed effectively.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Wage Theft Concerns in a New Boba Shop

An employee at a recently opened boba shop in Texas shares concerns about not receiving tips and being scheduled for non-existent breaks.

Key Issues:

  • Tip Distribution: The owner claims POS system issues are delaying tip payouts, despite a busy opening weekend.
  • Breaks: Employees are scheduled for breaks they never take.

Community Response:

  • Overwhelming Advice: Report the employer to the Texas Workforce Commission for potential wage theft.
  • Legal Considerations:
    • Keep records of hours worked and pay stubs.
    • Understand that withholding tips and unpaid breaks may constitute illegal practices.

Supportive Comments: Fellow Redditors express solidarity and encourage the employee to take action.

Source: /r/restaurant

27 Pay Periods in 2025: What Employers Need to Know

Attention restaurateurs: 2025 will have 27 pay periods due to certain months having three paydays, occurring every 11 years.

Implications:

  • Cash Flow Impact: This additional pay period can affect budgeting and payroll expenses.

Preparation Tips:

  • Plan Ahead: Adjust financial plans to accommodate the extra payroll.
  • Communication: Inform staff and stakeholders about the change to manage expectations.

Community Insights:

  • Some businesses use different payroll frequencies (e.g., semi-monthly or weekly), which may mitigate the impact.
  • Confusion exists among some employers about payroll calculations, highlighting the need for clarity.

Consensus: Being proactive and prepared is essential to handle the financial implications of the 27th pay period.

Source: /r/restaurateur

Global Tipping Customs: A World of Differences

Tipping practices vary widely across the globe, reflecting cultural nuances and societal norms.

Highlights from Around the World:

  • Australia: Tipping is not expected; it's a reward for exceptional service.
  • Poland: Tipping is welcome but not mandatory, usually around 10%.
  • Germany: Tipping is a personal choice, commonly around 10% for satisfactory service.
  • New Zealand: Tipping is actively discouraged, though appreciated for outstanding service.
  • USA (Texas): Some Asian restaurants prefer upfront payments, with no tipping expected.

Community Discussion:

  • Emphasizes the importance of understanding local customs when dining abroad.
  • Some skepticism about the intent behind inquiries into tipping practices, hinting at possible commercial interests.

Takeaway: Tipping customs are diverse; when traveling, it's courteous to familiarize oneself with local etiquette.

Source: /r/restaurant

Insights into Restaurant Management: Is It the Right Path for You?

An individual with a background in fitness management considers transitioning to a restaurant general manager role.

Community Feedback:

  • Work-Life Balance Concerns:
    • Long Hours: Managers often work 50-70 hours per week, including holidays.
    • Burnout Risk: High-stress environment can lead to fatigue and job dissatisfaction.
  • Industry Challenges:
    • Unpredictable nature of the restaurant business.
    • Navigating employee dynamics and supplier relationships.

Advice:

  • Evaluate Long-Term Goals: Consider if the lifestyle aligns with personal aspirations.
  • Gain Experience: Starting in entry-level positions may provide valuable insights.

Consensus: Restaurant management can be rewarding but demands resilience and a passion for the industry.

Source: /r/restaurant

Axe Throwing in Bars: A Worthwhile Investment?

Bar owners are considering adding axe throwing to enhance customer experience and attract new patrons.

Considerations:

  • Success Stories: Some bar owners report successful integration of axe throwing since 2017.
  • Insurance Implications:
    • Check insurance options and be aware of potential premium increases.
    • Staffing and safety protocols are critical.

Community Sentiment: Despite initial skepticism, axe throwing venues are thriving and becoming popular entertainment options.

Advice:

  • Market Research: Assess local demand and competition.
  • Safety First: Implement strict safety measures and staff training.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Food Poisoning Concerns: To Report or Not to Report

A diner suspects food poisoning after consuming a questionable dish (Hamachi Kama) and seeks advice.

Community Reactions:

  • Mixed Opinions:
    • Some suggest symptoms may not be immediate and could result from other factors.
    • Others recommend trusting instincts and avoiding suspicious food.

Advice:

  • Report the Incident: Inform the restaurant and health authorities to prevent others from getting sick.
  • Seek Medical Attention: If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional.

Emphasis on Communication:

  • Clear communication with the restaurant can help address potential food safety issues.

Source: /r/restaurant

Super Bowl Viewing Choices: Where to Watch the Big Game

When deciding between venues like Big Al's in Milpitas or Dave & Buster's for Super Bowl viewing, opinions vary.

Community Input:

  • Preference for Big Al's: Some recommend Big Al's over Dave & Buster's for a better experience.
  • Global Perspective: A reminder that Reddit is an international platform, and local recommendations may vary.

Takeaway: Choose a venue that offers the atmosphere and amenities you prefer for enjoying the game.

Source: /r/restaurant

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