Author; Expert on Cheating in College; Vinyl Addict
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Dave Tomar
20 Restaurant POS Statistics You Should Know
Your POS (point of sale) system is the single most important piece of technology in your restaurant. Of course, restaurants have been using POS systems for years to handle customer orders and process transactions. But today’s POS system is so much more than just a terminal for taking payments. “Your POS is really the heart of your tech stack,” explains Back of House tech expert Marylise Trépanier. “Today’s POS system is really an all-in-one restaurant management system.
Plan Now to Take Advantage of the Holiday Rush in Your Restaurant
The holiday season is a time for friends, family, and celebration. And if you own a restaurant, it’s also time to make some money! The holidays are brimming with opportunities to boost your restaurant sales and traffic. Combine those factors, wrap them with a bow, and they amount to one big gift for the whole restaurant industry. But are you taking full advantage? Are you doing everything you could be to boost restaurant holiday sales?
What Diners Are Thinking in 2026: Consumer Trends Shaping Restaurants
Restaurant diners are feeling the pressure of higher costs. But that doesn't mean they're walking away from restaurants. Instead, they're becoming more intentional about where, when, and how they spend their dining dollars. They're looking for meals that feel worth the money, experiences that justify the occasion, and convenience that makes dining fit more easily into increasingly busy lives.
How Your Pizzeria Can Rank for ‘Pizza Near Me’ Without a Huge Budget
When someone searches “pizza near me,” they’re usually looking for somewhere to order delivery from, pick up dinner at, or visit in person. And they’re often ready to make a decision. That makes local search especially valuable for pizzerias. But you don’t need a huge marketing budget or an expensive SEO agency to improve your visibility.
How To Turn a Restaurant Gift Card Recipient Into a Regular
A restaurant gift card program can be a powerful marketing strategy. In fact, restaurant gift cards are more versatile than you may realize. Naturally, gift cards are great for bringing in new customers, and the research says that most of these new customers will spend more than the value of their original gift card. But if you really know how to use restaurant gift cards, they can also be a big part of your restaurant customer retention strategy. But how exactly?
The Global Food Trends I’m Watching, and What Will Make Them Stick
Global food is no longer a niche interest for American diners. According to Datassential, 61% of consumers want to see more global foods and beverages at restaurants near them, while 58% expect to find at least some globally inspired items on most restaurant menus. And consumers aren't necessarily viewing the blending of cuisines as a compromise — 67% say fusion is a creative expression and a natural evolution of food in America. That's a lot of opportunity for restaurants.
Could Laid-Off Tech Workers Help Solve Hospitality’s Hiring Challenges?
Tech layoffs have dominated headlines over the past few years, leaving many skilled professionals exploring new career paths. At the same time, the restaurant industry continues to grapple with persistent labor shortages, even as restaurant staffing trends show hiring has improved from its post-pandemic peak.
Data-Driven Demand Forecasting: What It Is & Why You Should Be Doing It
As a restaurant owner, you can’t predict the future, but you can come pretty close with the right tools. OK, maybe “predicting the future” is a bit of an exaggeration. But thanks to rapidly evolving technology, you can forecast future foot traffic and sales with a fair amount of accuracy. But why does that matter? Well, for one thing, your operational growth may depend on it. You may be able to get by on guesswork and good luck when you first open your doors.
Your Restaurant Must Be Ready for Changing Immigration Enforcement Rules
Nearly one in every four restaurant workers was born outside of the United States, according to the National Restaurant Association (NRA). So when immigration rules and enforcement priorities change, it can have a profound impact on restaurants and their employees. Based on recent and upcoming changes, restaurants are more likely than in the past to experience immigration raids and audits. So how can your restaurant be prepared?
Catering to Older Diners: How Restaurants Can Keep Hospitality Human
The restaurant industry is preparing for an aging customer base, which could create new opportunities for operators willing to rethink their approach to hospitality. People aged 65 and older are projected to account for 18% of U.S. restaurant spending by 2030, up from 10% in 2025, according to Technomic data cited by Restaurant Dive. At the same time, experts caution that restaurants shouldn't think about older guests solely as a separate demographic.
How Restaurants Are Losing Money From Food Cost Inefficiencies
We all know that food costs are high right now. Inflation is happening right before our eyes. But could you also be losing money behind your back? If you aren’t using the right restaurant cost management and inventory management strategies, the answer is probably yes. Obviously, you can’t control rising food prices, but you can control things like waste reduction, labor optimization, and menu presentation.
Overview of Regulations, Laws, and Licenses When You Open a Restaurant
You’ve got a location, a concept, and the perfect name for your new restaurant. Now you just need to get your paperwork in order. But it turns out that there’s a lot of paperwork! There are regulations to follow, restaurant licensing requirements to meet, and inspections to prepare for. But which rules apply to your business? What restaurant licenses and permits do you need to get your new operation off the ground? And where should you start?
Does My Restaurant Need Chat GPT?: Getting Started With AI
Sure, ChatGPT is useful for writing a quick email. It’s great if you need software coding done in seconds flat. And it’s sort of passable if you have to give the speech at a wedding and you have no idea what to write. But is it useful for your restaurant? Can ChatGPT help ease the workload for your employees, improve the customer experience, and perhaps even infuse your team with a little more creative juice? It can, if you know how to use it.
Make Smarter Business Decisions With Data From Your Restaurant POS
The vast majority of restaurants today are using a cloud-based POS (point of sale). There’s a good chance your restaurant is among them. As Market Growth Reports tell us, 78% of restaurants around the world are using a cloud-based POS system. That’s up from 42% in 2018. If you aren’t part of this trend, you should probably get in touch with us ASAP. Why?
Marketing Your Restaurant Through Community Involvement
In January of 2025, wildfires tore through the communities of Los Angeles county, reducing homes, businesses and restaurants to ashes. Under the leadership of celebrated chef José Andrés and his World Central Kitchen, restaurants all over the world mobilized, bringing food and comfort to the grieving communities of Southern California. Of course, this was not about restaurant marketing strategies. This was about helping communities in need.
How To Prep Your Bar & Grill for a Winning Football Season
Football season is one of the biggest opportunities of the year for bar and grill restaurants. Whether you’re welcoming NFL fans on Sundays, college football crowds on Saturdays, or local teams and community groups throughout the season, a successful football program can turn occasional guests into regulars. For me, the key to a successful football season comes down to preparation. The venues that win aren’t just the ones with the biggest TVs or the loudest crowds.
A Guide to Shutting Down Your Seasonal Restaurant
When you run a seasonal restaurant, one of your biggest challenges is preparing for the days when you’re not open. Whether you run a fleet of food trucks, a beach town brunch spot, or a popular dinner destination in a ski town, you have a choice to make. What do you do when the busy season is over? Do you offer discounts and specials to draw in more year-round residents? Do you trim your staff and cut your hours? Or do you close down altogether and go into hibernation until the next busy season?
On-Premises and Off-Premises Ways to Increase Restaurant Revenue
Restaurant revenue growth today is no longer about choosing between on-premises and off-premises strategies. On-premises revenue comes from guests dining in your restaurant, while off-premises revenue includes restaurant takeout and delivery sales, curbside pickup, and other ways customers enjoy your food beyond your four walls. The real opportunity lies in how effectively operators integrate both into a single, connected system.
The FTC Is Investigating Hidden Delivery Fees: What It Could Mean for You
Third-party delivery commissions are rising. If you run a restaurant, you already know this. But how well do you understand the numbers underneath these rising prices? And do your customers understand exactly why they’re paying such inflated prices for your food every time they order with a third-party delivery service like DoorDash, Grubhub, or Uber Eats? A recent proposal from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests there may be a lot we don’t know about these rising delivery fees.
How AI Can Give Your Independent Restaurant a First-Mover Advantage
The restaurant industry has fully embraced the AI revolution…sort of. Most national chains already use AI for everything — AI phone answering, automated restaurant marketing, delivery chatbots, smart mobile apps. But the independent operators and local joints that are the lifeblood of this industry got left out. Until recently, indies couldn't afford this kind of technology. Fast advances in AI for restaurants are turning that around, and vendors like Owner now help independents catch up.
How to Raise Menu Prices Without Losing Your Customers
Food costs are going up, profit margins are shrinking, and consumers are anxious about the economy. This puts restaurants in a tough spot. Back of House operations expert Marylise Trépanier captures the dilemma that a lot of restaurants are facing today. “You need to increase your pricing if you want to survive,” Marylise observes. “But I also respect that you have regular customers that you want to keep.
How People Are Eating Today: Smaller Portions
Back in the 1990s, the whole quick-service restaurant sector was swept up in a “supersizing” craze. Restaurants were giving you more bang for your buck with triple-decker burgers, mega-fries, and buckets of cola. It’s pretty amazing to think just how much things have changed since then. The days of mega-sizing ended in the early aughts. Consumers have become increasingly health-conscious and restaurants have responded by offering healthier choices. But today, there’s something else happening.
Restaurant Customers Still Want To Splurge
Consumers are cash-strapped. They’re getting squeezed by high prices. They’re looking for value. They’re looking for ways to stretch their dollars and get the most out of their spending. They want smaller dishes, snackable share plates, and appetizers instead of entrees. They want bundles, discounts, and limited-time offers (LTO). But… Consumers are also willing to splurge. They know dining out costs more and they still want to do it.
The Year So Far in Restaurant News
It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through 2026. It seems like only yesterday we were making New Year’s Resolutions! Don’t worry. We won’t ask how it’s going. But we will take this opportunity to look back at the year so far. What can we say? Summer makes us sentimental. So we got together to chat about the biggest restaurant industry trends, tech, and current events making headlines in 2026.
Top 5 Tips for Using Social Media To Promote Your Restaurant Today
Create a free account Enter your email to access limited articles, industry updates, webinars, newsletters and more. Are you getting everything you should out of yourrestaurantsocial media marketing strategy? Naturally, you want visibility. You want engagement. But let’s be honest. You run a restaurant. You’re not here for the “likes” and comments. You’re here to turn virtual activity into real customer traffic. But you can’t have one without the other.
How To Promote Online Ordering for Your Restaurant
Off-premises dining is one of the fastest growing segments of the restaurant industry. For most restaurants, it’s no longer a question of whether or not to offer online ordering. It’s really a question of how to promote online ordering for your restaurant. After all, Statista reports that online food delivery generated $432 billion dollars in revenue in 2025. That number is predicted to surpass $600 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, restaurant foot traffic is on a general decline.
Top Tech-Driven Restaurant Labor Cost Solutions for Today’s Operators
Restaurant operators are facing one unavoidable reality in 2026 — labor costs continue to rise. According to the latest restaurant industry data from TouchBistro’s 2026 American State of Restaurants Report, 96% of operators reported spending more on labor this year, with more than half seeing increases between 21% and 50%. Even with growing pressure, only 19% of those operators chose to reduce headcount.
10 Ways to Reduce Stress for Your Restaurant Staff and Boost Retention
If it feels like everyone in your restaurant is running on fumes (including you), you’re not imagining it. The industry is facing a very real crisis around staff burnout, and the ripple effects touch everything from guest experience to profitability to employee retention in restaurants. In fact, restaurant staff turnover continues to hover around historically high levels, with the industry averaging 79.6% turnover annually. This means many teams cycle through most of their people each year.
Your Restaurant Website Is an Underrated Revenue Channel (And How to Fix It)
Most restaurants invest heavily in marketing, delivery apps, and foot traffic, but overlook one of the highest ROI opportunities they already own — their website. Done right, restaurant website optimization directly impacts revenue. “Traffic without conversion is just a piece of overhead,” says Dave Ganton, VP of Partnerships at ChowNow, a platform that helps independent restaurants run direct online ordering, marketing, and operations from one place.
Keeping Your Restaurant Health Department Compliant
Keeping your restaurant health department compliant is about a lot more than just following the rules. Restaurant food safety guidelines and regulations are designed to protect public health. Your customers must be able to trust that you are doing your part. “This trust is vital to the relationship between restaurant and diner,” says Back of House operations expert Dan Durkin.
Delivery Cost vs. Dine-In Profitability in Your Pizza Shop
When I'm talking with pizza restaurant operators, one of the biggest misconceptions I hear from them is the belief that more sales automatically result in more profit. That misconception is especially true when it comes to delivery. On paper, more delivery sales look like growth. But when you break down your pizza shop delivery costs versus your dine-in margins, the picture changes quickly. Let’s unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes. The Real Cost Difference: Delivery vs.
Restaurant Summer Staffing Strategies: Hire and Retain Top Talent
When summer hits, I know from experience that seasonal restaurant staffing takes on a whole new level of challenge. Every operator is gearing up for the same surge in demand, creating a perfect storm in the labor market. Open-air patios, outdoor dining, and extended hours all mean kitchens are running at full tilt, and any staffing gaps are immediately felt. If you don’t have a plan in place early, you’re already behind.
What’s the Right Loyalty Program for My Coffee Shop?
For many independent cafés, loyalty programs feel like an obvious next step. If customers already love your coffee, why not reward them for coming back? But not every coffee shop loyalty program works the same way, and not every shop needs the same approach. The right program should reinforce how your customers already behave, fit seamlessly into your operations, and ultimately support long-term customer retention for coffee shops.
How To Hop on the Top Value Dining Trends Without Hurting Profits
If you want proof that American consumers are feeling the strain from rising prices, look no further than the restaurant industry. According to Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN), recent data shows that restaurant diners are seeking deals and discounts at the highest rate in 50 years. With nearly 30% of all restaurant visits tied to some type of savings deal, owners and operators are under increasing pressure to offer restaurant discounts without hurting margins.
5 Ways We're Already Using AI in Restaurants
AI technology is everywhere these days and restaurants are no exception. A recent article from Restaurant Business shows that 73% of surveyed restaurant operators plan to increase their spending in AI over the next year. And with AI-powered tech becoming more affordable and accessible all the time, even small and independent restaurants have an opportunity to benefit from the latest restaurant technology trends.
How to Build a Restaurant Marketing Strategy and Communications Plan
Effective communication is the backbone of any successful restaurant. Whether you’re launching a brand-new concept or running a well-established operation, a strong restaurant communication strategy ensures your team works seamlessly, and your customers get a consistent, compelling experience.
Our Top 7 Restaurant Predictions for 2026
As restaurants head into 2026, the industry is navigating a familiar tension — rising costs on one side and increasingly selective diners on the other. Guests are still eager to dine out, but they’re more value-conscious, more digitally savvy, and quicker to reward restaurants that get the experience right. These restaurant trends of 2026 point to a year where success depends on strategic decision-making and a renewed focus on fundamentals. Industry data reinforces this shift.
Should My Restaurant Be Serving Breakfast?
Breakfast has always been an intriguing possibility for operators — an operating window with strong beverage margins, lower perceived food costs, and untapped hours where your dining room could be making money instead of sitting idle. But like most “simple” ideas in restaurants, flipping on the open sign three hours earlier is not as easy as it sounds.
I'm Opening a Restaurant, What Tech Do I Need?
If you’re new to the restaurant business, there’s a chance you’re just beginning to realize how big a role technology plays in our industry these days. Long gone are the days when you could run a restaurant with a pen, a pad, and a Quickbooks software package. Or at least, long gone are the days when you could do this and keep up with the competition. After all, roughly 68 percent of all restaurants are at the very least using a cloud-based POS system.
The Top Restaurant News Stories From This Year
Well, that’s a wrap on 2025. Happy New Year! Now is a time for celebrations, resolutions, and of course, “Top 5” lists. In that spirit, we gathered our panel of experts together for a look back at the Top 5 Restaurant Stories from the year that was.
5 Things To Do Now To Drive Restaurant Event Bookings in 2026
Event booking is a great way to boost revenue for your restaurant. Restaurant traffic may go through ups and downs during times of economic uncertainty. But one thing is certain. People are always throwing birthday parties and bridal showers. People are always hosting fundraisers and anniversary celebrations. Events are a big part of life. If you market your restaurant the right way, events can also be a big part of your business strategy.
What To Know About Picking Restaurant POS Software
Your POS (point of sale) system is the most important piece of technology in your restaurant. These days, restaurant POS software does a lot more than just taking orders and printing checks. A good POS system can also help with inventory management, scheduling, payroll, and more. In fact, a growing number of POS providers now offer all-in-one systems that include nearly everything you need to build out your restaurant’s tech stack.
Your Restaurant Communication Strategy: Use Emails, Texts, or Both?
As marketing becomes increasingly digital and personalized, restaurants are rethinking how they connect with guests. Collecting and using emails, phone numbers, or both can transform your restaurant communication strategy and strengthen both your restaurant customer loyalty program and broader restaurant customer relationship management efforts. Let’s unpack the pros, cons, and compliance considerations.
The Effect of a Good Manager on Restaurant Staff Retention
Finding the right people to work in your restaurant requires good marketing. Keeping those people on board requires good management. Restaurant staff retention is one of our industry’s most persistent issues. According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2025 State of the Industry Report, 77 percent of restaurant operators identify retention as one of the biggest challenges facing their businesses.
Small Shifts, Big Wins: Smart Ways To Use AI for Restaurants
Obviously, AI is a really big deal right now. It’s all anybody talks about. But that doesn’t mean using AI solutions in your restaurant has to be a big deal. In fact, AI for restaurants is only getting easier to afford, implement, and use. Still, it can be tough to cut through all the hype. With so many options and so many bold promises, how can you find smart, simple solutions that make sense for your business? We gathered together a few top industry experts to find out.
10 Ways Poor Restaurant Website Design Costs You Customers
When I talk with restaurant owners about their restaurant website design, I often hear things like, “Our customers find us on Instagram,” or “We just use delivery apps for orders,” so they don’t worry about their website. But here’s the thing — your website is still your digital front door. And for many guests, it’s the first (and sometimes only) impression they’ll have of your brand. Today’s diners expect more than just information. They want to take action.
Should My Restaurant Offer Gift Cards?
Consumers spend a fortune on gift cards every year. According to Capital One, the global gift card market reached $1.24 trillion in 2024 and is expected to top $2.31 trillion by 2030. And it turns out that restaurant gift cards make up a huge chunk of that value. According to the Capital One consumer survey, 52 percent of all respondents say that they buy restaurant gift cards. So obviously, consumers like restaurant gift cards. But are gift cards actually good for your business?
Everything You Need To Know About Finding Restaurant Investors
Raising capital for a restaurant is notoriously challenging, especially for first-time operators. To help restaurant owners navigate this complex landscape, we spoke with Dimitre Krouchev of Paperchase, a firm with decades of experience connecting restaurateurs to investors while optimizing financial performance. Dimitre shared actionable insights on where to find restaurant investors, common mistakes to avoid, and strategies to turn an investor for a restaurant into a long-term partner.
How To Protect Your Customers as Food Safety Standards Change
The Journal of Food Protection reports that there are roughly 48 million cases of foodborne illness in the U.S. each year, resulting in an estimated 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. More than half of all foodborne outbreaks reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) can be traced to restaurants. Simply stated, all restaurants share a huge responsibility. It is our job to protect our diners from foodborne illnesses.
Optimize Private Event Marketing to Supercharge Your Restaurant Business
When it comes to restaurant profitability, few opportunities rival private events. While a typical full-service restaurant runs on razor-thin profit margins of 2–6 percent, private events average closer to 20 percent margins — and in some cases, much higher. Beyond the dollars, private events also act as a powerful marketing tool. One event potentially brings dozens of new people through the door, potentially turning every event into a room full of folks who will tell others about your restaurant.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Dave
Contact Dave, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack