By Brittney Sherman — News, restaurant, small business
Increasing food costs, workforce shortages, and inflation are just a few of the challenges that restaurants are already struggling with in 2023. However, not all restaurants are suffering equally, some have even managed to thrive in this difficult environment. The fast food and quick service categories were the least impacted by the pandemic due to their minimal interface model, and the coffee house, bakery, dessert shop category experienced the fastest recovery due to affordability and the return of office workers. Full-service restaurants have suffered the most and are taking the longest to recover. Those that are bouncing back attribute it to innovative menu offerings, expanded healthy food options, an emphasizes on social gathering spaces, and items that are price conscious.