How Much Does It Cost to Open a Coffee Shop in 2026?
Opening a coffee shop in 2026 requires careful cost planning across rent, equipment, labor, technology, menu strategy, marketing, and sustainability.
May 15, 2026
Opening a coffee shop in 2026 requires careful cost planning across rent, equipment, labor, technology, menu strategy, marketing, and sustainability.
May 15, 2026
This AI playbook covers restaurant tools for voice ordering, staffing, compliance, menu pricing, inventory, marketing, ChatGPT prompts, and SEO.
May 15, 2026
Hardee’s giant Boddie-Noell inks 31-unit Scooter’s Coffee deal for NC and VA, leveraging drive-thru growth and local roots with rollout over 12–18 months.
May 15, 2026
Wingstop turns match weeks into a multi-sensory festival, aligning bold pop-ups with World Cup energy to build brand affinity and measurable momentum.
May 15, 2026
The parent company behind Dunkin', Buffalo Wild Wings, and Arby's has filed for an IPO a move that could reshape how Wall Street views the restaurant sector.
May 15, 2026
Learn how to develop a memorable restaurant brand identity that stands out in a crowded market, attracts loyal customers, and drives repeat business with actionable strategies and affordable tools.
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Dirty soda chain Swig is expanding into Colorado through a 10-unit franchise deal, riding a consumer beverage trend that's catching the attention of major QSR players nationwide.
May 15, 2026
Papa Johns has teamed up with Alphabet's Wing for drone delivery of its new sandwich lineup in parts of Charlotte marking the first partnership of its kind between Wing and a national QSR brand.
May 15, 2026
A warm, expert-led look at McDonald’s Q1 results, menu makeover, and the refranchise question shaping its growth.
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A reflective look at Habit Ranch, its immersive desert activation, and what it signals for brand loyalty and mindful, experiential dining.
May 14, 2026
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Find more trends, challenges, and opportunities in the restaurant industry operations for 2025.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
Amidst the challenges, industry experts are expressing optimism about the restaurant industry in 2025. The belief that consumer demand will remain stable and that lenders will be more open to financing restaurants is a positive sign for operators. The NRA's report highlights that a significant percentage of restaurants are expecting higher sales or maintaining similar levels to the previous year.
Michelle Korsmo, the NRA president, emphasized the strength of the restaurant industry fundamentals. Operators are optimistic about the upcoming year, with growth expected from a blend of value and experience catering to consumer needs. Innovations in operational efficiency are set to drive success for restaurants.
Expectations of heightened competition remain prevalent among operators, with nearly half foreseeing increased competitive pressures in 2025. Adapting to this landscape will require strategic differentiation and a keen focus on customer-centric offerings and experiences to stand out in a crowded market.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
Labor costs, food expenses, and employee recruitment and retention continue to top the list of challenges faced by both full-service and limited-service operators. Finding innovative solutions to streamline operations and optimize costs will be crucial in overcoming these obstacles.
Despite challenges, consumer demand for dining out remains robust in 2025. The majority of adult diners express intentions to engage with the restaurant industry through various channels, including delivery services and on-premise dining experiences. This highlights the enduring appeal of the dining-out experience.
Many restaurants are focusing on enhancing their on-premise channels, aligning with the consumer preference for dining out. By optimizing in-house dining experiences, operators can cater to the evolving tastes and preferences of their clientele while differentiating themselves in a competitive market.