What will fuel Canadian Restaurants in 2021?

Winter Patio? Yes you can!

Don’t pack away your patio furniture this winter! With mandated distancing regulations for restaurants, you need to take advantage of every foot of space of you have. So why not keep the patio open this winter? With the addition of some heating elements and some seasonal decor for ambiance you can create cozy atmosphere that will draw guests outside in cold weather.

MAKE IT WARM

Patio heaters are necessary to make your patio operational in the winter months. Standing heaters can be placed around your customers’ tables, while ceiling and wall-mounted options radiate heat from the perimeter of your patio. If you’ve got a canopy, adding transparent vinyl curtains will help keep the heat in without taking away the guests’ views.

LIGHT IT UP

String lighting is quick and easy to install, relatively inexpensive, and can instantly creative the perfect atmosphere. Add them under umbrellas, around trees, across the patio top or in a pattern on a wall.

MAKE IT AN EXPERIENCE

Your outdoor space should provide a unique experience that guests will want to try out. Create a homey comfy decor that they can sink into to enjoy a hot beverage and conversation in the afternoon. Create a magical winter night theme around a fire where they can enjoy a cocktail and watch the snow fall. Place grills outside and make it winter cookout. the possibilities are endless, and after all we are Canadians and will embrace the winter!

ADD THE EXTRAS

Go the extra mile to keep guests warm and cozy by offering up blankets or hand warmers. If you provide blankets, you’ll need to communicate with your customers that they are properly washed and sanitized. Or offer to let guests bring their own blankets. Can you sell mittens, toques or blankets with your logo? Make sure you chairs and benches have cushions for extra insulation.

MENU FOR THE COLD

Offer a menu specifically for your patio with lots of warm drinks, hot soups and quick bites. S’mores are a perfect addition to any patio menu and can be tailored to any tastes. Create a patio happy hour with a special cocktail to take the chill off. And don’t forget to share your special patio menus and promotions on social media.

ADDED BONUS IDEAS:

Decorate your patio with outdoor art, pottery and crafts from local artisans. This partnership with benefit your restaurant and the artists, and give your guests a chance to shop while they eat.

You could add a coffee bar or walkup to-go station to your patio.

Fueling Canadian Restaurants in 2021

As we head into 2021, the foodservice world remains in unprecedented territory as we deal with the immediate and long-lasting effects of COVID-19. While many unknowns linger, we do know that those who demonstrate the most versatility in response to industry, consumer and cultural shifts are best set to succeed in the coming year. Here are five insights from Technomic on what’s to come and how to prepare for a post-pandemic world.

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The Road Taking a to Recovery Stronger

Steadies Stand

The foodservice industry will start to financially recovery in 2021, but sales results across segments will be a mixed bag. Limited-service restaurants are expected to return to 2019 revenue levels by the end of 2021. On the other hand, full-service restaurants will rebound more slowly, as closures continue and consumers’ are still cautious to return to dine-in. Investment in off-premise initiatives will be central to sparking a financial comeback across segments. While moderate growth in anticipated in 2021, overall industry sales will still be below 2019 levels.

2021 foodservice industry forecast 14%-17%

Compared to 2020 25%-28%

Operators will be taking a firmer stance on social and environmental issues as calls to action by the public become louder and more urgent. Climate change will be bolstered by menuing more plant-based substitutes, marketing carbon footprint levels of items and restaurants, and supporting suppliers who implement environmen tally friendly practices. To tackle social inequalities, we’ll see an uptick in dona tions to fight food insecurity and support minority organizations; more diverse hiring and promotion practices; and the expansion of inclusive tipping to ensure fair pay of employees.

65%

56%

of consumers some what or completely agree that they are more likely to visit a restaurant that is taking steps to create a more inclusive and just world

Fueling Canadian Restaurants in 2021

As we head into 2021, the foodservice world remains in unprecedented territory as we deal with the immediate and long-lasting effects of COVID-19. While many unknowns linger, we do know that those who demonstrate the most versatility in response to industry, consumer and cultural shifts are best set to succeed in the coming year. Here are five insights from Technomic on what’s to come and how to prepare

3Sustainable Off-Premise Strategies

Restaurants are investing in off-premise for their long-term growth strategies, as restrictions on restaurant dining rooms continue. Full-service operators will need to evolve to an off-premise-focused business model for a better chance of survival — and then hopefully see growth. Look for more walk-up ordering windows, multiple drive-thru lanes, designated curbside pickup spots, and in-store pickup and grab-and-go stations that minimize time at the restaurant and contact with others. To help make the off-premise experience seamless, expect further development of mobile ordering, more in-house delivery services to better control costs and quality and more ghost kitchens to fulfill the high volumes of delivery and takeout orders. of consumers ages 18-34 express that 30% they are ordering food for off-premise occasions more often now than a year ago

27%

of consumers ages 18-34 state that they are ordering delivery from a wider variety of restaurants now compared to one year ago

4The Many Facets of Comfort

As diners continue to seek out foods for solace, operators will find more ways to serve up comfort fare. The craveable classics will continue, but we’ll see a surge of quirky dishes that cheer the heart, including the revival of wacky mashups (think sushi casseroles) or simple vintage recipes (think peanut butter bread). Stressful times will also open the door for controversial ingredients, such as MSG and fats, to sneak onto menus. But, health won’t take a backseat entirely. In addition to more anxiety-alleviating items, such as lesser-known leafy greens, citruses and mushrooms, expect operators to disguise better-for-you meals as indulgent, including alternative noodles and fries or vegan desserts and cocktails.

40%

of consumers express that they are buying more comfort foods now from restaurants compared to before the pandemic

31%

of consumers state that they are buying more healthy items now from restaurants compared to before the pandemic

5Homegrown Solutions

As travel options continue to be limited, restaurants will reimagine new ways to draw local visitors and endorse “our home and native land.” Cities, provinces and restaurants will be ramping up campaigns that promote hyperlocality by celebrating local farms and businesses and by sourcing products from them. New grassroots movements around supporting local independents and small regional chains will spread.

51%

43%

of consumers report that they are buying from local restaurants as a way to support the community

of consumers express that foods and/or beverages with local callouts are slightly or much tastier