"If you look at who is working in restaurants in 2019 versus today, there's about a million people who have disappeared," said Micheline Maynard, Washington Post columnist and author of the soon-to-be-released book "Satisfaction Guaranteed: How Zingerman's Built A Corner Deli Into a Global Food Community.". Even while owners contend with employing staff they might not need, theres also potential for the opposite problem. 120 Brea Mall Way. But with the disruption of the restaurant industry in 2020, finding, training, and retaining high-quality staff has become extremely difficult. Like other industries, the food industry gained numerous benefits by shifting to a digital working model. Trailing a distant second with 29.71% of readers was upgrading and investing in tools to improve the off-premises dining experience. (323) 920-0302. Continue expanding with speed and efficiency. Todays customers also expect to do everything on mobile that they can do on a regular computer, including ordering pickup or delivery and easily viewing different menus. Dining rooms are closed to customers. Austin, TX 78727. The labor shortage is having wide-ranging effects on the industry. How can they make sure that their kitchens - and doors - stay open? Some respondents felt the need to clarify and provide nuance. As mentioned above, operators are already leveraging outside-of-restaurant service to customers. Delivery organizations, such as Amazon and UPS are hiring significant numbers to support delivery to people working from home per Shelter in Place initiatives. Unfortunately, the food industry is still working to recover the losses. . Cash survival is leading operators and owners to rethink all parts of their business and their lives. Over 68% of the American population has received complete vaccination. On the hotel side, traveling guest counts, such as groups, individual business, and vacationing families, have greatly declined, resulting in a significant reduction in hotel room occupancy; in response, hotels have greatly reduced operations and staffing. Strong journalism and a mindful society are the much-needed backbone to help implement a sound industry model that strengthens trust in media. Integrate and automate your restaurant's critical finances. Assurance, tax, and consulting offered through Moss Adams LLP. Make data-driven changes that boost margins and profits. Guests and staff became more aware than ever of the importance of health requirements during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges restaurants are facing 1. ORLANDO, Florida As the restaurant industry enters a new year, many of its oldest problems continue. As we are coming out of the most significant pandemic in generations, restaurant owners still face many challenges operating their businesses.