Wendy’s recently announced plans to close hundreds of underperforming U.S. locations as part of a broader restructuring effort. The move reflects changing consumer behavior, rising costs, and increased pressure across the fast-food sector—trends that may reshape opportunities for independent restaurants in markets such as St. Louis. National Chain Retrenchment Raises Industry Questions ST. LOUIS, MO…

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Restaurant Industry Outlook 2026: Costs Bite While Customer Appetite Remains Strong As 2026 approaches, restaurant sales are projected to grow modestly, but escalating expenses and cautious diners are reshaping the business landscape. St. Louis restaurateurs prepare for continuing labor challenges and rising operating costs while demand for dining experiences holds steady. Industry experts say smart…

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O’FALLON, IL (StLouisRestaurantReview)  Two independent hospitality businesses in O’Fallon are proving that collaboration, not competition, can drive stronger revenue and deeper community engagement. Quick Take: Mozay Social and 3 Zapp Bar have implemented a joint event strategy in which Mozay manages food and marketing, while 3 Zapp Bar handles alcohol sales and venue operations, resulting…

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Federal Court Backs Illinois Restaurants in Credit Card Fee Fight CHICAGO, IL (StLouisRestaurantReview) A federal judge has ruled in favor of Illinois restaurants in a closely watched dispute over credit card swipe fees, potentially reshaping how processing costs are calculated on restaurant transactions. Key Points: Illinois may prohibit interchange fees on sales tax and gratuity portions…

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A Smarter Way to Manage Online Orders: St. Louis Restaurant Review Introduces Unified Ordering Solutions with eOrderSTL and Figure POS ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) The restaurant industry did not become complicated overnight, but online ordering has accelerated the problem. What started as a single delivery tablet has become four, five, or more devices competing for…

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St. Louis Restaurant Review Introduces Featured Stories for Local Restaurants in the St. Louis region. ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) In an increasingly competitive restaurant landscape, visibility matters more than ever. To help independent restaurants stand out, St. Louis Restaurant Review is announcing the availability of Featured Story placements, designed to give locally owned restaurants a…

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Why Every Restaurant Should Create a Dedicated Catering Menu How Catering Can Stabilize Revenue, Expand Reach, and Strengthen Long-Term Restaurant Survival Catering Is No Longer Optional for Restaurants ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) The restaurant industry has changed permanently. Rising food costs, labor shortages, unpredictable foot traffic, and shifting consumer habits have forced operators to rethink…

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(StLouisRestaurantReview) Restaurants have been chasing one goal for years: make the checkout feel invisible. From QR ordering to tap-to-pay terminals, the push is about speed, fewer errors, and less time spent waiting near a counter. As cashless kiosks spread, they’re also getting people comfortable with prepaid-style spending, the same mindset behind voucher top-ups for online…

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St. Louis, MO – January 27, 2026St. Louis Restaurant Review ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) There is a hard truth that many aspiring restaurant owners do not hear soon enough: if you are opening a restaurant because you enjoy cooking, hosting, or entertaining, you are opening it for the wrong reasons. That statement may sound harsh,…

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Why Good Accounting Alone Won’t Save Your Restaurant — and Why the Right Bookkeeper Might St. Louis, MO — January 2026St. Louis Restaurant Review ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) In the restaurant business, owners are constantly told they need “better accounting.” Hire a bookkeeper. Get QuickBooks (preferably the online version) cleaned up. Reconcile the bank account….

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The One Number That Decides Whether Your Restaurant Survives: Understanding COGS ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) For many restaurant owners and chefs, Cost of Goods Sold—better known as COGS—is treated as an accounting concept best left to the bookkeeper. That mindset is one of the most common and costly mistakes in the restaurant industry. COGS is…

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4 Problems Restaurant Franchise Owners Face in 2026 and How to Fix Them (StLouisRestaurantReview) Restaurant franchise ownership in 2026 looks less like ‘set it and forget it’ and more like managing a living system. Prices move fast, hiring is unpredictable, and guests compare you to the fastest, cleanest, most consistent option on their phone. If…

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Why Restaurants Fail: The Leading Cause Behind Closures in St. Louis and Nationwide ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) Restaurant closures across St. Louis and the broader Midwest have become increasingly visible, raising a difficult but necessary question for owners, investors, and industry professionals alike: Why do restaurants fail? While many point to rising food costs, labor…

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How Missouri Restaurants Are Supplementing Income Without Legal Uncertainty ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) As Missouri restaurants continue navigating rising costs and unpredictable consumer behavior, operators are increasingly focused on one central question: how to supplement income without introducing legal or regulatory risk. With margins under pressure and traditional revenue streams no longer guaranteed, restaurant owners…

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Slot Machines Spread in Missouri Restaurants Despite Legal Uncertainty (StLouisRestaurantReview) Slot-style gaming machines are appearing in a growing number of Missouri restaurants and bars as operators search for new ways to offset rising costs and unpredictable customer traffic. While the machines have become increasingly common in non-casino settings, their presence has also raised an important…

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