Are Americans Dining Out Less in 2026? A Look at National Trends and What It Means for St. Louis ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) After years of pandemic-era upheaval and post-COVID normalization, 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point for how Americans eat out. At first glance, restaurant industry metrics show growth, with total…
ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) Several major brands — including Papa John’s, Wendy’s, Applebee’s, Denny’s, and Buffalo Wild Wings — have recently announced store closures, restructurings, acquisitions, or strategic menu shifts. While most of these announcements are national in scope, history shows that Midwest markets like St. Louis often feel ripple effects in one of three…
Read More “National Restaurant Chain Moves That Could Impact St. Louis” »
Papa John’s to Close Hundreds of Stores in Strategic Restructuring Papa John’s has announced plans to close hundreds of underperforming locations across North America as part of a broader restructuring effort. The move is aimed at improving profitability, streamlining operations, and strengthening stronger-performing markets. Despite the closures, the company says it remains financially stable and…
St. Louis County Targets Illegal Gaming Machines in Bars and Restaurants St. Louis County officials are warning bars and restaurants that illegal gaming machines could cost them their liquor licenses. Hundreds of establishments have reportedly received notices in unincorporated areas. Local restaurant owners are now reassessing risk as enforcement efforts intensify across the region. ST….
Read More “St. Louis County Targets Illegal Gaming Machines” »
(StLouisRestaurantReview) Restaurants operate on thin margins and high transaction volume. Small tax miscalculations compound quickly. Sales tax, payroll tax, property tax, and income tax obligations intersect across daily operations. Structured tax management protects cash flow and prevents regulatory penalties. For operators in markets like St. Louis, Missouri, where local sales tax layers on top of…
Federal Judge Rules Gas Station Slot Machines Illegal in Missouri, Impacting Restaurants and Bars Statewide Missouri businesses face immediate uncertainty after a federal judge declared gas station and convenience store slot machines illegal under state law. The ruling targets so-called “no chance” machines that have operated for years in restaurants, bars, and retail stores. Restaurant…
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…
Read More “Wendy’s Closures Signal Shifts in the Restaurant Industry” »
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…
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…
Read More “O’Fallon Restaurants Lead With Collaborative Event Model” »
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…
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…
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…
Read More “St. Louis Restaurant Review Introduces Featured Stories” »
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…
Read More “Why Every Restaurant Should Create a Catering Menu” »
(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…
Read More “Local Venues Test Cashless Kiosks For Faster Service” »
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,…
Read More “Restaurant Warning: Loving to Cook Is Not a Business Plan” »
