Understanding Standard Margins in the Restaurant Industry

Understanding Standard Margins in the Restaurant Industry: A Guide to Food Costs, Labor, and Profitability (StLouisRestaurantReview) Running a successful restaurant is more than serving delicious food—it’s also about managing tight margins. The restaurant industry is notoriously competitive and has some of the slimmest profit margins in any business sector. To remain profitable and sustainable, restaurant…

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Why Restaurant POS Systems Will Never Replace Accounting

Why a Restaurant POS System Will Never Replace Good Accounting Procedures (StLouisRestaurantReview) In the highly competitive and fast-moving restaurant industry, operational efficiency is essential. Restaurants of all sizes—from family-owned diners to fine dining establishments—rely heavily on Point-of-Sale (POS) systems to streamline order-taking, manage inventory, and monitor daily sales. However, despite the growing reliance on advanced…

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The Critical Role of Accounting in the Restaurant Industry

The Critical Role of Accounting in the Restaurant Industry: How Accurate Accounting Ensures Profitable Menu Pricing (StLouisRestaurantReview) Running a successful restaurant is about more than just serving great food. Behind every delicious dish and satisfied customer lies a well-thought-out business strategy. At the core of this strategy is one essential discipline: accounting. In the competitive…

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State of the Restaurant Industry in 2025

The State of the Restaurant Industry in 2025: Resilience, Reinvention, and the Road Ahead Restaurant Industry – A Multi-Year Recovery: From Crisis to Comeback (StLouisRestaurantReview) The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a crippling blow to restaurants nationwide, shuttering over 110,000 establishments by 2021. Fast-forward to 2025, and the industry is still recovering—albeit with remarkable resilience. According to the…

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Top Restaurant Business Models for 2025

Top Restaurant Business Models for 2025: What’s Working and Why (StLouisRestaurantReview) As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, 2025 brings new opportunities and challenges that demand innovation, adaptability, and strategic thinking. The days of relying solely on foot traffic and traditional dine-in service are gone. Today’s most successful restaurants are those that blend technology, convenience,…

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The U.S. Restaurant Industry in 2025

U.S. Restaurant Industry in 2025: Growth, Innovation, and Mounting Challenges ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) The U.S. restaurant industry is entering 2025 with a blend of optimism and caution. While the industry is projected to hit record-high sales this year, operators continue to face mounting pressures from inflation, shifting consumer habits, and operational challenges. From small…

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Is Starting a Restaurant a Good Business in 2025?

Is Starting a Restaurant a Good Business in 2025? Let’s look at it. ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) The restaurant industry has always been dynamic, but as we approach 2025, aspiring restaurateurs face a unique blend of opportunities and challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped dining habits, technology continues to evolve rapidly, and consumer expectations are shifting. …

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Recent Restaurant Closures in St. Louis, MO

More restaurant closures have been announced in St. Louis. The restaurant industry remains plagued by low sales and a lack of staff. ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) As reported by STLMag.com, six restaurants closed at the end of the year or the beginning of 2025. We have predicted this downturn for a few years, and I…

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5 Tips for Outstanding Cafe and Restaurant Design

Five Tips for Outstanding Cafe and Restaurant Design (StLouisRestaurantReview) Designing and decorating a restaurant starts with a basic understanding of architectural harmony and color schemes, but there’s much more involved. Effective restaurant design plays a key role in marketing. Thoughtful design choices can strengthen your restaurant’s concept, boost sales, and elevate your brand. A well-designed…

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Jersey Mike’s Subs Sells for $8 Billion Dollars

Jersey Mike’s Subs sells to Blackstone for $8 Billion, including the debt. (StLouisRestaurantReview) Jersey Mike’s Subs has agreed to sell the company to Blackstone for $8B, which will include debt. Blackstone will manage the sandwich chain’s expansion in the US as well as internationally. Apparently, the negotiations between the parties have been taking place since…

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Billy’s On Broadway Closed Permanently

Billy’s On Broadway at 701 Broadway has closed permanently, per Google. ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) Billy’s on Broadway is just another victim of the social and economic changes we’ve inherited from the pandemic. It’s sad to think hundreds of thousands of dollars were invested in this property to create what appeared to be a viable…

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Dragon Kitchen – Jefferson City, MO Sued for $1.87M

The US Department of Labor sued to recover $1.87M in back wages and damages for 26 workers at Dragon Kitchen in Jefferson City, Missouri. The investigation found servers earned tips only, and cooks received a set wage. JEFFERSON CITY, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) The U.S. Department of Labor has filed suit in federal court against a Jefferson…

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Royal Chinese BBQ Closing – November 10, 2024

After 32 Years of Business, Royal Chinese BBQ on Olive Blvd, University City, Missouri, will close on November 10, 2024. UNIVERSITY CITY, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) After 32 years of business, Royal Chinese BBQ at 8406 Olive Blvd, University City, Missouri, will close on November 10, 2024, forever. The owners are Denny Bao and My Quan, a…

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Red Lobster May Have New Owner

Red Lobster may survive its financial struggles by being rescued by its lenders. ORLANDO, FL (StLouisRestaurantReview)—According to local news station WFTV 9, Red Lobster Management LLC filed its “designation of the successful bidder” on July 22, 2024. The chain will be owned by RL Purchaser, LLC, a stalking horse bidder made up of the chain’s…

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Restaurant Industry Expected to Add Jobs

Now Hiring: Restaurant Industry Projected to Add 525,000 Summer Jobs. National Restaurant Association published a Press Release on May 28, 2024. WASHINGTON, DC (StLouisRestaurantReview) On May 28, 2024, the National Restaurant Association released the following statement, which, frankly, confuses us: Statement: by National Restaurant Association: A summer job in the restaurant industry is like training…

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