by Bob Gershberg, CEO/Managing Partner, Wray Executive Search
Zoom, the pandemic darling that helped fuel the remote work revolution in 2020 and professed a “forever” remote work policy has asked some of its employees to return to the office two days a week. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, who stated “office mandates were never going to work”, now requires employees with customer-facing roles to be in an office four days a week. Other firms that profited from remote work have also shifted gears. DocuSign has brought back 70% of its workforce with a hybrid arrangement. Peloton has asked its employees to come into an office three days a week.
Top 10 Return to the Office Statistics and Facts to Know in 2023
61% of workers want to work remotely indefinitely.
Roughly six in 10 employees are more likely to apply for a job with a remote work option.
61% of Americans would expect a pay raise if their employer no longer allowed them to WFH.
The inaugural QSR Evolution Conference is right around the corner and registration is closing on August 23rd. We can’t wait to see you in Atlanta next month! You won’t want to miss out on this event. Register today. We look forward to seeing you there!
by John Gordon, Principal and Founder, Pacific Management Consulting Group
The March 2020 Pandemic changed global business and society in every way imaginable. Our industry, a service industry essentially based on commercial fixed assets working with and serving guests was fundamentally affected. We are recovering but with many issues remaining.
To see ahead, we have to look at current conditions but also forward-looking forecasts, history, and looking at the industry in every which way possible. I’ve noted several events and observations over the last month that are useful:
Quarter 2 Earnings to date are OK, but not great. The global QSR powerhouses such as McDonald’s and YUM have done well, as have the US-based company-operated concepts such as Darden and Starbucks as well as Chipotle.
“In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”
– President Harry Truman
Executive Chat with Rebecca Patt
Featuring John Metz, Founder and President of RREMC Restaurants
John Metz is President and Founder of RREMC Restaurants, operator of 63 Denny's, six Hurricane Grills, and two Wahoo Seafood Grills, generating over $135 million in annual sales and employing over 2400 people in FL, GA, IL, IN, and VA. He was recently appointed to the board of FAT Brands, Inc.
As one of the largest Denny’s franchisees, how would you assess the current trajectory and performance of the brand?
That’s a loaded question! First off, there's been a new CEO at Denny's, Kelli Valade, and I am very optimistic about her. I think she's put together a great team, and I think the fact that they bought Keke’s Breakfast Cafe was a phenomenally strategic move on Denny's part. In fact, I'm about to sign up to build at least 20 Keke's. I'm about to hire back a former employee of mine who does development and construction, someone who built over 350 Starbucks, and give her the sole responsibility of building 20 to 25 Keke's. So, that's, that's part and parcel to Denny's.
AI-Powered Personalization: Transforming Customer Engagement in Restaurants
by Ray Kelley, SVP & Partner, Wray Executive Search
In an era of advanced technology, our industry is experiencing a significant shift towards personalized customer engagement. With the integration of AI, restaurants now have the power to leverage customer data and technology to offer tailor-made experiences, loyalty programs, targeted marketing campaigns, and interactive engagement through social media and online platforms. This article delves into the ways AI is revolutionizing customer engagement strategies for restaurants, elevating the dining experience to new heights.
Harnessing AI for Personalized Experiences
AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data enables restaurants to create truly personalized dining experiences, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Customized Menus and Recommendations: AI algorithms can analyze past orders, dietary preferences, and behavior to curate personalized menus and make tailored recommendations, making every visit a unique and personalized experience.
Read the latest on restaurant industry job growth from the National Restaurant Association
Restaurant job growth resumed in July
Restaurant operators who are looking to boost staffing levels may find a somewhat less competitive recruiting environment in the months ahead.
Job growth in the restaurant industry resumed in July, but it remained well below the gains registered during the early months of the year.
Eating and drinking places* added a net 13,400 jobs in July on a seasonally-adjusted basis, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That followed a month in which industry employment remained flat in June.
