Hold onto your hats, folks, because the Restaurant Leadership Conference (RLC) in Phoenix was a wild ride this year! We’re talking candid confessions from Subway CEO John Chidsey about the sandwich chain’s mistakes (which have thankfully been fixed) and Yankee’s superstar Derek Jeter dishing out his hot takes on parenting.
This sold-out conference didn’t shy away from the restaurant industry’s significant challenges, including labor woes, ever-changing tech trends, and an uncertain economic future. But fear not, dear readers! We’ve got the inside scoop on the six major takeaways.
And for those of you who didn’t make it, we’ve got you covered. So buckle up and get ready for some seriously juicy insights!
Last year’s Top 500 hit a whopping $393 billion (about $1,200 per person in the US), with around 230,000 locations. And how did they do it, you ask? Well, they hiked up those menu prices to keep up with the inflation monster. So let’s get ready to feast and celebrate this upcoming financial feast!
The pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote work. This has also raised questions about productivity, mental health, work-life balance, and the need for new management practices.
National Restaurant Association CEO Michelle Korsmo wasn’t mincing words during a panel discussion, reminding us all that we have a responsibility to keep our customers’ confidential information safe. The government is cracking down on how PPI is handled, so we better not take it lightly.
It looks like it is time for restaurants to reevaluate their approach to gathering customer information for loyalty programs and marketing. As Brinker International CIO Pankaj Patra wisely noted, “You don’t want to be in the news for something that you’re not using,”.
Overall, the Restaurant Leadership Conference in Phoenix this year provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the restaurant industry. From the trillion-dollar milestone expected in 2023 to the need for careful consideration of workforce issues, operational efficiency, and cybersecurity, the conference covered a wide range of topics that are critical to the success of restaurants today. As the industry continues to navigate these challenges, CBS is committed to being there for you. We know it will be important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in order to thrive in this dynamic and ever-changing environment. We have your backs.
For more information on how to attend and be a part of RLC next year – visit https://restaurantleadership.com/