The labor shortage is starving restaurant sales … literally – 71% of restaurant owners/operators estimate that they lose $5,000 or more per month due to the hospitality talent deficit; 37% lose $10,000 or more per month.

Restaurants will expand operations – 28% anticipate opening a new restaurant location or concept in 2022. Diners can also expect to see more ghost kitchens.

Restaurants will show workers the money – 82% plan to increase compensation for workers, from raising the minimum wage and offering signing and retention bonuses to implementing a new tipping option for kitchen staff.

Restaurants will raise menu prices – 9 in 10 restaurant owners/operators plan to increase menu prices as they grapple with growing supply shortages and costs.

Restaurants will step up their digital game to attract and serve guests – After experiencing increased sales and efficiency through tech usage this year, 51% plan to automate more online operations over the next 12 months while 41% plan to automate more on-premise operations.

Restaurants will serve up comfort and convenience – Nearly half of restaurant owners/operators will place a greater emphasis on comfort food (and healthy food) while 26% say they will offer more alcohol to go and 29% will offer outdoor dining year-round.

Restaurants will get more personalized in guest outreach – Leveraging digital data on guests' preferences and behaviors, nearly 40% will boost investments in marketing and loyalty programs and offer more customized ordering experiences.