Are Restaurants Losing Their Uniqueness in Tech Assimilation?
Navigating the Borg Effect in Restaurant Technology As we navigate through 2025, the restaurant technology space is experiencing a significant shift, one that has been gaining momentum since 2023. Dubbed the ‘Borg effect,’ this trend sees large vendors acquiring smaller tech companies, much like the Borg from Star Trek, which assimilated other species to enhance […]
How Retail Innovations are Shaping the Future of Foodservice
Insights About the Future of Foodservice from NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show The world of retail technology is not just about the latest gadgets and gizmos; it’s a glimpse into the future of industries far beyond retail itself. This week, the largest retail show in the world, aptly named The Big Show, took place in […]
Starbucks Return to Simplicity in 2025
Starbucks 2025 Strategy is to go Back to the Basics Starbucks is making waves in 2025 with a bold return to its roots. Under the leadership of Brian Nichol, who took the helm in 2023, the coffee giant is embarking on a strategic journey to navigate through challenging waters. With declining sales and labor strikes […]
Dining Out is Making a Comeback
Embracing Change and Opportunities as Dining Out at Restaurants Makes a Comeback in 2025 As we close the chapter on 2024 and eagerly anticipate the dawn of 2025, the hospitality industry finds itself at a critical juncture. The landscape is shifting, with external threats challenging traditional business models. Hotels are no longer just competing with […]
Employee Loyalty in Restaurants
The Real Reason Behind the Restaurant Labor Crisis In this ConStrata Minute, we tackle a topic that has been a hot button issue in the restaurant industry: employee loyalty in restaurants and labor shortages. As discussed at the recent MURTEC Executive Conference in California, the problem is not merely a lack of workers. It’s about […]
A New Approach to Navigating the Franchisor-Franchisee Conflict
Profit vs. Sales: The Franchise Tug-of-War The holiday season often brings thoughts of giving and unity, but in the world of franchising, conflict continues to brew between franchisors and franchisees. The recent controversy surrounding Subway’s discontinued $6.99 footlong deal highlights the ongoing friction over pricing, marketing, and profitability. This episode explores these challenges and proposes […]
A Thanksgiving Reflection on the Restaurant Industry
From Night Auditor to Industry Leader: Giving Thanks to the Industry that Sustains Us Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and gratitude, and in this special ConStrata Minute, Toby Malbec speaks to the profound impact of the hospitality and restaurant industries on our lives and careers. For those of us who have dedicated our lives […]
Cheeseburgers at Altitude: Shake Shack Partners with Delta
Shake Shack Takes Flight: Cheeseburgers at 35,000 Feet! In a groundbreaking move, Shake Shack has announced a collaboration with Delta Air Lines to serve their iconic cheeseburgers to first-class passengers on flights over 900 miles. This innovative partnership marks a new chapter in inflight dining and brings a beloved culinary experience to the skies. But […]
Mastering Merchant Fees – A Simple Guide to Credit Card Savings
Unlocking Payment Secrets & How To Save Big on Credit Card Bills If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the complexities of payment services & mastering merchant fees, you’re not alone. Many operators view these services as a dark art, but the truth is, there are straightforward strategies to audit your billing and reduce those daunting […]
Cracking the Code: Simplifying Payment Solutions in Hospitality
The Complexity of Payment Solutions in Hospitality & Demystifying Payment Invoices In the fast-paced world of hospitality, technology is both a boon and a challenge. For CIOs and IT leaders, managing the technology stack within a hotel or restaurant is a task they approach with confidence—until the topic of payment solutions comes up. Why do […]
