As we navigate through 2024, the restaurant industry continues to face unprecedented challenges. According to the National Restaurant Association's 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry Report, more than half of restaurant operators say that business conditions are worse now than they were three months ago. Skyrocketing operational costs and persistent staffing shortages are at the forefront of these challenges.

Supply chain disruptions have led to ingredient prices surging significantly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that food prices increased by an average of 11.3% over the past year, making it tougher than ever for eateries to maintain their menus without passing costs onto customers.

Local establishments, which add so much flavor and character to our communities, are feeling the pinch the most. Many have already closed their doors, and others are on the brink.

The Mounting Pressures on Restaurants

The past few years have been a rollercoaster for the food industry. While some sectors have begun to recover, restaurants continue to face a unique set of obstacles:

• Operational Costs: Increased rent, utilities, and compliance costs have eroded profit margins.

• Staffing Shortages: According to the National Restaurant Association, 62% of fine dining and 54% of casual dining operators report that they don't have enough employees to support customer demand.

• Supply Chain Issues: Global disruptions have caused delays and shortages in essential ingredients.

• Changing Consumer Behaviors: With the rise of food delivery apps, fewer customers are dining in, impacting revenue.

Consumers' Desire for In-Person Dining

Despite the convenience of takeout and delivery, there's a strong appetite for returning to in-person dining experiences. A survey by OpenTable indicated that 70% of diners are eager to return to dining out, missing the ambiance, social interaction, and the simple joy of eating a meal prepared by someone else.

An article from Forbes highlights that diners are seeking not just food but meaningful experiences that come with eating out. This presents an opportunity for restaurants to reconnect with their patrons and rebuild community ties.

The Need for Innovative Solutions

Traditional marketing platforms and third-party delivery services often come with high fees, further squeezing tight margins. Restaurants need a new way to reach audiences without adding to their overhead.

This is where Host comes in—a free solution for restaurants to market their offers directly to consumers and encourage that in-person dining experience again.

How Host Supports Restaurants

Host is designed to empower restaurants by providing them with tools to:

• Promote Special Offers and Events: Easily share deals, discounts, and upcoming events with a targeted audience.

• Engage Directly with Customers: Build relationships without the intermediary of third-party platforms that charge hefty fees.

• Increase Foot Traffic: Encourage customers to visit in person, enhancing the dining experience and increasing revenue.

By eliminating the costs associated with traditional advertising and third-party services, Host helps restaurants retain more of their hard-earned profits.

A Win-Win for Diners and Eateries

For consumers, Host offers a curated platform to discover new dining experiences and exclusive offers from local favorites. It bridges the gap between eager diners and restaurants ready to serve, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

Join the Movement

The challenges faced by the restaurant industry require collective action and innovative thinking. By supporting platforms like Host, we're not only helping our favorite eateries survive but also thrive in a post-pandemic world.

If you're a restaurant owner looking to reconnect with your community without incurring additional costs, consider joining Host. And if you're a foodie eager to explore and support local dining, Host is your gateway to the best your city has to offer.

Let's work together to revitalize the dining scene we all cherish.

Visit gethost.ca to learn more.