Best Financing and Loan Options for Restaurant Owners in 2026
Restaurant owners can use this financing and loan guide to compare funding options, avoid costly mistakes, and improve cash flow.
Jun 19, 2026
Restaurant owners can use this financing and loan guide to compare funding options, avoid costly mistakes, and improve cash flow.
Jun 19, 2026
Propelled Brands lowers Camp Bow Wow’s investment and standardizes a 6,000-sq-ft prototype to attract multi-unit growth amid a tight real estate market.
Jun 18, 2026
Blue Bottle launches a 90-minute, machine-free Kyoto-style espresso, bottled for cold drinks across 152 cafés on June 16.
Jun 18, 2026
A missing Lego Star Wars cache puts Bricks & Minifigs in court, testing franchise rules, consignment policies, and brand trust across a 300‑unit network.
Jun 18, 2026
Domino’s launches a $9.99 any pizza deal, adding Parmesan Stuffed Crust through July 26, 2026, timed to the World Cup with gamified rewards and heavy ad support.
Jun 18, 2026
Raising Cane’s opens a 16,000-square-foot flagship by Intuit Dome in Inglewood, blending spectacle and throughput as the chain accelerates global expansion.
Jun 18, 2026
Restaurants race to modernize POS as mobile wallets surge, cloud adoption grows, drive-thru integrations expand, and costs and interoperability shape strategic selection.
Jun 18, 2026
Boost restaurant revenue during FIFA World Cup 2026 with proven promotion ideas, marketing strategies, staffing tips, and match-day sales tactics.
Jun 18, 2026
Discover how Via 313 and Terry Black’s Barbecue are fusing barbecue flavors and Detroit-style pizza in a bold Texas collaboration. Learn what this means for trend-focused restaurant operators.
Jun 18, 2026
FAT Brands' $595M asset sale marks a seismic shift in the restaurant world. Discover what this landmark bankruptcy outcome means for owners, franchisees, and the future of franchised dining brands.
Jun 18, 2026
Find more trends, challenges, and opportunities in the restaurant industry operations for 2025.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
Amidst the challenges, industry experts are expressing optimism about the restaurant industry in 2025. The belief that consumer demand will remain stable and that lenders will be more open to financing restaurants is a positive sign for operators. The NRA's report highlights that a significant percentage of restaurants are expecting higher sales or maintaining similar levels to the previous year.
Michelle Korsmo, the NRA president, emphasized the strength of the restaurant industry fundamentals. Operators are optimistic about the upcoming year, with growth expected from a blend of value and experience catering to consumer needs. Innovations in operational efficiency are set to drive success for restaurants.
Expectations of heightened competition remain prevalent among operators, with nearly half foreseeing increased competitive pressures in 2025. Adapting to this landscape will require strategic differentiation and a keen focus on customer-centric offerings and experiences to stand out in a crowded market.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
Labor costs, food expenses, and employee recruitment and retention continue to top the list of challenges faced by both full-service and limited-service operators. Finding innovative solutions to streamline operations and optimize costs will be crucial in overcoming these obstacles.
Despite challenges, consumer demand for dining out remains robust in 2025. The majority of adult diners express intentions to engage with the restaurant industry through various channels, including delivery services and on-premise dining experiences. This highlights the enduring appeal of the dining-out experience.
Many restaurants are focusing on enhancing their on-premise channels, aligning with the consumer preference for dining out. By optimizing in-house dining experiences, operators can cater to the evolving tastes and preferences of their clientele while differentiating themselves in a competitive market.