The biggest threats are often those that few see coming. It’s a case of history repeating itself with companies being wiped out by disruptive forces that were often dismissed when they first appeared.
A similar fate could be met by many restaurant companies if they do not take active steps to modernize their businesses and stay relevant with evolving industry and consumer trends.
Technological innovation and rapid changes in consumer preferences have introduced a near-constant pace of disruption adding to the already complex foodservice industry.
We’ve assembled some of our most popular insights relative to trends, technology, innovation, and performance optimization to help cut through the noise around some of these issues and give leaders practical advice for not only keeping up with but leapfrogging the competition.
Restaurant trends are shifting billions of dollars within the $3.5 trillion foodservice industry globally, making and re-shaping categories and segments. They are moving faster than many chains can even comprehend and it’s affecting the competitive landscape across geographies globally — from Canada to the Middle East, India and beyond — and across categories of the industry, from burgers to pizza to steakhouses and casual dining. Read More
Volatility. Variance. Disruption. The global foodservice industry is going to have to start responding and performing with the agility and technological savvy of a Silicon Valley startup if it is to maintain its relevance and share of stomach. Read More
The famed Ringling Brothers–Barnum & Bailey Circus closed in January 2017 after almost a century and a half of operation. Its failure to honor its brand’s DNA — to continue to spark the magic that resonated with audiences for over a century — proved fatal. Restaurant chains can learn lessons from this powerful story. Read More
What was already one of the most complex businesses in the world is becoming even more so following the arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and new consumer demands for convenience. The next five years are going to be more disruptive to the industry than the previous 50. Read More
For as many mentions as you may read in the coming year(s) about alternative proteins and the rise of organics and insect diets, these are all food — not format — related. It’s clear the alternative formats shaping up are stealing share from traditional foodservice establishments around the world. Read More
If you have lost a painful budget or board battle recently — particularly if it relates to technology and bold bets to advance your company — you will find this article worth the time. Always learning, always teaching. Read More
Most established restaurant chains have weathered difficult times, as sales slipped and customers started disappearing. Those that survived the slump did so by realigning their brands brand so that its core personality, promise, and positioning resonated with guests. Read More
In the era with an accelerated pace of change, we’ve seen dozens of brands fall into bankruptcy as a result of failing to ask the question “are we still relevant?” (or, at least, asking it far too late). Read More
About Aaron Allen & Associates
Aaron Allen & Associates works alongside senior executives of the world’s leading foodservice and hospitality companies to help them solve their most complex challenges and achieve their most ambitious aims. We help organizations navigate initiatives to modernize marketing, integrate technology, and keep pace with evolving consumer trends.
Our clients span six continents and 100+ countries, collectively posting more than $200b in revenue. Across 2,000+ engagements, we’ve worked in nearly every geography, category, cuisine, segment, operating model, ownership type, and phase of the business life cycle.