The Monthly POP: PAR Operator Pulse
PAR Technology
PAR is a leading global provider of software, systems, and service solutions to the restaurant and retail industries.
Monthly PAR Operator Updates: June 2024
PAR Operator Cloud Insights
Welcome to PAR Technology’s monthly newsletter “The Monthly POP: PAR Operator Pulse”. In this newsletter, we aim to keep owners and operators in the loop about key industry updates and trends as well as the latest developments at PAR Technology, including updates and improvements that can benefit your operations.
TL;DR
Trends and Challenges: QSR’s continue to raise menu prices | Fast-casual restaurants experienced a growth in sales | Providing guests with quality service is more important than ever with the rise of ‘tipflation’ | Catering is expected to grow this year
Product Updates: Our spring 2024 release for PAR Brink POS is here | PAR Data Central’s forecasting engine helps you schedule your staff faster and easier
Customer Success: Congratulations PAR honorees in this year's Top Movers and Shakers report | Check out our latest case study to learn how Farmer Boys streamlined its back-office operations with PAR Data Central
Trends Roundup
Quick-service restaurants continued to raise menu prices. QSR menu prices rose 0.3% in April and 4.1% over the past year.
*Information from Nation’s Restaurant News “Quick-service menu prices remained elevated in April”
Fast-casual restaurants have become the sweet spot for industry growth. Over the past year, fast-casual sales increased by 11.2%.
*Information from Nation’s Restaurant News “Fast-casual emerges as the sweet spot for restaurant industry growth”
With the rise of ‘tipflation’, providing guests with quality service is even more crucial as it significantly influences their tipping decisions. 57% Americans now say they would tip 15% or less for an average meal at a sit-down restaurant.
*Information from Pew Research “Tipping Culture in America: Public Sees a Changed Landscape”
The catering segment is expected to experience significant growth throughout the year. 74% of restaurants expect at least a 20% growth in catering in 2024.
*Information from Hospitality Technology “Study: 74% of Restaurants Project a 20+% Jump in Office Catering”
POPtoons!
PAR Product Updates
PAR Technology Elevates Table Service Experience with Brink POS 2024 Spring Release
We recently announced our spring 2024 release for PAR Brink POS. Designed to empower restaurants in navigating the balance between operational efficiency and exceptional guest experiences, this update introduces a variety of features that:
PAR Data Central
Did you know that PAR Data Central helps you schedule your staff faster and easier?
Recommended by LinkedIn
Quickly generate full weekly schedules using PAR Data Central’s intelligent forecasting engine:
Real-Time Alert Notifications: Managers receive alert notifications about upcoming overtime to avoid penalties.
Direct Communication: Employees can communicate directly with managers in the Data Central App to discuss shift changes and request time off.
Industry Insights Powered by PAR Pay
The General Manager of PAR Pay, Sal Nazir, recently participated in an interview about the current state of tipping culture in the United States. Here are the key takeaways from the discussion:
Q: How have tipping practices evolved in the United States over the past few years?
A: “Tipping has become more prevalent in many industries. Driving this is the simplicity of adding a tip at the point of purchase or in-app during a purchase. Tipping was previously reserved for fine dining, but now we see it in QSR, Fast Casual, etc. At first, consumers were surprised, but now, with each transaction prompting one, they are getting tip fatigue.”
Q: What factors do you think significantly influence tipping behavior?
A: “Service quality, food, and overall staff friendliness influence tipping behavior. 77% of Americans cite service quality as the primary reason for leaving a tip. 33% of Americans also cited rising costs and the desire to ensure employees can provide great service and earn a decent wage as reasons for leaving tips.”
Q: How can consumers and businesses effectively navigate the evolving landscape of tipping culture?
A: “Businesses should be transparent in how tips are being captured and shared with employees so consumers can feel they are contributing to a greater cause. Additionally, technology will continue to make tipping more available, so consumers should define their tipping playbook and follow it as tipping is ultimately a personal choice.”
Partnership Spotlight
As the leader in implementing drive-thru voice AI ordering, Hi Auto is revolutionizing the QSR experience. Hi Auto's technology is fully integrated with PAR Brink POS and increases order accuracy, boosts upselling, improves throughputs, and curtails labor costs. Known as America's "Employee of the Month," Hi Auto's AI order taker is a significant innovation in the industry expanding nationally and internationally.
Customer Success Stories and Resources
Blog: Congratulations to PAR Customers: 2024 Fast Casual Movers and Shakers Honorees
Fast Casual recently announced its annual Top Movers and Shakers report, consisting of 75 brands and 25 executives in the restaurant industry. PAR is proud to partner with 36 brands and 6 executives on this year's Movers and Shakers report. Check out how Brink POS, Data Central, and PAR Pay honorees are shaking up the industry here!
eBook: Buyers Guide: Top POS Must-Haves for Growing Restaurants
With so many POS systems available today, choosing the right solution for your growing restaurant operations may feel like a headache, but it doesn’t have to! Download out our latest eBook and uncover crucial considerations when looking for a new POS and first-hand success stories from restaurant brands leveraging the right POS.
Case Study: From Manual to Modern: Farmer Boys Streamlines its Back-Office Operations with PAR Data Central
Leveraging a back-office restaurant management solution is crucial to automating processes, saving time, and improving operational efficiencies. Check out our recent case study and uncover how Farmer Boys is leveraging PAR Data Central to streamline its back-office operations. Download Now!
Blog: Tips and Tricks for Success: Managing Multiple Locations with a Back Office Solution
From staying up to date on customer preferences and market demands to combating logistical hurdles like staffing, inventory, and reporting, effectively managing multiple locations is one of the most challenging tasks for multi-unit restaurants. Read this blog and discover how restaurants with multiple locations can take control and set each location up for success. Read Now!