Roberto Sarjoo’s Post

In Sam Danley's latest article for QSR, our CEO Zachary Goldstein shares insights on the shifting dynamics of restaurant delivery. Zach emphasizes that while third-party delivery is often necessary, restaurants must prioritize their first-party channels to maintain valuable customer relationships and data. At Thanx, we’re committed to helping restaurants enhance these direct connections through personalized, data-driven loyalty programs that go beyond discounts. Read the full article to see how the industry is evolving and why focusing on first-party experiences is crucial for long-term success: https://lnkd.in/gQ2fqPja

In the restaurant business, it was always believed that value deals and meals drove traffic. However, recent data indicates that this may not always be the case. Chains must now focus on elevating the customer experience to maintain positive traffic numbers. Read more about this shift in consumer behavior: https://lnkd.in/g2RNwmP2

There has been mixed feedback on ‘dynamic’ or ‘surge’ pricing in recent weeks. Most notably with Wendy’s rolling it out and rolling it back. Framing is everything - calling anything ‘surge’ related to pricing is going to drum up negative emotions 😡 This isn’t new - restaurants have been dynamically pricing for decades. Happy hours, lunch deals, early-birds call it what you want but adjusting pricing downward to drive demand in quiet day parts is common. What’s not common is pushing pricing upwards in day parts where you are trading at maximum capacity. This is where framing matters most 🖼️ The unlock here is technology - the tech is arriving to adjust prices automatically based on demand, input cost changes and marketing campaigns. It’s going to get to a place where there is no ‘real’ menu price rather a range of pricing 📱 🍔 This is how it should be - particular with respect to input costs. All business need to react to changes in COGs to ensure the health of their unit economics - restaurants should be no different 📊 Customers will get used to it and embrace it, the same way they are now know if they go at Happy Hour they get a ‘better deal’ than at peak dinner time on a Friday night. Once we don’t call it surge pricing it’ll all be ok 😰 #restaurant #pricing

The restaurant industry is incredibly resilient, but several stubborn economic factors have pushed a startling number of brands into bankruptcy this year. Discounting can be a race to the bottom, so top chains are choosing, instead, to build stronger emotional connections with guests through improved customer experiences and innovative loyalty programs...and reaping the rewards. Read more about this in our latest blog post….  https://lnkd.in/gfWyaNhb

Is your restaurant loyalty program stuck on repeat? There's a better way to keep customers coming back for more than just free fries. In this piece in QSR Magazine, Stephanie Meltzer-Paul takes a deep dive into the strategies that work to drive retention, excitement, and engagement. Take a look here: https://lnkd.in/eynn_-X3

Recent menu price increases at major fast-food chains like McDonald's and Taco Bell are meeting with consumer resistance, driving a notable shift in consumer behaviour, with many reevaluating their dining choices due to perceived value concerns. 🍔💸 This trend underscores the delicate balance between operational costs and customer satisfaction. Even slight changes can significantly impact consumer loyalty and brand perception in an industry with high price sensitivity. How should fast-food chains navigate these pricing challenges without alienating their customer base? https://lnkd.in/gBQzM6E9 #FastFood #PricingStrategy #ConsumerBehavior #QSR #FoodTrends

As the fast-food industry battles shrinking foot traffic and rising costs, major chains like McDonald’s and Wendy’s are leveraging strategic price bundles to attract value-conscious consumers. Yet, with McDonald’s reporting a decline in sales growth and Wendy’s exploring dynamic pricing, the sustainability of such promotions remains in question. Restaurants must balance enticing deals with profitability, considering new menu innovations and loyalty programs to sustain customer interest. As Modern Retail analysts suggest, the challenge lies in finding a pricing model that maintains customer appeal while managing operational costs in an increasingly competitive market.    Our Take 💭 Things move at a fast pace in casual dining and quick services restaurants. That is the point: readily available value-priced meals, often grab and go, chosen from menus are reliable and appealing, and experiences that breed loyalty and repeat visits. And it is far from easy!   Restaurant brands need to be nimble to reach, engage and compete for customers, bringing them back to the table through promotions, new menu items and even the announcement of new locations or regional expansion. In an increasingly competitive market, where and how you allocate media spend is an exercise that needs to be as responsive and effective as you are.   Measuring and optimizing marketing performance is essential to achieving equilibrium in the operations of your business. Finding the right partner to help you achieve it should be the easy part. To learn more about how we can support your media scenario planning, contact us today at [email protected].   Read the full article, “Fast-food chains like McDonald’s & Wendy’s are locked in a price war” on Modern Retail: https://lnkd.in/emvu6GFT

The National Restaurant Association predicts that sales in the restaurant industry will reach a historic milestone in 2024, with projected revenues of $1.1 trillion 😲 . This marks the first time the industry has exceeded the $1 trillion mark and represents a 10% rise from the forecasted figures for 2023. The main reason for this being the massive amounts of data restaurants can now gather and action. This is also why more and more brands are turning to loyalty providers like Spendgo to gather data on their most valuable asset, their customer; and in return enhancing that customers experience with the brand. https://lnkd.in/gZusyDWU

Value is more than a big trend right now, it is a core customer proposition that looks to reengage casual consumers who tightened their spending following inflationary trends. While some might be successful with this strategy, true value comes from the whole picture. It's both the dollar you spend and the experience you get in return. Just look at Happy Joe's 🍕 . #Restaurant #Value #ServantLeadership

With the growing trend of American QSR's entering the Australian Market, I give my opinion on how Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen should understand the Australian QSR consumer to plan a successful launch. Read through my key tips using our Strategic Framework TFMx that leverages real world data to plan #QSR media as well as source #HighValueFranchiseProspects. RetailBiz Restaurant Brands International