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28. June 2025,

Restaurant Talk: What’s really behind rising restaurant food costs?

Author: Jake Juba
Restaurant food costs
Photo by Kzenon

Welcome to Restaurant Talk, the go-to catch-up for busy restaurant professionals like you. Take two minutes, grab a coffee, and explore this months industry headlines.

Too busy? (Jump to the stories👇)

1.“Value remains top priority for restaurant guests, finds Yelp

🗣️ What’s the talk:
In a time of rising prices and economic uncertainty, diners are hunting for value more than ever. A recent Yelp report reveals guests prioritise quality and affordability, often choosing spots that deliver great taste without breaking the bank.

Restaurants offering specials, bundled deals, and loyalty rewards are seeing stronger engagement and repeat visits.

👂 Are you listening?
Keeping value front and center in your menu and marketing helps maintain foot traffic and guest loyalty, especially as food costs climb. Make sure value offerings stand out clearly both onsite and online.

👓 Read the full story @FoodService Director

2. “How will AI change the restaurant business?

🗣️ What’s the talk:
AI is no longer just a buzzword. It’s starting to reshape how restaurants operate, from predictive inventory management to personalised guest experiences.

Fast Company highlights innovations like AI-powered kitchen automation, chatbots for ordering, and data-driven menu optimisation as key ways the industry can improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

👂 Are you listening?
AI could be a game changer, but adopting it successfully means integrating it thoughtfully with your existing team and systems. Restaurants willing to experiment and invest now may gain a real competitive edge.

👓 Read the full story @Fast Company

3. “Hot weather pushes up food prices, hitting harvest yields

🗣️ What’s the talk:
Record-breaking heat waves have hit crops across the UK, causing lower harvest yields and pushing food prices higher. Retailers warn ongoing supply chain pressures could last through the year.

The Guardian reports fresh produce, dairy, and staple ingredients are feeling the heat, with price hikes likely to ripple through to restaurant menus soon.

👂 Are you listening?
This weather-driven price surge is a timely reminder to review supplier contracts and menu pricing. Sustainability and local sourcing may become even more important tools to manage cost and quality.

👓 Read the full story @The Guardian

That’s enough talk for today. Check out the blog for more restaurant news, guides, and more.