After over a year of restrictions in many areas of the country, the hospitality industry is looking to grow. Check out the latest, fresh and fun opportunities for aspiring restaurateurs – you’re going to like what you see. By Dawn Abbamondi
After over a year of restrictions in many areas of the country, the hospitality industry is looking to grow. Check out the latest, fresh and fun opportunities for aspiring restaurateurs – you’re going to like what you see.
To say it is an exciting time for food and beverage brands, might be a bit of an understatement. Industry experts believe that the potential for growth has never been better and hundreds of opportunities are available.
While there was an impact on the industry in 2020 – restaurant franchise growth was still high on the list – hitting the Top 5 by many trend reports. Those of us in the franchise industry know that there are always a lot of interested candidates. This year however, it’s even more exciting because consumers are really ready for new options, especially “out of home”. This is positive for those of you who have always wanted to open a restaurant.
Brands that appear to be bubbling up in the news and showing positive trends are definitely in the fast-casual segment and those with “grab-and-go” products from snacks and desserts to coffee, tea and other beverages including alcohol. This latest shift is exciting to see happen, as many states made off-premises, to-go, alcoholic beverages easier to sell than ever in 2020. Even better? It appears that this trend will be sticking around as part of the restaurant landscape in 2021 and beyond!
Don’t fret however, if you really want to open and operate a full-service restaurant, just look to brands that reacted to the consumer demand. You will want to be able to offer easy takeout, in-house delivery and/or third-party delivery, even after states eliminate restrictions.
What is even better? Depending on the brand and model you choose to open, the time to get to grand opening may be dramatically reduced if the franchisor allows “second generation” space. If you find real estate that was previously operating as a restaurant or food concept you can celebrate that big event before the end of 2021!
So, what’s on your plate? Deciding you are ready to become a franchise owner with a hip, fresh restaurant concept? Cheers to you!
– Dawn Abbamondi
Dawn Abbamondi, director of brand development and marketing at SMB Franchise Advisors, has over 20 years of extensive franchising experience in the coffee, food, convenience, gift, and floral industries. Dawn leads the areas of marketing, social media, public relations, web development and lead generation. Contact her at 215-370-7998, Dawn@SMBFranchising.com, or visit SMBFranchising.com.