IS THE RESTUARNAT INDUSTRY IN BIG TOUBLE?

Seems like every day we hear another restaurant is closing.  The latest is Smoky Bones. The latest closings will leave the company with 26 locations nationwide.  I did not know that the parent company Twin hospitality inc owns Twin Peaks and will be converting a few of those closed smoky bones.  Smoky Bones averages 3.5 million a year, twin peaks averages 7-7.5 million a year.  Twin peaks has better food, better choices, better service and lots and lots of beautiful woman that like to flirt.   

I would not mind if the Grove City location closes and becomes a Twin Peaks.  

Earlier this year I saud that the Pizza industry was in big trouble.  Most pizzas are not worth over $20 but costs to make s pizza snd / or deliver that pizza are up 60%.  

The closing of restaurants is not over.  Prices keep rising, hiring good help is getting more difficult.

I think it is safe to say that Door Dash and other companies like them saved the industry, but it came at a cost. To make up for drivers, restaurants had to increase their menus to pay for fees and or royalties. 

Locally even one of my favorite restaurants raised their prices after a great story on them went viral.  The food is the same, the prices went up 15-20% but yesterday I ordered my usual wor su gai and it was served on a smaller plate, they charged me $1.75 for extra rice, even though the rice that came with it was a smaller portion.  Then I got the bill and they charged me a fee for using my credit card, but no mention of a fee anywhere on me the original receipt. 

Yes, unfortunately I am talking about Ding Ho’s. I think it is CHECKMATE. The food has changed a little, the prices went up, portions went down by switching to a smaller dish.  The service has never been the best but the food was enough to come back.  Local restaurants rely on regulars, this regular left dissapointed and probably will not be back in 2025.  I sm not sure the see 2027.  

I assume I will lose my other two favorites in the next two years too.  

Tommy’s and Minelli’s. Great food, prices keep rising, but the service is declining, they can’t get the help, always see a help wanted sign.  

Back to the pizza industry.  I think Pizza Hut is in big trouble, I think donatos has become almost inedible.  They won’t admit it, but they changed their sauce or crust maybe both after covid. The worst is Domino’s, but they are a stock market favorite. The technology they use in their apps and keeping cost down will save them.  Locally I think Pizza Cottage is overpriced and not very good. 

I will end on this, The pizza industry is in big trouble.  Another fsn favorite might be in worse trouble…….

CHIPOTLE
The quality has become inconsistent, the prices weny way up, customer service has always been questionable. But their beloved stock has been getting destroyed lately.  Their  huge split last year really hurt them.  I expect over 100 will close in next two years.  

Word of advice to all restaurant owners, if your employees struggle with English, teach them…they have targets on them.  Whether they are kidnapped or walk away..they will be gone.  Leaving you a void.  

JASON