September 2023

3 Strategies for Restaurant Owners to Cut Franchise Costs and Boost Profits in 2023

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June 19, 2024

It’s 2023 and restaurants are feeling the squeeze of rising franchise costs. Supply chain issues, unforgiving inflation, and staff shortages have exacerbated these financial challenges for restaurants.


Restaurant prices have now outpaced grocery prices on a 12-month basis, a shift since mid-2021 (CNBC, 2021). Food costs have risen by 4.3% from August 2022 to August 2023 (Nerd Wallet, 2023) and restaurant prices are expected to rise by 9% in 2023, with fast food restaurants expecting a 15% cost increase (Simon Kucher, 2023). 


Then we have the next problem – the rising cost of gas. Pump prices are creeping towards $4 a gallon nationally in the USA, making it the highest level since October 19, 2022 (CNN Business, 2023). When gas prices rise, so does the cost of transporting foods from A to B, placing more financial strain on restaurant owners. 


And all of this is compounded by a severe staffing shortage, with the restaurant labor force still 450,000+ jobs below pre-pandemic levels as of January 2023 (Toast, 2023). 


It’s a turbulent phase, where owners have to hang tight, cut costs, and wade through the storm. Undeniably, the boat’s been rocked but restaurants can still find innovative ways to boost financial performance, cut costs, and increase their bottom line. 


In this article, we’re going to uncover a number of different strategies that will help restaurant franchise owners reduce their overhead costs and enhance their financial performance. 

Reduce Franchise Costs Through Consolidation

Consolidating HR and payroll functions is one of many strategies that can reduce restaurant costs. You can do so by simply adopting a people operating system, like Push Operations, to streamline various critical tasks and simplify operations across multiple locations.


A solution like this can immediately combine scheduling, payroll, time tracking, and hiring, all within a single platform. This eliminates the need for separate managers at each franchise to handle these functions independently. 


Integrating a people operating system can create a ripple effect that can benefit every facet of your restaurant franchise business. But how exactly?


The average salary of an HR manager can range anywhere between $91,000 to $120,000 per year (Toggle, 2023). Studies show that payroll software can automate this process and reduce payroll processing costs by 80% (Symmetrical, 2023). 


Other research highlights that HR scheduling software can improve employee satisfaction by 86% due to its ability to combat staff burnout by creating more predictable and consistent schedules (Shiftboard, 2023) — a crucial benefit for any restaurant owner. 


This, in turn, can directly improve your employee retention rate, thereby slashing franchise costs by not having to undergo a laborious employee onboarding process. 


We’ve only just scratched the surface, but using people management software can not only streamline your restaurant operations, but it can also ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance across all locations. This results in not just cost savings but also improved operational efficiency, a critical factor in elevating the financial performance of your restaurant franchise.

A screenshot of employee management software, which reduces franchise restaurant costs.

Improving Inventory Management 

Poor inventory management will burn through your capital faster than almost any other operational inefficiency. This is apparent when you acknowledge that food costs are generally 28% to 35% of total costs for a restaurant — a percentage that goes up when food is wasted (Oracle, 2021).


Yes, poor inventory management is costly; restaurant owners know this, but the problem stems from it being a difficult challenge to firmly grasp for a whole range of reasons that include:

  • Poor forecasting and demand planning
  • Inaccurate stocktaking and tracking
  • Seasonal variations and menu changes
  • Vendor management and supplier relationships

There are so many moving parts to monitor that it’s all too easy for someone to overlook important details or make a miscalculation which is enough to have serious ramifications for stock control.


However, you can streamline your inventory management by using specialized software. Doing so will provide you with real-time data that keeps your finger on the pulse of your inventory levels. 


For example, should there be a sudden decrease in demand, the software can initiate a reduction in food production, staff hours, and adjustments to supplier orders, effectively minimizing food wastage.

A selection of chopped vegetables for a dish, inventory management is crucial for cutting costs.

Cross Training Employees for a Dynamic Workforce

Momentum is everything in business, especially in hospitality. A missing skillset on the day must be replaced to maintain operational efficiency both in the kitchen and on the floor. 


But if you own multiple restaurants, you will experience a sporadic spray of days where employees can’t work. It’s an inevitability that makes it crucial to have a cross-trained workforce where employees can pivot between positions and exceed expectations. 


This flexibility ensures that your restaurant can maintain optimal service levels, even during unexpected staffing challenges or busy periods. Sharing employees across locations when needed further amplifies this efficiency. 


If one restaurant is having a surge in customers while another has surplus staff, reallocating employees can help you balance workloads and optimize labor costs. The benefits of cross-training your team are wide-ranging and will help mitigate the risks of skill gaps and operational disruptions.


Failing to have such a dynamic workforce will put you on the back foot in an ever increasing cutthroat industry. A restaurant’s workforce is extremely interdependent to consistently deliver an exceptional culinary experience. 


One small missing cog in a restaurant’s wheel is enough for operations to grind to a halt, which not only hampers productivity but can also degrade both the customer experience and your reputation — both of which will impact your profits. 

Cross-trained franchise employees are working together to prepare a meal.

Final Thoughts: Restaurant Management Software is an Effective Way to Cut Franchise Costs

The business landscape for restaurants has changed dramatically in the last couple of years. Customers have less money to spend. Food prices have soared. Skilled labor is scant and more expensive. The pressure dial is increased and restaurants need to find ways to cut franchise costs and improve profits. 


One sure way to achieve this is to integrate an all-in-one restaurant management software to plug in the holes that are draining your capital. Push Operations can do so by streamlining scheduling, payroll, time tracking, and hiring in one place. 


Restaurant owners can maximize productivity in less time with fewer mistakes, allowing them to slash franchise costs and boost profits. 

Want to reduce franchise costs and enhance your financial performance?


Then book your free demo now to create a more efficient and productive workforce designed to boost profitability and preserve your capital. 

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The food and hospitality industry is entering a transformative era in 2024 — driven by consumer demand for transparency, health, environmental responsibility, and a touch of culinary innovation. Diners are more informed, adventurous, and values-driven than ever before. Whether it’s a craving for Korean-BBQ tacos, gut-friendly mocktails, or carbon-labeled menus, today’s customers are embracing trends that combine personal wellness with global consciousness.

For restaurant owners and foodservice managers, keeping pace with the latest food trends is more than a matter of creativity — it’s a necessity for profitability and long-term success. This guide explores the top food trends for 2024, from plant-based innovations to tech-forward sustainability practices, and how operators can successfully integrate them into their businesses.

Let’s dig into what’s trending, what your customers want, and how your restaurant can stay ahead.

What Are the Top Food Trends for 2024?

Here’s a snapshot of the most impactful food trends shaping menus and operations in 2024:

  • Plant-based innovations – Beyond tofu: think cultivated meats, mushroom mycelium, and chickpea-based seafood substitutes.
  • Climate-conscious menus – Locally sourced, low-waste, and forward-thinking menus aligned with environmental responsibility.
  • Functional wellness foods – Ingredients that support mood, energy, and immunity are being infused into dishes and drinks.
  • Tech-driven dining experiences – AI tools, robotics, and smart systems are elevating back-of-house efficiency and customer-facing dining.
  • Global flavor fusions – Mashups of regional cuisines (like Indian-Mexican or Korean-South American) offer novelty and richness.

Why Do Restaurant Owners Need to Pay Attention to Food Trends?

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  • Consumer demand is shifting: According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Culinary Forecast, over 70% of diners say they actively seek healthier, more sustainable options when dining out.
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  • Increased brand loyalty: Restaurants that align with customer values — health, ethics, innovation — earn trust, repeat visits, and social shares.
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  • Operational agility: Trend-oriented kitchens are quicker to pivot when supply chains shift, diets evolve, or digital preferences change.
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Which Foods Are Trending This Year Across the U.S.?

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Rise of Plant-Based Food Trends

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  • Cultivated meats: Also known as lab-grown meats, these are becoming mainstream. Brands like UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat are breaking into U.S. markets with chicken grown from animal cells in controlled environments.
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  • Mycoproteins & legumes: Derived from fungi or pulses, protein-rich alternatives like tempeh, jackfruit, and lupin are being used creatively in tacos, BBQ ribs, and seafood analogs.
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  • Mainstream adoption: Major chains like Burger King and Chipotle continue expanding plant-forward menus, while independents offer bold meatless dishes with flavor-forward sauces, global spices, and satisfying textures.
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Healthy Food Trends for 2024

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  • Gut health focus: Probiotic-rich dishes (kimchi grilled cheese or sourdough naan wraps) and fermented sides are on the rise.
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  • Lower-sugar desserts: Sweet treats are being reimagined with monk fruit, dates, and other low-glycemic ingredients.
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  • Immunity boosters: Menus highlight ingredients like turmeric, ginger, vitamin C, and zinc through smoothies, teas, and power bowls.
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  • Clean-label commitment: Consumers are studying ingredient lists, preferring dishes with wholesome, recognizable components.
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Functional Foods and Beverages

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  • Nootropic-infused drinks: Beverages powered by L-theanine or functional mushrooms cater to focus and calm.
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  • Adaptogenic add-ons: Herbs like ashwagandha, maca, and rhodiola are finding their way into smoothies, lattes, and sauces.
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  • Wellness cocktails: Mixed drinks sans alcohol — but heavy on health — promote detox and energy, flavored with botanicals and natural extracts like spirulina, matcha, and activated charcoal.
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How Are Sustainable Food Trends Shaping the Industry?

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From Menu to Sourcing: The Push Toward Sustainability

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  • Local and seasonal sourcing: Supporting nearby farms reduces emissions, ensures freshness, and appeals to community-minded consumers.
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  • Zero-waste operations: Chefs are using root-to-stem cooking, fermentation for food preservation, and creative uses for scraps in sauces or stocks.
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  • Eco-conscious packaging: Compostable containers, reusable to-go kits, and edible cutlery are disrupting traditional takeout models.
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Tech and Innovation in Sustainable Dining

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  • Carbon labeling: Climate impact scores on menus help customers make informed dining decisions, much like calorie counts.
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  • AI-driven inventory management: Tools optimize ordering patterns, reducing spoilage and overstock-related waste.
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  • Vertical farming & hydroponic setups: Onsite or bordered supply chains shorten the farm-to-table journey.
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What Is the Most Popular Food Trend Right Now?

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While many trends are gaining traction, one standout in 2024 is the rise of global comfort fusion — particularly dishes that marry traditional comfort food with spicy, umami-rich flavors.

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  • Korean-Mexican cuisine: Think birria bulgogi tacos or kimchi queso.
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  • Indian-South American mashups: Curried empanadas or tandoori arepas are headline grabbers.
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  • TikTok’s viral influence: Trends like \“chili crisp eggs\” or \“pickle sushi\” are being adapted on local menus, proving that social virality turns into real-world demand.
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How Social Media Is Driving Food Trend Adoption

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Role of Social Media in Accelerating Food Fads

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  • Influencer credibility: A single post from a viral chef or creator can spark national interest in a dish.
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  • Hashtag virality: Foods labeled #ButterBoard or #WaterTok evolve into week-long waitlists and menu must-haves.
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  • User-generated content: Diners love documenting quirky, beautiful, or “you’ve-never-seen-this-before” dishes to share online.
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Leveraging Food Trends for Restaurant Marketing

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  • Seasonal menus & pop-ups: Limited-time offerings based on trending foods motivate urgency and trial.
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  • Social callouts: Encourage diners to tag, post, or review your trend-forward menu items.
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  • Reels and behind-the-scenes content: Show viewers where your ingredients come from or how a niche global dish is made.
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Global and Fusion Food Trends to Watch

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  • Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) flavors: Featuring citrusy ceviches with umami-rich miso and soy glazes.
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  • West African influences: Dishes using jollof rice, egusi stew, or fonio grain paired with plant-based elements.
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  • Filipino-American blends: Adobo-braised brisket sandwiches or ube milkshakes have mainstream momentum.
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Tips for Implementing 2024 Food Trends in Your Restaurant

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  • Test with limited-time offers (LTOs): Introduce a trending ingredient as a weekly special or seasonal dish to measure interest.
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  • Survey your customers: Use email lists or POS systems to gather input on potential additions.
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  • Train your staff: Equip them with the knowledge and enthusiasm to explain functional or sustainable items.
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  • Work with specialized suppliers: Align with local farmers, health-focused vendors, or zero-waste packaging providers for smoother execution.
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Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve with 2024’s Food Trends

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Adapting to food trends in 2024 isn’t about chasing every new idea — it’s about identifying the trends that align with your market, values, and culinary identity. Plant-based options, sustainability, global flavors, and wellness-centric dining aren’t just appealing — they’re economically vital.

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Restaurants that act early — leveraging data, culture, and digital ecosystems — will attract today’s health-conscious, eco-aware diner and become tomorrow’s industry leaders.

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Ready to Lead the Industry with Smarter Menu Strategies?

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2024 promises bold innovations in food — and your restaurant can thrive by embracing the right trends. Whether you’re scaling functional drinks, reducing kitchen waste, or jumping on the next viral fusion dish, the right tools can help you act faster and smarter.

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Subscribe to the Push blog for expert insights on restaurant operations, emerging food trends, and next-gen hospitality technology. Stay ahead — serve success.

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Internal Links

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External Sources

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  • National Restaurant Association 2024 Culinary Forecast
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  • Technomic’s 2024 Foodservice Trends Report
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  • Mintel Functional Food Trends Analysis 2024
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