As the hospitality sector enters 2025, quick-service restaurant (QSR) operators are evaluating their strategies to ensure they are adequately prepared for the challenges and opportunities that the new year will bring. Industry leaders advocate for the necessity of engaging and empowering frontline employees, who play a vital role in driving operational improvements. With a new year unfolding, it is an opportune moment for these businesses to reassess their approaches, embrace technological innovations, and implement changes that could significantly influence their future success.
In this landscape, prominent brands such as Popeyes, Burger King, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Jersey Mike's are already pioneering ambitious initiatives designed for 2025, with particular emphasis on leveraging technology to enhance employee engagement and streamline workflows.
One company making significant strides in this area is Shift, which is at the forefront of revolutionising communication within the QSR sector. Their platform utilises back-of-house television systems to relay key operational information and team communications, facilitating real-time interaction with employees. Feedback received from Shift’s clients highlights substantial improvements: revenue increased by 11 percent, employee retention rose by 25 percent, and operational profitability surged by 21 percent.
Shift aims to bridge communication gaps between management and employees, thereby fostering an environment that boosts productivity and job satisfaction. Kevin Newell, CEO of Supreme Foods, which oversees a large portfolio including 36 Burger Kings and 34 Popeyes locations, reported considerable enhancements in team dynamics after implementing Shift. “We tried it out in a few Burger King stores and we noticed engagement from our team members, and just general communication with them, was much better,” Newell explained. He indicated that this technology notably improved various operational metrics, including service speed and customer satisfaction.
In the Buffalo Wild Wings sector, Anderson Management, managing seven franchise locations across Montana, noted significant operational advancements following their adoption of Shift. Prior to its implementation, internal communication was often laborious and led to ineffective promotional efforts. However, after integrating Shift’s technology, they experienced remarkable success with their Twisted Tea promotion, exceeding previous sales targets within just 19 days of a 60-day campaign. “Shift is great because it is an employee retention and sales-building platform,” remarked David Moorhead, director of marketing and finance at Anderson Management. He highlighted the efficiency of the platform, noting the time savings in communication efforts.
At Jersey Mike's, entrepreneur Jason Zieman has similarly praised Shift for fostering a more engaged outlook among employees. He observed that the platform’s focus on employee recognition significantly enhances team morale and contributes to lower turnover rates. “The affordability of Shift is incredible, and the sky is the limit for the effect it’s having on our culture,” Zieman stated, underlining the importance of employee appreciation in shaping a positive work environment.
As businesses in the restaurant industry gear up for a notable transformation in 2025, the integration of innovative communicative technologies like Shift appears to be key to staying competitive. This evolution not only optimizes operations but also elevates team dynamics, setting a promising tone for the future of quick-service establishments. Through strategic partnerships and technological innovations, stakeholders within the sector can pursue genuine enhancements in operational effectiveness and workplace culture.
Source: Noah Wire Services