Commodity inflation may be easing a bit this year for chain restaurant operators, but will the savings be offset by costs related to current political and economic issues? And will they lead to higher menu prices during the remainder of 2014?
The answers to these questions, faced by operators in every restaurant category, will be revealed in the next SpenDifference menu price tracking survey. For the first time, respondents will be asked how the Affordable Care Act and minimum-wage increases are affecting their costs, in addition to answering questions about menu pricing and cost-control strategies. SpenDifference, a supply chain co-op that helps restaurants save money, surveys chains twice a year on their pricing strategies and trends, as well as supply chain management strategies.
Chain executives are invited to take the survey, with results scheduled to be released in May. Participants will be entered in a drawing to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards and will receive a complimentary copy of the findings. All responses will remain confidential.
“Commodity inflation, always a challenge for operators, has slowed this year, and the economy is gaining strength, but chains are facing a number of new political and economic issues that can impact their profitability,” said Maryanne Rose, president and CEO. SpenDifference’s last survey, conducted in late 2013, forecast 92 percent of chains planned to raise prices this year an average of 1.8%. “It will be interesting to see if chains are indeed increasing prices and what role, if any, healthcare and labor costs are playing.”
About SpenDifference
Based in
Denver, SpenDifference partners with emerging to mid-sized restaurant
companies, providing full-service supply chain support. It currently
works with more than 20 national and regional chains that represent
nearly $1 billion annually in purchasing.
Link to survey: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e943p7swhtaelmjr/start
Contacts:
Brad Ritter, 866-284-2170
BRitter@bradritter.com
