Caterlyst Insights has revealed that a further retrenchment of the big chain restaurants is expected in the short to medium term while struggling, dated brands reasses their portfolios. We have seen this already with high closures across the TRG brands – Frankie & Benny’s (110 sites) and Chiquito’s (64). Stemming the overall decline will be smaller, emerging brands taking advantage of site availability and re-worked rent agreements backed by investors already eyeing the opportunities within the market. 2022 is set to be a catalyst for the omnichannel. Restaurant operators and investors into the industry will no longer just look at growing revenue through opening new sites, but how they can extend into different markets and truly maximise the value of the brand. Delivery suitable dishes will continue to be relevant and a key pillar to a restaurant operators strategy going forward, menu items will be specifically designed with this in mind. Meals kits have also proven popular and collaborations between the dominate market players such as Gousto and Hello Fresh are surely the next step. Procurement of more locally sourced ingredients will be a priority to restaurant owners, for a number of reasons: 1) A more reliable and potentially cheaper alternative to imported perishable produce (as a direct result of Brexit) 2) Reduce food miles and achieve their sustainability goals 3) Meet consumer demand for provenance and home-grown credentials on menu items. (Image: pexels)