December 2025

Monthly News & Updates

Chairman's Message

Aloha HRA Ohana,



As we move through the busy month of December, I want to begin by saying mahalo. Mahalo to the chefs, owners, managers, servers, bartenders, suppliers, and support teams who show up every day with resilience, creativity, and genuine Aloha. Our industry is the heartbeat of our islands' economy and culture, and your commitment continues to inspire me and the entire Board of Directors.

This month, we are seeing both opportunity and challenge. Visitor numbers are gradually stabilizing, and local diners are continuing to support neighborhood restaurants in meaningful ways. At the same time, rising costs, labor shortages, and the unstable economy remain top concerns. HRA exists to be your voice during these times—to advocate, educate, and connect our members so no one has to navigate these issues alone.

Holiday Season Deepens Staffing Strain for Hawai‘i Restaurants

As holiday demand picks up across Hawai‘i, many restaurants are once again struggling with staffing shortages, particularly in high-traffic areas like Waikīkī. Operators say student workers returning home for the holidays and reduced hours earlier in the year have tightened labor availability, forcing teams to adjust schedules and rely on extra shifts just to keep up with customer demand.  

National Restaurant Association Unveils 2026 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast

The National Restaurant Association has released its 2026 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast, revealing the top menu trends shaping the year ahead. Based on insights from hundreds of culinary professionals, the report highlights a mix of nostalgic comfort foods, global flavors and value-driven options—from smashed burgers and Caribbean curry bowls to protein-packed meals and low-alcohol drinks—showing how operators are meeting consumer demand for familiarity, creativity and affordability.

How to Use Google Business Profile Updates to Fill More Tables

Your restaurant’s Google Business Profile is often the first thing diners see when searching for a place to eat. Ensuring your profile is claimed, complete, and up-to-date with accurate contact info, menu links, photos, and posts can help you show up in local search and Maps — turning searchers into walk-ins and reservations.  

Restaurant Industry Trends for 2026: Hospitality Re-enters the Innovation Cycle

As restaurants look toward 2026, emerging trends show that innovation and hospitality are regaining center stage, with guests dining more selectively and operators adapting through tech, service experiences and value-centric offerings. These trends suggest new opportunities for operators to differentiate and thrive in a shifting market.

NRA Says Tariff Rollback Will Help Restaurants

In response to recent tariff removals on key food imports, the National Restaurant Association highlighted the potential for reduced cost pressures and stronger supply chains for the industry, even as some country-specific tariffs remain in place.

Restaurant Industry Sees Strongest Job Growth in Six Months

The latest employment data shows a surge in restaurant hiring, marking the strongest job growth in the past six months as operators continue to expand staffing to meet demand. This trend reflects renewed optimism in the labor market, although challenges remain in key segments and regions as restaurants pursue sustainable workforce strategies.

How AI Will Reshape Restaurants

Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing how restaurants operate, from automating routine tasks and optimizing labor to enhancing guest engagement and personalized marketing. As operators explore AI tools for everything from inventory forecasting to digital ordering, the restaurant industry is beginning to adopt technologies that could streamline operations and improve the customer experience.

Upselling Isn’t Pushy — It’s Hospitality

Upselling in restaurants doesn’t have to feel forced or awkward; when done thoughtfully, it enhances the guest experience by offering helpful suggestions that match customer preferences. By training staff to recommend items with genuine service intent, operators can boost check averages while strengthening customer satisfaction and trust.

Menu Copy That Converts: Writing Dish Descriptions That Raise Average Tickets

Well-crafted menu descriptions can do more than inform—they can entice. This article explores how strategic wording, sensory language and highlighting value can make dishes feel more appealing, encouraging guests to try higher-margin or featured items and boosting average checks without feeling pushy.

Consumers Are Still Dining Out, With Some Caveats

Despite continued demand for dining experiences, recent data shows that consumer restaurant visits are growing more cautiously, with diners weighing cost, convenience and health concerns when deciding where and how to eat. The trends highlight opportunities for operators to meet evolving preferences while navigating shifting economic and consumer behavior patterns.