Don't let ghost kitchens scare you. They could be a vision of the future
Op-Ed By Melissa Fleischut

At NYSRA, we believe that brick-and-mortar restaurant storefronts are one of the last players standing in an increasingly dire ground-floor retail environment. We believe that our governmental bodies should be doing everything they can to protect these businesses, which are the lifeblood of economic corridors and essential to maintaining our local economies.

So, while it is tempting to turn our attention to the novelty of ghost kitchens, NYSRA would rather focus on the context that led operators to open them in the first place.

2020 State of the Restaurant Industry

Today, the National Restaurant Association released its 2020 State of the Restaurant Industry Report which examines key factors impacting the restaurant industry including the current state of the economy, operations, workforce, and food and menu trends across segments from quick service to fine dining. The report is an authoritative look at the industry and its challenges and opportunities based on a range of national surveys of restaurant owners, operators, chefs and consumers.

In-House or Third-Party Delivery: What’s Better?

There’s little debate third-party delivery is rushing through the restaurant industry. Upserve says 60 percent of U.S. consumers order delivery or take out once a week. Additionally, 59 percent of orders from millennials are taking place outside the restaurant.

Another way to illustrate this: According to The NPD Group, 46 percent of Baby Boomers order less than one meal per month via delivery. For millennials, though, it’s 29 percent who order one or more meals per WEEK via delivery. Dining out of home currently represents an $870 billion slice of the restaurant industry, and it’s only getting bigger and harder to be profitable in.

James Beard Foundation Announces 2020 Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists

The James Beard Foundation announced today its list of Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists in advance of the 30th annual James Beard Awards Presented by Capital One. The prestigious group of semifinalists represents a wide collection of culinary talent, from exceptional chefs and dining destinations across twelve regions to the Best New Restaurant, Outstanding Bar Program, Outstanding Baker, and a Rising Star Chef 30 years of age or under. The full list of 2020 semifinalists can be reviewed at the end of the press release or directly at the  James Beard Foundation website .

Join us at the International Restaurant and Foodservice Show of NY!

Make sure you get the most out of your membership by registering for your TWO FREE TICKETS ($150 value) to The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of NY!

Come celebrate the industry with us!
Monday, March 9, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Craft, NYC.

Come together with industry leaders and NYSRA members for a fun evening with fabulous hors d'oeuvres and wine provided by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation.

Limited tickets remain!  RSVP Here.