As the restaurant industry resumes operations after months of restrictions due to the on-going pandemic, the need to adapt and implement innovative business strategies is crucial. The industry is at a point where new menu concepts, improved dining experiences and the need for delivery and take-out services have become necessary to serve customers’ changing behaviours.
To uncover the emerging trends and the growth drivers of the UAE restaurant industry, POSist, a leading cloud-based restaurant technology platform, in collaboration with Dubai Restaurants Group (DRG), a not-for-profit organisation – under the direct patronage of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, have released the PRIME (POSist Restaurant Industry and Market Evolution) Report UAE Edition.
This study is based on a survey of restaurant operators conducted in March 2021 and interviews with executives from quick-service restaurants, fine dining, casual dining and cloud kitchen brands. It examines the restaurant industry’s long-term sentiment amid the pandemic and how the sector is adapting to the new normal and preparing for growth.
The survey showed that 75% of restaurant operators expect higher revenue in 2021 than pre-COVID time, while one in three restaurant operators in the UAE are now running at 60%+ revenue than the pre-COVID level.
And 60% of restaurants shared that they have introduced loyalty programmes while 70% of dine-in players explored investing in cloud kitchens.