The restaurant industry has always been a high-pressure environment, but over the last couple of years, unprecedented challenges have arisen. While there are multiple contributing factors, the ongoing labor shortage—currently the primary challenge facing the restaurant industry—has persisted since the pandemic. Many workers who left the industry did not return, instead transitioning to roles in other sectors. As a result, 70% of restaurant operators continue to report difficulty in filling job openings. This staffing shortage places additional strain on existing employees, leading to burnout and higher turnover rates.  Despite this challenge, the restaurant industry continues to expand: the sector registered $98.6 billion in January, marking the 10th consecutive month of sales gains and an almost $5 billion monthly increase. The combination of labor shortages and rising consumer demand has created a ‘perfect storm’ for the industry, making it increasingly difficult for restaurants to operate efficiently and meet customers’ expectations. This situation puts [...]