-Join the free 14 day restaurant automation challenge https://www.jlittrell.com/free

-Free training and strategies for independent restaurant owners: https://workshop.jlittrell.com

-Free community of hospitality pros at https://lab.jlittrell.com

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Welcome to another episode of Hospitality Strategy Lab! Today, host Jason Littrell sits down with Barbara Castiglia, managing editor of modernrestaurantmanagement.com, for a live riverside interview. Barbara shares her insider perspective on the major challenges facing restaurant operators as we approach 2026—from labor issues and rising food costs to changing guest expectations and the rapidly evolving role of AI and technology.

They dive into critical topics like menu dynamics, the psychology of today’s “new consumer,” why pared-down offerings are winning over diners, and how word of mouth and online platforms shape where people choose to eat. Barbara also discusses the importance of embracing authenticity, finding your restaurant’s “tribe,” and building lasting community relationships as the industry adapts to economic pressures and digital disruption.

Whether you’re a restaurant owner, franchise operator, or hospitality professional looking for actionable insights into future-proofing your business, this episode is packed with ideas for navigating tech, cost control, fraud prevention, and more. Plus, Barbara gives a peek at what readers are seeking in modern restaurantmanagement.com, as well as practical tips for marketing, resilience, and staying ahead in a fast-changing market.

Tune in for this lively and brutally honest conversation—your playbook for thriving in hospitality’s next chapter!

00:00 Restaurants Balancing Experience and Technology

05:35 "Streamlined Menus and Online Presence"

06:40 "Focused Menus Build Loyalty"

13:28 "Authenticity Builds Loyal Communities"

16:13 "Human Touch in Hospitality"

20:04 "Fake Review Fraud Frustration"

22:57 "Hospitality, Reviews, and Customer Care"

24:09 Resilience in Tough Business Times

27:47 Industry Trends and Insights 2025

31:01 Hospitality Strategy Lab Overview