Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine asked restaurant industry experts for their views on what trends and challenges owners and operators can expect to see in 2026. The evolving definition of value, strategic use of automation, and greater emphasis on experiential dining emerged as prominent themes. For the first part, click here and for the second part, click here. Heading into 2026, the big story in casual dining is getting people back in the dining room. We’re leaning into what makes us special—great food paired with genuine southern hospitality. Guests want more than a meal; they want an experience that feels warm and personal. So, we’re doubling down on things like community events, bar programs, and making sure every visit feels memorable. It’s about creating reasons to gather and making Sonny’s the go‑to spot for family and friends. Labor costs, food prices, and saas fees are all moving targets, so we’re evaluating our menu pricing and investing in kitchen upgrades that make us faster and more efficient without sacrificing quality. We’re also being thoughtful about technology. There’s so much buzz around AI and automation, but we’re not chasing every new idea—we’re looking for tools that help our franchisees and teams improve profitability and the guest experience in real, measurable ways. As we go into 2026, there’s plenty to be excited about. Catering is growing as people return to office gatherings and family celebrations, and being named to Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 gives us great momentum for growth. We see opportunities to expand in…
