Best Practices for Dealing with Tariff Anxiety

Nearly half -- 45 percent-- of restaurant operators fear tariff-related financial trouble, a 12-point increase from last month, according to Alignable’s March Tariff Report, 

And they have reason to be fearful-- looming tariffs could cost U.S. restaurants more than $12 billion dollars, according to National Restaurant Association estimates. The tariff threat is also causing anxiety for consumers as well. According to CivicScience data,  consumers say they’re likely to cut back on restaurant spending if tariffs lead to higher prices.

For practical advice for restaurant operators, Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine reached out to Phil Kafarakis, CEO of IFMA, The Food Away From Home Association.

What food products used commonly in restaurant menus do you feel will be most affected by tariffs?Even before the current tariff wars, restaurants that relied on coffee and chocolate were under stress, as extreme weather events led to poor crops and resultant inflationary problems…