Future-Proofing Restaurants: What to Expect in 2026

4 Min Read By MRM Staff

As restaurant operators prepare for 2026, they face ongoing challenges including labor shortages, increasing costs, evolving consumer expectations, and the accelerating pace of technology. At the same time, casual dining is experiencing a resurgence, value-driven diners want both good price and great experience, and automation is becoming a necessity rather than a novelty. Future success will depend on how well operators balance these pressures with new growth opportunities. 

To help operators navigate the road ahead, Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine reached out to Cristin O’Hara, Managing Director and Restaurant Group Head at Bank of America, to discuss strategies for addressing price fatigue, holiday prep, leveraging AI and automation, bolstering fraud prevention, and adapting to this evolving dining landscape.

What are some robust strategies operators can implement to improve their day-to-day business that address labor challenges, control costs and set them on a…