MRM Research Roundup: Strategic Tech, Loyalty Rankings, Super Bowl Stats, and Culinary Job Growth

This edition of Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine's Research Roundup features the state of culinary jobs, the promise of off-prem, Super Bowl ads and traffic, and Valentine's Day at-home celebrations. Restaurant Industry AdaptionThe restaurant  industry is adapting at unprecedented speed by embracing smarter technology adoption and deploying creative operational strategies, according to findings inTouchBistro 2026 American State of Restaurants Report. The report draws on insights from more than 600 U.S. restaurant owners, CEOs, general managers and area managers. For the first time since 2022, profit margins climbed back into double-digit territory, diner traffic maintained its upward momentum and debt levels fell significantly. All clear indicators that the industry’s financial strain is finally starting to lift.

Key findings include:

Two-thirds (66 per cent) of independent operators are carrying debt (down from 78 per cent in 2024)

Almost all (96 per cent)…