The Monthly POP: PAR Operator Pulse

Monthly PAR Operator Updates: November 2024

PAR Operator Cloud Insights

Welcome to PAR Technology’s monthly newsletter “The Monthly POP: PAR Operator Pulse”. In this newsletter, we aim to keep owners and operators in the loop about key industry updates and trends as well as the latest developments at PAR Technology, including updates and improvements that can benefit your operations.?

TL;DR

Challenges and Trends: C-Stores face increasing competition from QSRs | Dining out gains popularity over takeout | Women have outpaced men in dining out spending | Restaurant industry job growth slowed in October

Latest Product Updates: Punchh Wallet powered by PAR Pay - a customizable digital wallet that bridges loyalty and payments | PAR Clear? is here to set a new standard for drive-thru headsets

Customer Success: Download our latest buyers guide to learn about the must-haves for restaurant operations management solutions | Discover how Firebirds Wood Fired Grill transformed their back-office operations with PAR Data Central in our latest case study | Check out Savneet Singh’s latest blog and uncover how technology is shaping restaurant operations?

Trends Report?

C-Stores and QSRs Continue to Clash Over Foodservice Market

Competing with quick-service restaurants (QSRs) has become more challenging for convenience stores. A recent survey reveals that 61% of c-store operators consider QSRs as rivals to their foodservice offerings. Among this group, 97% acknowledge direct competition with QSRs, and 53% report that this competition has intensified over the past six months.

*Information from Restaurant Business Convenience stores say it's getting tougher to compete with fast-food prices

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Dining Out Gains Popularity Over Takeout in 2024

This year, dining out has gained popularity over takeout, driven by consumers' desire for incredible experiences alongside their meals. Currently, 55% of consumers favor dining at restaurants over ordering takeout or delivery, compared to 43% in 2023.

*Information from Restaurant Business How customers' dining preferences and spending habits are shifting in 2024

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Women Surge Ahead in Dining Out Spending

Recent reports show that women now outpace men in dining out, spending 33% more per month. This marks a striking shift from 2023, when men outspent women by 19%.

*Information from Restaurant Business How customers' dining preferences and spending habits are shifting in 2024

October Sees Slower Job Growth in the Restaurant Industry

Restaurant job growth decelerated in October after a notably strong September. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the industry added fewer than 4,000 jobs in October, a significant drop compared to the over 39,000 positions filled in September.

*Information from Nation’s Restaurant News October job growth stagnates nationally, including the restaurant industry

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PAR Product Updates

PAR Pay

Punchh Wallet Powered by PAR Pay

Punchh Wallet is a customizable digital wallet that bridges loyalty and payments, transforming transactions into opportunities for deeper engagement. Whether using in-app features like saved payments or out-of-app options like digital passes, Punchh Wallet simplifies the checkout process and provides powerful insights into guest behavior.

Key Benefits of Punchh Wallet:

• Saved Payments: No more juggling between physical cards and the app. Now guests can securely save credit cards in the app and at checkout, simply scan the QR code to pay, earn, and redeem rewards – all at once.
• Stored Value: Forget the hassle of physical gift cards - load and auto-reload stored value reducing time at the POS and increasing convenience with the ability to pay with one tap or scan at checkout.
• Subscriptions: Offer loyal guests exclusive food passes at preferred pricing, all while creating a recurring revenue stream for your brand.
• Apple Wallet Loyalty & Digital Passes: No app? No problem. Guests can join, participate in your loyalty program, and pay directly through Apple Wallet? and Google Wallet?, eliminating the need for traditional apps.

For customers granted early access to Punchh Wallet features, initial results have been remarkable, including:

• 163% increase in customer lifetime value
• 70% increase in sign-ups from customers using Apple Pay?
• 6.5x lift in customer frequency

Learn More!

PAR Hardware

Say Goodbye to Misheard Orders: The Future of Drive-Thru Audio is Here with PAR Clear

Our latest drive-thru headset, PAR Clear?, is here to set a new standard, making misheard orders a thing of the past and bringing Service at the Speed of Sound to every drive-thru lane. PAR Clear isn’t just an improvement; it’s a whole new way to connect with customers—faster, clearer, and more effectively:

• Crystal-Clear Audio: Experience audio clarity like never before. No more garbled messages or misunderstandings—just smooth, precise communication every time. Say goodbye to those frustrating moments of “Did you say fries or pies?” and enjoy confident, accurate order-taking.
• Extended Range: Industry-leading range that keeps communication strong, even in the most complex setups. Whether your team is spread across a large lot or moving between stations, PAR Clear keeps everyone connected seamlessly.
• Remote Management: Take control from anywhere with cloud-based management and troubleshooting. Keep downtime to a minimum and productivity to a maximum, ensuring your team stays focused and efficient.
• Faster Service Times: Every second saved is another car served, another customer delighted, and another bump in revenue.
• Fewer Order Errors: Accurate orders mean less waste, happier customers, and more repeat business.

"Ready to Transform Your Drive-Thru Experience? Discover how PAR Clear? can elevate your service with unparalleled clarity, efficiency, and reliability.?

Explore PAR Clear? Today!"

Hot Off the PAR Press

PAR Technology and NomadGo Partner to Revolutionize Restaurant Inventory Management with AI-powered Counting Solution

We recently announced a strategic partnership with NomadGo , a pioneer in Spatial AI inventory solutions. By integrating NomadGo’s AI-inventory data into PAR’s Data Central? back-office platform, the partnership is set to revolutionize how restaurants manage two of their largest operational costs—food and labor. This integration provides a seamless, automated solution for inventory management. Inventory data is instantly synced with the back office system, giving operators real-time insights into stock levels without requiring additional manual steps. This enables smarter purchasing decisions, reduces supply chain inefficiencies, and ultimately leads to better financial outcomes for restaurants.

Read the Press Release Here!

Partnership Spotlight

NomadGo’s Spatial AI platform accelerates inventory counts up to 10x faster with 99% accuracy, optimizing supply chain operations and making inventory tracking as engaging as a video game. Powered by our patented computer vision, 3D spatial intelligence, and augmented reality technologies, NomadGo delivers real-time inventory visibility, reducing labor costs and waste.?

PARtner Fleet

PAR Technology has the largest partner ecosystem in the industry, consisting of over 250 technology providers. We help brands succeed with an open platform, welcoming the latest and greatest in restaurant innovation and strategically partnering with the best in the industry.

Learn More!

Customer Success Stories and Articles

Buyers Guide: Restaurant Operations Management Solutions Must-Haves by Role: From Franchisee to COO

Managing restaurant operations is no easy task—especially when it comes to controlling food and labor costs and maintaining consistency across your brand. But the right restaurant operations management solution can transform these tasks from daily headaches into streamlined processes that drive growth and efficiency. Download our latest Buyers Guide to Restaurant Operations Management Software and discover everything you need to know to select a system that meets your unique needs, whether you’re overseeing several – or several hundred – locations. Download Now!

Case Study: Pen-and-Paper to PAR: How Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Saved Time, Lowered Food Costs, and Improved Data Accuracy with PAR Data Central

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill ’s transition from manual processes to PAR Data Central has significantly transformed its back-office operations. Automating inventory management and leveraging effective reporting and benchmarking capabilities has enabled the brand to not only reduce food and beverage costs but also empower its team to focus on delivering incredible experiences to its guests. Download our latest case study and uncover how Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is revolutionizing its back-office with PAR Data Central. Download Now!

Blog: Why Your Restaurant’s Future Depends on a Tech-Driven Strategy

Digital transformation has completely reshaped how we serve customers and empower employees, but the stakes are higher than ever. From personalized customer experiences to unlocking operational efficiencies, technology is the fuel driving the next era of restaurant success. Check out this blog by PAR Technology President & CEO, Savneet Singh , and discover how technology is shaping the future of restaurant operations. Read Now!?