The biggest challenge facing rd+d readers at the moment? Navigating state and local regulations, according to 36.13% of readers responding to a December survey.
While the results are not especially surprising given the state of the world in the midst of the pandemic, other results point to some things never changing. That’s because 20.42% of respondents said staying on top of fast-moving trends continues to be an uphill battle. Coming in third, managing project budgets plagues 18.32% of respondents. Additionally, 12.04% of those surveyed felt upgrading technology was their current biggest challenge.
The survey allowed for commentary, as well. Some notable points raised include: supply chain disruptions, a lack of investment capital, inconsistent cash flow, retrofitting drive-thrus at tight sites, and worries about the short-term and long-term effects of the pandemic on their businesses. Related concerns included trying to balance the needs of the moment with the best solutions for the long-term health of their businesses.
rd+d launched a yearlong research project that will periodically survey qualified subscribers on the state of restaurant development and design. Each issue in 2021 will feature new data collected from very recent reader surveys.