2014 resolutions for the restaurant industry2014 resolutions for the restaurant industry

By now we’re nearly two weeks into 2014 — a year that by all accounts will bring mixed sales results for the restaurant industry and plenty of challenges.

Both the operators who spoke to us in our NRN Restaurant Operator Survey and the projections from market research firm Technomic point to a sales increase this year. But concern over consumer spending and challenges like health care and the growing push for higher wages are leading to expectations of slower unit growth and little job creation. While it’s a new year, it is most likely to bring more of the same.

But I’m wagering that 2014 will be a year to remember. This year will be looked back upon as the year that a number of issues impacting the restaurant industry — the way health car...