Stiff competition. High operating costs. Razor-thin margins. Running an independent restaurant has never been for the faint of heart.

At the same time, the next decade holds tremendous opportunity. Restaurants already account for $863 billion—about 4% of US gross domestic product. New digital capabilities like online ordering and delivery, next-generation point-of-sale (POS) systems, and data-driven insights are leveling the playing field, helping independent restaurateurs stand out in a crowded marketplace. 

In particular, a few key trends will mean big changes for the restaurant industry. In our survival guide, you’ll learn about: 

• A big shift in the popularity of delivery

• The power of loyalty programs and targeted promotions 

• The growth of virtual restaurants

Read Restaurant survival guide for the 2020s to learn about the biggest changes likely to reshape the industry in the next decade and how you can make the most of them.