What you missed: April membership meeting
We were happy to host an engaging discussion on what operators are doing to succeed in 2025. Here are some of the highlights:
Increasing revenues and guests:
- Multiple operators reported implementing price increases, with limited customer pushback
- Some operators stated they felt a need to demonstrate increased value for higher prices, focusing on a renewed push for better hospitality. Restaurant owners want to make customers feel like going out for food is worth it. Several ways to encourage this include:
- Giving their best customers a free menu item or discount through loyalty programs
- Creating new events and experiences that can be marketed to drive repeat visits. These may be ticketed (revenue generating) or just a way of encouraging guests to return to try something new.
- Several operators reported increased interest in corporate events or private parties. Finding ways to drive awareness and engagement with corporate clients can be a great way to guarantee bookings and manage labor costs effectively.
Cost management:
- Others are looking to make up the difference in costs elsewhere
- Credit card processing can cause huge fees at the end of the year making it difficult to turn a profit. Some are considering adding a fee on credit card purchases.
- Most operators consider labor costs to be their largest expense. Many are reevaluating their tipping model to offset losses from the end of total compensation, which went into effect earlier this year (such as reallocating more pooled tips towards back-of-house positions).
SRA survey results:
We also shared preliminary results for our March survey. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey! We will use the results for discussions with elected officials and potential media engagement. Be on the lookout for an email summary.
We’ve chosen the winners of the $50 Visa gift cards for completing the survey! We’ll reach out to you in the next few days.
Seattle Hospitality for Progress PAC endorsement vote for Sara Nelson:
We recommended and voted to endorse Sara Nelson for re-election to Seattle City Council Position 9 (at-large). Eligible SRA members approved the endorsement as well as our partners, the Seattle Hotel Association.
We will bring additional endorsement recommendations after the May filing deadline for candidates. As we proceed through this process, we will discuss having candidates attend future member meetings.
Thank you to Ivar’s Salmon House for hosting the Seattle Restaurant Alliance April membership meeting.
Next SRA meeting:
Our next meeting will be on May 7 (location to be determined). We will welcome the Seattle Department of Transportation who will give a Q&A on construction, outdoor seating permitting, communications and more. Visit Seattle will also lead a conversation on collaboration for the 2026 World Cup.