Kevin Hourican says independent restaurants outperform national chains

9 articles · Updated · Restaurant Business Online · May 4

Speaking after Sysco earnings, the chief executive said the trend has strengthened over 18 months, even as more than 40% of restaurants remain unprofitable and independent locations fell 2.3% last year.
He said owner presence, sharper pricing, lower food costs, local sourcing and faster adoption of trends such as Indian food give independents an edge over larger chains.
The view contrasts with conventional wisdom that chains' scale, marketing and technology should dominate, and came as Sysco reported revenue and volume growth while slightly missing analysts' expectations.

Is the 'mom and pop' restaurant boom real, or a narrative to support Sysco's $29 billion buyout?

Are agile local eateries now better built to survive economic turbulence than national chains?

Can independent restaurants embrace AI without sacrificing the human touch that defines their success?