It’s an interesting time we live in right now. On the surface, things don’t seem like they’ve changed too much but dig a little deeper and you’ll see changes everywhere. I think that’s part of the problem businesses in Alaska are having – identifying change. As they say, the first step in fixing a problem is identifying the problem, and oh boy do we have problems. First and foremost: labor.
For Alaskans, being connected on the internet with each other and the lower 48, is a way of life. But life could be getting better for those with slow speeds as Starlink's new satellite-based internet service is now available for Alaskans. The service is expected to provide around the same speeds and cost to all of rural Alaska as you could expect in have in Anchorage. Starlink isn’t the only big change coming in the way of high-speed internet for Alaskans. Thanks to efforts from the federal government to fund more broadband to Alaska via an infrastructure act, Alaskans can expect to have multiple options for faster, more cost-effective internet access.
Skurla’s recently attended RSPA’s RetailNOW 2022 in Orlando this past month. For us, it’s the “super bowl” of trade shows that gives us a golden opportunity to connect and network with both vendors and other VARs like us. RSPA has been an integral part of our business, helping us become and retain our industry expert status in the verticals we serve. With the pandemic, optimistically in the rearview (or so we hope), we’ve seen the industry change in several ways, as well as the ways VARs like Skurla’s are providing value to their customers. 
We’d like to welcome the Gallo’s Mexican Restaurant on Arctic back into the Skurla’s family! Gallo's has been a staple for the Anchorage and Fairbanks community since 1981, serving up some of the most delicious Mexican cuisine. Being a locally owned business, they have a passion for quality and efficient service for all their customers and love all their local diners. It’s the local go-to for after-work happy hour, birthdays, or celebrating a soccer teams win. Gallo's can always keep the party going with their delicious classic tequila drinks and a large menu that anyone is sure to find an entrée that they love.
"The 2021 State of the Restaurant Industry report
(from the National Restaurant Association) is considered the most authoritative source for restaurant industry sales projections and trends. It is based on analysis of the latest economic data and extensive surveys of 6,000 restaurant operators and 1,000 adult consumers."
And this year, as a gift to restaurant owners, they are giving it away for
free for non-members (normally $149).
There is extremely valuable information in the report. We highly recommend downloading a copy for your business!!!
The report confirms 2020 was the most challenging year ever experienced by the restaurant industry and covers:
- The restaurant sales forecast for 2021
- Operational changes including off-premises business and accelerated tech adoption
- Consumer influencers, opinions and intentions
- Food & menu trends including best sellers
- Employment levels by state
- And more…
And we were very interested to learn about the new technology trends. Here is a sneak peak:
TECHNOLOGY:
Roughly half of full-service, fast casual, and coffee & snack operators say they devoted more resources to tech including online or in-app ordering, mobile payment and delivery
management since March.
While the technology itself hasn’t changed much since pre-COVID-19 days, tech adoption rates accelerated. What might have been “nice to have” became “need to have.” Operators implemented changes with increasing focus on safety and convenience to help keep the business from going under.
And a reminder, please support your local restaurant associations! We are grateful for all their hard work!
