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Running a restaurant or café in Australia has always required dedication, but in 2025, it demands something more: strategic thinking, adaptability, and a willingness to redefine what success looks like.
The foodservice industry continues to evolve rapidly. Rising input costs, staffing pressures, and shifting consumer behaviours are all in play—but so is a renewed sense of resilience and creativity. At Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA), we speak with operators daily who are finding new ways to thrive—streamlining their operations, leveraging technology, and strengthening their teams.
1. Smarter Cost Management
With inflation impacting everything from eggs to energy, it’s no surprise that cost control remains top of mind. But we’re also seeing a sharp rise in businesses investing time in better systems—tracking ingredient costs more closely, adjusting menus seasonally, and reviewing supplier arrangements.
Australia saw more than 73,000 new businesses open in the 2023–24 financial year—a 2.8% increase (ABS, 2024). That includes a wave of new cafés and small-format food businesses—proof that even in a complex climate, there’s still an appetite for innovation and growth.
2. Building Stronger Teams
As of April 2025, the hospitality sector employs over 905,000 people—approximately 6.3% of Australia’s total workforce. However, while the talent pool remains tight, we’re seeing more venues succeed by adopting a long-term approach to recruitment and retention.
Training, mentoring, and clear career pathways are no longer optional; they are essential. From onboarding to leadership development, the best employers are creating environments where people feel supported and seen. With 31% of businesses still struggling to find suitable staff (ABS, 2025), culture is now a competitive advantage.
3. Tech That Actually Works
QR menus and POS systems are just the start. Operators are now choosing tech that simplifies—not complicates—their workflow. That includes platforms that automate ordering, forecast demand, or integrate seamlessly with inventory and accounting tools.
The key is filtering out the noise. It’s not about having more systems—it’s about having the right systems that deliver real-time insights and improve customer experience.
4. Leading Through Advocacy (and Hands-On Support)
Restaurants and cafés often feel the impacts of policy changes first—but it doesn’t have to be that way. R&CA continues to work behind the scenes to ensure foodservice voices are heard in government, regulation, and workforce planning.
Beyond our national advocacy, R&CA members have access to a practical layer of support that’s essential in today’s climate—our in-house industrial relations (IR) specialists are on hand to provide tailored advice on awards, compliance, rosters, contracts, and Fair Work matters.
Just as important is our online training platform, which provides operators and their teams with access to over 50 on-demand courses covering food safety, customer service, leadership, and more. It’s a smart, flexible way to build skills without pulling staff off the floor.
These are just two ways R&CA membership turns industry representation into real-world solutions.
5. The Next Chapter: Connection, Collaboration & Opportunity
Hospitality is a team sport. The strongest businesses heading into 2026 aren’t going it alone—they’re forming networks, exploring partnerships, and sharing knowledge. From local supplier collaborations to co-marketing with aligned brands, there’s real value in working smarter together.
We’re also seeing more operators focus on sustainable growth—whether that’s through refining their offerings, expanding into new formats, or improving operational efficiency.
The challenges are real, but so is the momentum. As the second half of 2025 unfolds, it’s clear that this industry is ready for what’s next. Fine Food Australia remains a vital space for reconnecting, exploring what’s working, and preparing for the road ahead.
At R&CA, we’re focused on supporting businesses where it matters—advocating at the top, advising on the ground, and providing practical tools, such as IR advice and industry-specific training, to help businesses grow.
If you’re looking for clarity, capability, and connection, this is the time to get involved.
And we’ll be right there alongside you.