Toast, Square and Resy "toast" the industry

There's a special bond between people who work or have worked in restaurants. And that emotional connection is what brands like Resy, Toast and Square hope resonates in their latest series of promotions. Plus: Where is Martha Stewart planning to open her next restaurant? Pull up a chair for The Prep.

On the menu:

💠 DoorDash reports first-time profits
💠 Dave's Hot Chicken looks to sell
💠 Atlanta's restaurant scene problems
💠 Looking at modern speakeasies

What we're following: Consumers find the mobile order pickup experience to be hit or miss.

What we're reading: Chicago restaurant reviewer John Kessler on the pleasures of dining alone.

What we're watching: An Ohio restaurateur's interview about building customer trust with farm-to-table policies.

Industry must-read news: Dave's Hot Chicken explores a sale that could value the Nashville hot chicken chain at about $1 billion.

Plus: DoorDash reported its first profitable year and has big plans for continued growth.

Restaurant tech goes behind the scenes

We're loving the trend where restaurant tech companies roll out videos that pull back the curtain on how restaurant operations really work. Restaurant software company Toast recently released the humorous commercial "One of Those Nights," where guests ask for increasingly complicated meal accommodations. Reservation platform Resy took a serious approach in a recent video campaign, highlighting how difficult the beginning of the year can be for the industry. Not to be outdone, payment platform Square has now released its own video series called “Running a Restaurant Is No Joke", hosted by comedian and cookbook author Eric Wareheim. 

Why It Matters: Restaurant technology companies creating videos that reveal the complexities of restaurant operations show the growing importance of transparency and storytelling in restaurant marketing.  These initiatives not only entertain but also educate the public, potentially leading to more informed and appreciative restaurant patrons.

Trouble in Atlanta’s restaurant scene

West Midtown Atlanta’s restaurant scene may just be a microcosm for the troubles facing restaurants around the country. A growing list of restaurants in this neighborhood are closing, and operators and diners have spoken out about why this may be happening. The reasons likely sound familiar to many operators in cities throughout the country. Parking and prices are top concerns for diners and operators alike. And then there’s the general shift in consumer behavior and a move towards takeout. “Sales are down; costs are up,” West Egg Cafe owners Jennifer and Ben Johnson wrote in a statement. “The economics of restaurants have changed, with weekday breakfast and lunch being hit the hardest.” West Egg Cafe recently closed after 20 years in business. (Eater)

49%

Of millennials always take their kids with them when they go out to eat

(Datassential)

💠 Modern speakeasies offer a special experience

💠 Reviving the View, NYC’s rotating restaurant 

💠 Restaurants report fewer diners amid immigration crackdown

Gabriel Rucker, the chef at Le Pigeon restaurant in Portland, Ore., uses fire to fight the city's snowstorm with the caption "We Are Open!" on Instagram.

Thank you for reading The Prep.

We bring you the latest news, trends, business tips and analysis for aspirational independent restaurants. Have a story idea or a business you think we should spotlight? Contact us. Interested in advertising, contact our advertising department.

If you'd like to read more, check out our Hidden Menu exclusives.