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The restaurant industry is hoping for a better year in 2018 after seeing declining sales and traffic in the limited service category. According to a <a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/finance/4-financial-factors-watch-2018?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=qsr-magazine-4-financial-factors-to-watch-in-2018-2705251" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">recent QSR Magazine article</a>, the horizon is already looking better due to an improving economy but multiple factors will play a role in how this year will play out.

Along with the economy, M&amp;A and private-equity investments should continue for the rest of the year even though&nbsp;IPO activity is predicted to stay fairly quiet. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s going to be strategically the way that some companies feel as if they can compete more effectively or get more scale,&rdquo; said Andy Barish, managing director of equity research at investment banking firm Jefferies, of quick-service mergers such as Panera Bread&rsquo;s acquisition of Au Bon Pain.

Finding top talent is still an issue as unemployment stays at a low rate of four percent and minimum wage is increasing for 14 states this month. While a rising minimum&nbsp;wage could create challenges for restaurants, it may also put more money in the pockets of those with lower to middle income.

Technology investments&nbsp;help brands increase efficiency and productivity but don&rsquo;t come at a low cost. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s been costing a lot of quick-service brands money and will likely continue to as they invest behind some of those areas for 2018, with hopefully some path for incremental sales with delivery and online ordering,&rdquo; said Barish.

<a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/finance/4-financial-factors-watch-2018?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=qsr-magazine-4-financial-factors-to-watch-in-2018-2705251" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click here</a> to read the full article.&nbsp;

financial factors for restaurants to look out for in 2018

QSR Magazine: 4 Financial Factors to Watch in 2018

1851 Franchise

These market forces will affect the bottom line this year for limited-service operators.  

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QSR Magazine: 4 Financial Factors to Watch in 2018

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