Fully Occupied Scoop: February 2024 Newsletter

Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Amanda Lee

Hi there,

Grab a scoop 🍦 –  Your monthly CRE news roundup is here.

From casual eateries and quick-service restaurants to full-service dining, expansion remains robust across the restaurant industry. Consumers continue to prioritize experiences and value meals as social outings with friends. Thus, restaurant concepts are influenced to go beyond just serving food.

 🍽️ Restaurant Recovery

Watch Economic Stats All You Want. Restaurants Are Still Opening

“According to TouchBistro’s State of Restaurants in 2024 report, a majority of the 600 U.S. full-service restaurant owners surveyed plan some degree of expansion activity in 2024.” ICSC

U.S. restaurant industry expected to pass $1 trillion for the first time

“Even after four years of the pandemic, (restaurant spending) is over 50% again. The typical American consumer has made it quite clear in terms of their standard of living as to how they want to spend their money. They want to prioritize restaurant spending,” Nation’s Restaurant News

QSR franchised units grow to 2.2% in 2024, IFA says

“The QSR segment is expected to increase its total franchised units by 2.2% to reach 199,808 compared to 195,507 in 2023, according to IFA. This means there will be 4,301 franchised restaurant openings this year.” Restaurant Dive

🍦 So, What’s the Scoop?

As consumer preferences evolve, there’s a growing demand for more engaging and efficient dining experiences. So, successful restaurateurs will differentiate themselves by embracing experiential dining and integrating technology, prioritizing hospitality and personalized services.

💼 Lease Accounting Audit Services

Audit season can be stressful for accounting teams. At Occupier, we know how tough it can be to prepare for your audit under the ASC 842 and IFRS 16 rules. So we’re here to make your lease accounting audit a breeze. 

Our team of seasoned experts is available to provide technical accounting compliance and audit advice when needed. We customize our services to fit your unique needs, whether it’s lease info management, expert compliance guidance, or audit report creation.

🌟 OCP Employee Spotlight

Get to know Mia from our Sales Team

Why do you love working at Occupier?
When you can genuinely say you wake up every day excited to go to work, you know you’ve found a great company to be a part of. To not shout out our founders Andrew Flint and Matt Giffune on this would be wrong! Leadership is important in so many ways, and feeling valued, motivated, and supported by them are some of the many reasons I love working at Occupier.

What is your favorite memory at Occupier thus far?
When I was an SDR there were several days after work where I literally ran all around Boston / Newbury Street recording personalized videos to send out to prospective customers, Gorjana (a brand I simply love) being one of them. I had so much fun doing it, and fast forward to today, Gorjana is a customer. Sourcing amazing brands I love and believe in is about as fun as it gets for me. Especially if I can “mistakenly” shop in the process!

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I cannot be pinned down! Lately heated Vinyasa has been a go-to. I also love cooking, playing guitar, painting, drawing, running, singing, being with friends and family, shopping (it’s a problem), exploring/traveling, and all that comes with it!

What’s your favorite movie of all time? 
Ratatouille. Specifically the scene where Remy realizes the power of combining flavor in the old lady’s kitchen, when the screen behind him goes black as he mixes flavors and fireworks go off… I think about this scene often.

What travel destination would you recommend? 
Biased, but The Basque Country! Northern Coast of Spain.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 
1. Lean in 2. Ask and you shall receive.

Check out Mia’s takeover on our Instagram Story!

🎙️ Latest on the Fully Occupied Podcast

Paul Tran is a seasoned entrepreneur with a history of founding, scaling, and selling successful restaurants and franchisees. He shares his experiences with growing a portfolio of franchise sites and advises on what aspiring franchisees should look for.

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