Industry trends and common CFO issues were discussed at our May 15 Restaurant CFO Roundtable. Restaurant-industry financial executives gathered for networking, lunch, and a presentation by Robert Hill, a principal at J.H. Chapman Group.

Hill commented on a variety of recent statistics and survey results related to the restaurant industry. Highlights included rising labor and commodity costs, focus on healthy eating, brand loyalty, and social media as well as trends regarding loan multiples, pricing actions, and debt disparity in restaurant lending. In addition, Hill addressed tips to maximize the value of a restaurant concept to buyers along with frequent CFO issues. These included:

• Monthly reporting against measurable objectives
• Comparison of actual to forecasted results, along with an annual plan
• Development of a successful growth plan (including a long-term capital plan)
• Being strategic (know ROI and the point at which a company’s growth becomes self-sustaining).

The next Restaurant CFO Roundtable is Sept. 6, so SAVE THE DATE! Further details will be posted on our events page.