Ryan O'Donnell Comments on the Rise of Membership-Based Restaurants in HBJ Article

Chair of Pullman & Comley’s Hospitality practice, Ryan A. O'Donnell discusses the rise of membership-based restaurants in a recent CNN article. He notes that these establishments are of interest to patrons seeking a more personalized and traditional dining experience, contrasting with the automation seen in fast food. “These private or semiprivate type concepts really appeal to the hospitality traditionalists,” Ryan explains. “I think these folks want the host, or the hostess, to know their names, they want the bartender to know their drinks.”

Ryan also highlights the innovative aspect of such models, particularly in less densely populated areas. He points out that membership programs can foster a sense of community and create recurring revenue, which helps restaurants navigate the unpredictable nature of the industry. “That is a great way of adding some certainty to a very uncertain, unpredictable industry,” Ryan notes.

To read the full article, please click here.