A value-conscious shift in customer behavior is rocking the restaurant world. Brands are grappling with these 8 questions.

The restaurant industry is grappling with major changes this year — and there are big questions about finances, consumer behavior, and labor issues on operators' minds.

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• The restaurant industry is facing significant shifts in consumer behavior and tech advancements.
• As 2026 begins, operators are grappling with existential questions about value and efficiency.
• Here's what analysts told Business Insider are the biggest issues facing the industry this year.