Keys to restaurant success: Insights from Wolt's Head of Restaurant Development
Rising cost of operations puts pressure on restaurants
“The biggest challenge right now is the rising cost of operations. Energy prices have surged since COVID and the war in Ukraine, and staffing costs are increasing too,”
Kamil says.
Meanwhile, the industry faces a long-term labor shift. "Poland is moving from a cheap labor economy to a developed one, and fewer young people want to work as waiters or cooks," he explains.
Still, Kamil is quick to point out that it is not all negative. Alongside these pressures, Poland's restaurant scene is also full of momentum. New concepts – from kebab shops to matcha cafés – are thriving, and more Polish cities are appearing in the Michelin Guide. "There is plenty of growth," he says. "But to capture it, restaurants need the right approach."
Quality, innovation, efficiency: the three keys to success
When asked what sets successful restaurants apart, Kamil highlights three factors:
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Quality first. A strong product is the foundation. "Trends help, but without quality, restaurants close quickly."
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Continuous innovation. Small but steady updates like new flavors, collaborations, or social-media-driven ideas, keep customers engaged.
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Efficiency. Streamlined menus, energy-efficient equipment, and digital tools like QR codes or analytics can make a huge difference to margins.
A Warsaw fried chicken restaurant, for example, started by perfecting one thing: high-quality, crispy fried chicken. Once they had a loyal customer base and strong brand recognition, the owners decided to expand. Instead of reinventing their business, they launched a schnitzel concept that relied on almost the exact same suppliers, kitchen setup, and cooking processes they already had in place.
By keeping operations efficient while introducing a fresh but related product, they attracted new customers without dramatically increasing costs. "That is quality, innovation, and efficiency working together," Kamil says.
Financing as a growth tool
Turning ideas into reality often requires funding. For restaurants, traditional bank loans are still difficult – heavy on paperwork and strict on conditions.
This is where Wolt Capital, powered by finmid, offers a practical alternative. Financing is tied to sales on Wolt, meaning it is fast, transparent, and flexible.
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Funds arrive within hours.
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Payments adjust with sales: less on slower weeks, more on busier ones.
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Pricing is clear: one fixed fee, no hidden surprises.
“The speed and clarity are what merchants appreciate most. They know exactly what they are agreeing to, and our team can guide them through the process,”
Kamil explains.
How restaurants are using Wolt Capital
For many restaurant owners, even small setbacks can feel overwhelming. A broken fryer on a busy weekend, outdated fridges that waste energy, or a terrace that sits empty during peak summer months – these challenges eat into margins and create daily stress.
With Wolt Capital, powered by finmid, merchants in Poland have been able to turn those problems into opportunities. Some have renovated their outdoor seating just in time for summer, quickly recouping the investment with higher guest capacity. Others have upgraded to energy-efficient fryers and fridges, cutting long-term costs while making kitchens run smoother. Others have used financing to expand capacity ahead of peak season, so they could serve more customers without missing out on demand.
These are not stop-gap measures – they are smart moves that strengthen the business. "It is ideal for small and medium businesses – family-run places or those with a few locations," Kamil says.
“For restaurants, Wolt Capital can make a big difference.”
Advice for merchants
For owners considering Wolt Capital's financing, powered by finmid, Kamil's advice is straightforward:
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Use it to invest in growth. Focus on projects that improve efficiency, refresh your menu, or help you expand – not just plugging short-term gaps.
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Have a clear plan. Before accepting financing, map out exactly how the funds will be used and how they will generate return. For example, will a new fryer allow you to serve more orders at peak times? Will a terrace renovation help you attract more guests in summer? Will updated fridges lower your electricity bills month after month? The clearer the link between the investment and its payback, the stronger your decision will be.
“When financing aligns with projects that deliver real return, it strengthens both the business and the partnership with Wolt,”
Kamil says.
About Wolt Capital, powered by finmid
Wolt is one of the platforms enjoying the benefits of finmid's embedded lending. Curious to see how this could work on your platform and enjoy similar benefits? Book a demo.
finmid is the embedded lending infrastructure powering platform growth. With its API, finmid enables platforms to launch tailored financing products for their business customers at scale. Across industries, borders, and business models, finmid drives revenue, improves retention, and fuels core business growth. finmid is trusted by Europe’s most ambitious platforms, including Wolt, Delivery Hero, Just Eat Takeaway, Guesty, and FREENOW. Learn more at finmid.com.
