Abstract
The aim of this article is to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine influenced the functioning of the food service sector in Poland between 2020 and 2023. The research utilized industry reports and data from the Central Statistical Office, allowing for the identification of key changes in the industry. The findings reveal that the inflation increase, which reached 17% in the food service sector in 2022, led to significant price hikes in raw materials and services, consequently affecting the number of customers. Practical implications highlight the necessity for entrepreneurs to adapt by implementing menu changes, reducing portion sizes, and developing takeout services. The originality of the study lies in the detailed analysis of consumer behavior and adaptive strategies of food service entities in the face of the crisis. The article contributes new insights into the response of the food service sector to challenges arising from global crises, which may be beneficial for industry practitioners.