From games and music to outdoor activities and books, entertainment is adding value to the restaurant experience By Nancy Wood If you’re thinking about slipping into a neighborhood café for a casual dinner with a lone singer crooning from the corner, you’re most likely in for a surprise. Today’s consumer is looking for more when they go out, an experience mixed in with … [Read more...] about In the Mix
Management
Dining With a Purpose
Defining your restaurant's purpose gives team members direction, builds a company's culture and attracts top talent and loyal fans. By Lisa Bowen Defining a restaurant’s purpose is important because it makes the dining experience about more than food. A purpose gives the team members direction, builds the company’s culture and attracts both top talent and loyal … [Read more...] about Dining With a Purpose
To Grow or Not to Grow: How to Grow Your Concept
15 things to ask yourself before expanding your concept By Robby Kukler 2023 is off to a strong start for many operators. As the owner of one – or maybe two or more – successful restaurants, you have a great team and the community loves you, so you’re thinking now might be the time to open another concept. While 7 in 10 restaurants in the U.S. are single-unit operations, … [Read more...] about To Grow or Not to Grow: How to Grow Your Concept
Sudden Impact of Federal Interest Rates
How federal interest rates are affecting restaurants. By Daniel McCoy The recent rise in interest rates is having a significant impact on the hospitality industry, and many restaurants are feeling the effects. For years, restaurants have relied on cheap loans to fuel growth, but as rates climb, many are finding it difficult to keep up with their debt payments. Can you … [Read more...] about Sudden Impact of Federal Interest Rates
A People-First Culture
How to elevate your team's needs and cultivate a positive workplace environment. By Lisa Bowen It’s no secret that a positive and consistent workplace culture leads to increased productivity, loyalty and employee retention, but the economic pressures of the past few years have made it clear that there’s no greater competitive advantage than cultivating a people-first … [Read more...] about A People-First Culture
How Will Legal and HR Changes Affect Businesses
What's new for legal and HR in 2023 that affects small and large companies? By Daniel McCoy There have been many changes due to various regulations and laws enacted that affect small and large companies alike, with more to come in 2023. Some changes that have occurred were not directly related to business but will have a significant impact. One food industry-related bill … [Read more...] about How Will Legal and HR Changes Affect Businesses
Grow Leaders Within Your Ranks
Increase retention and expand diversity through employee education By Lauren Fernandez If you want to increase retention and expand diversity in the restaurant business in 2023 – especially in leadership, on boards and with founders of growing brands – start with education. The restaurant industry has an information problem. Historically, most restaurant education is … [Read more...] about Grow Leaders Within Your Ranks
Balancing Act: Lowering Costs & Increasing Profit
Tips on lowering your costs and increasing profit in the new year By Nancy Wood In the face of ongoing challenges, restaurant owners and operators are continuing their uphill battle to recover from the toll the pandemic took. The industry has always born the brunt of slim profit margins, employee turnover, cost of goods and operational expenses. But in the current climate … [Read more...] about Balancing Act: Lowering Costs & Increasing Profit
