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Small But Mighty: How Independent Restaurants Win with Agility, Authenticity, and Community

Modern Restaurant Management

National chains bring with them the benefits of size: expansive advertising budgets, advanced technology, and nationwide name recognition. But with that scale often comes complexity: more layers, less flexibility, and a growing distance from the communities they serve. Independent restaurants and smaller multi-unit brands may not have the same reach, but they have something just as powerful: the ability to adapt quickly, get to know their guests by name, and become a meaningful part of their nei

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Appetite for Change: Food & Beverage is Rewriting the Retail Rulebook

Future Food

Over the past decade, few trends have reshaped the landscape of retail real estate more than the rise of food and beverage. Once considered an amenity or a supporting act, today F&B plays THE starring role, driving footfall, shaping identities, and anchoring major redevelopment efforts across the globe. Across Australia’s leading retail and mixed-use centres, food and beverage (F&B) has quietly emerged as the most powerful catalyst for transformation.

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Influencer Marketing For Restaurants: How To Turn Local Creators Into Loyal Promoters

ChowNow

Influencer marketing sounds like something reserved for big-name brands with massive budgets and full-time social media managers. Because of this perception, many restaurant owners feel like running an influencer marketing campaign is a risky gamble: you give away free or heavily discounted food, cross your fingers, and then hope for a post that drives new business.

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The Top 30 BBQ Spots in Kentucky Ranked

Restaurant Clicks

Kentucky has a deep BBQ tradition that runs through small towns and big cities alike. Across the state, you’ll find places that have been smoking meat for generations, often using methods passed down in the family. Many of these spots are simple, no-frills, and focused on doing one thing right. What makes Kentucky BBQ stand out is the pride behind it.

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AI in HR: 20+ Prompts to Use Now

AI is reshaping the business landscape, including HR. This guide is designed to help you understand and implement AI effectively for tangible benefits and a more strategic approach. Learn how to: Automate routine tasks Boost data insights Enhance employee experiences Drive HR’s strategic value Download the guide today!

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Are specialty coffee shops overthinking the basics?

Perfect Daily Grind

Specialty coffee shops have two essential purposes: to serve excellent coffee and offer exceptional customer service. But as global specialty coffee consumption has grown, the market has become fiercely competitive. Businesses need a point of differentiation, often found through forward-thinking marketing strategies, creative signature and customised drinks , or the latest brewing technology.

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Experience Economy: Serving Up Culinary Adventures

Modern Restaurant Management

Restaurant operators have an opportunity to leverage the trend of experience-driven dining. A remarkable 74 percent of diners report returning to an establishment after a memorable event so by offering curated experiences and special events, operators can effectively engage their customer base as well as foster long-term loyalty. Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas is one restaurant that is capitaizling by launching culinary classes, inspired by the team's passion for interacting with gues

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Social Media for Restaurants: A Practical Guide to Growing Followers and Orders

ChowNow

It’s probably fair to say that most operators know why they should use social media marketing for their restaurant. With 73% of the US population active on social media, it’s one of the easiest ways to reach new customers, show off your food, and drive more direct orders—especially among younger generations who discover new restaurants by scrolling their feeds, not searching Google Maps.

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The Top 30 BBQ Spots in California Ranked

Restaurant Clicks

California has some of the best BBQ spots in the country, and this list brings together 30 of the top places worth checking out. From Southern California to the Bay Area and everywhere in between, BBQ here comes in many styles. Some places stick to traditional methods, while others add their own local twist. That mix of approaches is what makes California’s BBQ scene different from other states.

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Coffee News Recap, 1 Aug: US says coffee could be exempt from tariffs, PRF El Salvador to take place on 26 & 27 March 2026 & other stories

Perfect Daily Grind

Every Friday, Perfect Daily Grind rounds up the top coffee industry news from the week. Editor’s note After threatening to slap 50% tariffs on Brazil in July, US President Donald Trump has delivered on his promise. Over 35% of the country’s imports now face a staggering 50% levy when entering the US – a 40% increase from the initial tariffs announced in early April.

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Modernization Is on the Menu: How Restaurants Thrive in Today’s Competitive Landscape

Modern Restaurant Management

There is reason to be optimistic about the state of modern dining. While the industry isn’t without its challenges, studies show there is business to be had keeping up with the dynamic trends of today’s diner. As reported by Modern Restaurant Management , demand is there and there are trends that can direct restaurants can focus on to ensure they keep pace.

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Mid-Year Review: How to Ignite Employee Potential Through Meaningful Feedback

Mid-year performance reviews aren’t just boxes for HR to check. Paycor’s toolkit empowers leaders to: Identify high-potential team members. Boost engagement with meaningful feedback. Support struggling employees. Nurture top talent to drive results. Learn how to ignite employee potential through meaningful feedback. When you nurture top talent, everybody wins.

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How to Retain Café Staff in 2025: 5 Proven Ways to Reduce Turnover & Boost Morale

Lavu

High staff turnover can drain your café’s productivity, customer service quality, and profit margins. In 2025, with hiring challenges at an all-time high, the ability to retain café staff is more valuable than ever. Loyal, well-trained employees not only create consistent guest experiences but also reduce recruitment costs and improve operational stability.

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5 Ways to Boost Your Restaurant’s Online Visibility

Chowly

Restaurant Marketing Strategy 5 Ways to Boost Your Restaurant’s Online Visibility If you run an independent or emerging restaurant, your competition isn’t just the place down the street anymore… it’s the entire internet. Online visibility = profitability. Your digital storefront is now your front door. If guests can’t find you online, they won’t order.

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The Top 30 BBQ Spots in Arizona Ranked

Restaurant Clicks

Arizona has become one of the best places to find real BBQ in the Southwest. From old-school joints that have been smoking meat for years to newer spots bringing in different styles, the state has built a strong barbecue scene. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you’ll find plenty of places serving slow-cooked favorites with rich flavor and bold seasoning.

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What Is the Average Liquor Cost for a Bar? | Bar Profit Guide

Sculpture Hospitality

For bar owners, understanding your liquor cost isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Whether you're running a dive bar, a craft cocktail lounge, or anything in between, knowing how much you're spending on alcohol compared to how much you're bringing in is a key component of profitability. In this blog, we’ll break down what "liquor cost" really means, explain the industry benchmarks, and explore the many factors that influence the so-called "average liquor cost for a bar.

Bar
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What Your Financial Statements Are Telling You—And How to Listen!

Speaker: David Worrell, CFO, Author & Speaker

Your financial statements hold powerful insights—but are you truly paying attention? Many finance professionals focus on the income statement while overlooking key signals hidden in the balance sheet and cash flow statement. Understanding these numbers can unlock smarter decision-making, uncover risks, and drive long-term success. Join David Worrell, accomplished CFO, finance expert, and author, for an engaging, nontraditional take on reading financial statements.

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Smarter Not Smaller: How Restaurants Are Navigating Economic Headwinds

Modern Restaurant Management

In order to address ongoing economic strains, more restaurant operators are choosing to strategically use technology and data to become "smarter, not smaller." This approach focuses on targeted investments in technology designed to yield measurable benefits, helping them build more resilient and profitable businesses. "Operators are investing in tools that deliver fast, measurable ROI," Samir Zabaneh, CEO of TouchBistro, told Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine. "That

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Best Coffee Shop POS System in 2025: Features, Benefits & Success Tips

Lavu

Choosing the right coffee shop POS system in 2025 can make or break your business. From managing daily orders to tracking inventory and improving customer experience, today’s POS solutions go far beyond basic transactions. With growing competition and rising customer expectations, coffee shop owners need smarter tools to stay ahead. In this guide, we break down the key features, real-world benefits, and success tips to help you select the best POS system tailored to your café’s unique need If th

POS
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Farmer Boys mixes and matches its menu for a fresh take on the combo meal

Restaurant Business

Continue to Site >>> Menu Farmer Boys mixes and matches its menu for a fresh take on the combo meal Newsletter Search Restaurant Business Search Login Subscribe Newsletter Login Subscribe Topics Consumer Trends Food Beverage Emerging Brands Operations Technology Marketing Workforce Leadership Financing Data Top 500 Chains Top 100 Independents Future 50: Emerging Brands Same-store Sales Tracker Special Reports COVID: 5 Years Later 50 Great Ideas Killer in the kitchen Evolving Kitchens The impact

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The Top 30 BBQ Spots in Louisiana Ranked

Restaurant Clicks

Louisiana has a deep love for food, and barbecue is no exception. From small roadside joints to well-known neighborhood spots, BBQ has become part of the state’s culture. What makes it special here is the mix of local flavor, family recipes, and cooking styles passed down through generations. Whether it’s smoked low and slow or grilled with a crisp edge, each place has its own way of doing things.

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State of AI in Sales & Marketing 2025

AI adoption is reshaping sales and marketing. But is it delivering real results? We surveyed 1,000+ GTM professionals to find out. The data is clear: AI users report 47% higher productivity and an average of 12 hours saved per week. But leaders say mainstream AI tools still fall short on accuracy and business impact. Download the full report today to see how AI is being used — and where go-to-market professionals think there are gaps and opportunities.

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AI in Restaurants: The Pros, Cons & Surprising Outcomes of a Digital Revolution

Blue Orbit Restaurant Consulting

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to reshape the restaurant industry. It can affect everything from how customers discover your business to predictive scheduling and intelligent upselling. But with all these advancements, one big question remains: Where does AI truly help, and where might it hurt? Let’s explore the pros, cons, and surprising outcomes of […] The post AI in Restaurants: The Pros, Cons & Surprising Outcomes of a Digital Revolution first appeared on Blue Orbit

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Commissioning Art at Your Restaurant

Modern Restaurant Management

Commissioning artwork is a collaborative journey, especially for restaurant owners. Unlike mass-produced or factory-made prints, commissioned art is a team effort from start to finish. It combines a restaurant owner’s mission with an artist’s intuition to create something unique. The restaurant owner shares a feeling or aim, then the designer builds on that with a greater theme and finally, in tandem with the artist’s craftsmanship, they bring to life a complete experience for

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Turn Restaurant Peak Hours into Profit Powerhouses with Smart POS Strategies

Lavu

Managing restaurant peak hours can feel like organized chaos—but with the right strategy, they can become your biggest profit drivers. From lunch rushes to weekend dinner crowds, these high-traffic windows hold the potential to significantly boost revenue when optimized effectively. This is where smart POS strategies come into play. By leveraging data-driven tools, real-time reporting, and intelligent staff coordination, you can streamline operations, reduce wait times, and increase customer sat

POS
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How Puerto Rican coffee has evolved & emerged

Perfect Daily Grind

The story of Puerto Rican coffee is one of strength and resilience. The Caribbean island, once the world’s seventh-largest coffee producer, is now home to roughly 2,000 coffee farms that have beaten the odds against devastating hurricanes and a history of colonial suppression. Producers, roasters, and baristas alike are revitalising the island’s coffee industry through a growing focus on specialty coffee – and it’s reshaping the future of Puerto Rican coffee.

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Navigating Payroll Compliance: Future-Proofing Payroll in an Evolving Regulatory Landscape

Speaker: Jennifer Hill

Payroll compliance is a cornerstone of business success, yet for small and midsize businesses, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of federal, state, and local regulations. Mistakes can lead to costly penalties and operational disruptions, making it essential to adopt advanced solutions that ensure accuracy and efficiency.

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Private-equity firm acquires Shipley Do-Nuts

Restaurant Business

Continue to Site >>> Menu Private-equity firm acquires Shipley Do-Nuts Newsletter Search Restaurant Business Search Login Subscribe Newsletter Login Subscribe Topics Consumer Trends Food Beverage Emerging Brands Operations Technology Marketing Workforce Leadership Financing Data Top 500 Chains Top 100 Independents Future 50: Emerging Brands Same-store Sales Tracker Special Reports COVID: 5 Years Later 50 Great Ideas Killer in the kitchen Evolving Kitchens The impact of the $15 wage America'

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Is Your Restaurant Bleeding Money? 5 Operational Blind Spots Costing You Thousands

Blue Orbit Restaurant Consulting

Running a restaurant is a fast-paced challenge, and you’re likely putting out fires every day. But despite your hard work, your restaurant could still be leaking money without you even realizing it. Here are five key operational blind spots that might be costing you thousands: 1. Recipe Costing and Misaligned Menus Menu changes are a […] The post Is Your Restaurant Bleeding Money?

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MRM Research Roundup: Midyear Report Card, Cowboy Carter Boost, and the Evolving Pumpkin Craze

Modern Restaurant Management

This edition of Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine's Research Roundup features rewriting the rules of seasonal marketing, snack wrap traffic driver, GLP-1 use impact on F&B, and restaurant marketing challenges. The 2025 Numbers, So Far Restaurant leaders representing more than 5,000 locations shared 2025's top challenges and opportunities alongside their priorities for the rest of the year, including increased marketing and sales to drive revenue, training to improve guest e

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Restaurant and Bar Scams: How Smart POS Systems Prevent Theft and Revenue Loss

Lavu

Restaurant and bar scams are more common than many business owners realize—ranging from cash skimming and inventory theft to fraudulent voids and unauthorized discounts. These small losses quickly add up, eating into already tight margins and damaging trust within your team. Fortunately, modern solutions like smart POS systems are transforming how restaurants and bars detect and prevent fraud in real-time.

POS
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HR in 2026: Insights & Best Practices

Get Paycor’s guide, based on a survey of 3,000+ professionals, and learn why successful companies are: Almost 80% more likely to identify top talent through formal systems 40% more likely to protect managers’ time spent on coaching 83% more likely to plan to upskill their teams and more!

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[Webinar Recap] Guest Experience Insights from CAVA and Panera

Crunchtime

In today’s hyper-competitive restaurant landscape, guest experience isn’t just about customer satisfaction, it’s about market share. During our recent Ops Innovators Webinar , leaders from CAVA and Panera Bread shared how they’re building customer loyalty and operational consistency with Crunchtime’s execution platform, Zenput.

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SpotOn Enters Summer with Strong Momentum, Expanding Restaurant Tech Leadership and Profit-Focused Innovation

SpotOn

San Francisco , July 29, 2025 — SpotOn, a leading software and payments partner for restaurants and small businesses, enters Q3 of 2025 with strong momentum driven by product innovation, new client growth, and a continued focus on helping restaurants succeed. As economic pressures continue, more operators are turning to SpotOn to improve profitability, streamline operations, and build strong guest relationships, solidifying SpotOn’s role as the go-to tech partner for independent re

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The Role of IT in Hospitality Has Fundamentally Changed

Apicbase

IT has moved from the sidelines to the centre of hospitality operations. For a long time, technology was viewed as a support function. It was something you upgrade when workflows break or legacy systems become too painful to manage. In fact, 94% of restaurants only adopt new tech when absolutely necessary. That mindset has created a tangle of tools that: Don’t scale, Don’t connect, and Don’t support business goals.

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Server, Menu, or Market? Pinpointing Guest Experience Gaps in Real Time

Black Box Intelligence

Server, Menu, or Market? Pinpointing Guest Experience Gaps in Real Time One store’s reviews are tanking, but the GM can’t explain why. Another has flawless service scores, but is struggling with sales. Sound familiar? Whether you’re overseeing five locations or five hundred, the question always comes up: Where is the guest experience breaking down — and how do we fix it fast?

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8 Pillars of Leadership Development

Great leadership development is the key to sustainable business growth. Are you ready to design an effective program? HR can use Paycor’s framework to: Set achievable goals. Align employee and company needs. Support different learning styles. Empower the next generation of leaders. Invest in your company’s future with a strong leadership development program.