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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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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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Beyond the Health Inspector: Creating a Culture of Cleanliness in Multi-Location Restaurant Operations

Modern Restaurant Management

The stakes for restaurant cleanliness have fundamentally changed. While health inspections remain important, they represent only the minimum threshold of acceptability. Today's consumers make split-second judgments about your brand based on cleanliness cues that go far beyond what any health inspector might note. Consider the explosive growth of TikTok restaurant reviews where influencers document dining experiences in real-time.

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How to Calculate and Improve Your Restaurant Food Cost Percentage (Free Calculator Inside)

ChowNow

Every restaurant owner should know their food cost percentage—it’s one of the clearest indicators of whether your restaurant is running effectively or if you’re missing opportunities to optimize your business. Tracking it correctly will: Reveal accurate profit margins Help set profitable menu prices Flag operational problems Support better budgeting Help you stay competitive Yet, despite its importance and the advantages of using it, many operators don’t calculate it regularly or aren’t confiden

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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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Global Coffee Awards open applications to celebrate roasting excellence

Perfect Daily Grind

Specialty coffee roasters of all sizes in the US, Canada, Europe, and coffee-producing countries can now compete in the Global Coffee Awards. The GCA is a prestigious competition that addresses a gap in the coffee industry, recognising the world’s best roasteries and the producers who grow their coffees. Unlike other coffee championships, the GCA rewards the overall brand rather than an individual roaster, allowing companies to strengthen their brand identity.

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How to Start and Grow a Successful Restaurant Catering Business in 2025

Lavu

Expanding into catering is one of the smartest ways for restaurants to diversify revenue and reach new customers. Whether you’re serving corporate lunches or private events, building a successful restaurant catering business requires more than just great food — it takes planning, streamlined operations, and the right technology. In 2025, demand for flexible, high-quality catering services is rising, and restaurants that adapt quickly are gaining a competitive edge.

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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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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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How to Measure and Improve Restaurant Marketing ROI (Free Calculator Inside)

ChowNow

You’d never run your kitchen without knowing your food costs, so why would anyone run their marketing campaigns without knowing the return on investment? Too many restaurant operators pour time and money into marketing efforts, then cross their fingers and hope for the best. When it does work, they have no idea what’s actually driving the results. The confusion is made even worse when spread across multiple marketing channels.

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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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Inside the World of Hospitality and Leisure Accounting

Paper Chase Accountancy

Beneath the surface of the hospitality industry includes seamless operations and financial complexity that far exceeds standard business accounting. Here, financial reporting isn’t merely about compliance; it’s the strategic backbone supporting dynamic pricing models, intricate seasonal forecasting, a vast web of vendor relationships, and operations that are inherently labor-heavy.

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Coffee News Recap: 25 Jul: Coffee prices surge following tariff and frost concerns, roaster applications open for Global Coffee Awards & other stories

Perfect Daily Grind

Every Friday, Perfect Daily Grind rounds up the top coffee industry news from the week. Editor’s note Coffee price volatility only continues. After falling to a seven-month low of US $2.86/lb in early July, the C price had risen sharply to US $3.15/lb by mid-July, now settling around US $3. The spike comes off the back of US tariff and Brazil frost concerns.

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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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Small Restaurant, Big Community at Allmine

SpotOn

Restaurant operations are often compared to a swimming duck: calm on the surface, paddling furiously under water. At Allmine in Oceanside, California, the comparison doesn’t hold. They operate an open kitchen—there’s no proverbial water to hide behind. It doesn’t mean things still don’t go awry. But thanks to a staff deeply committed to hospitality, thoughtful forecasting and scheduling, plus a little invisible technology, even a packed dinner service at Allmin

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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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How to Optimize POS System for Maximum Restaurant Efficiency

Lavu

Running a restaurant efficiently requires more than great food and service—it demands the right technology working at peak performance. One of the most overlooked tools in your operation is your point of sale (POS) system. When properly configured, it can streamline workflows, reduce errors, and improve customer turnaround times. In this guide, we’ll show you how to optimize POS system to boost speed, accuracy, and profitability across your front and back of house.

POS
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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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The Top 30 BBQ Spots in Arkansas Ranked

Restaurant Clicks

Arkansas is known for its deep roots in barbecue culture. Across the state, you’ll find small shacks, roadside joints, and local hangouts where the smoke never stops and the flavors stay true to tradition. While each place has its own way of doing things, they all share a focus on slow cooking, seasoned pits, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re from the area or just passing through, good barbecue is always part of the experience.

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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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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 Hidden Ingredient to Restaurant Resilience? Better Communication Tools  

Modern Restaurant Management

In the fast-paced world of food service, communication is everything. From taking orders to coordinating back-of-house operations, every moment counts. Yet many restaurants are still relying on outdated or overly complex communication tools that slow down operations and hinder their ability to deliver exceptional service. Simple Communication Tools Are Critical for Restaurant Success Midland’s recent survey of 1,000 managers in the retail, hospitality, and restaurant industries reveals jus

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Why Mobile POS Is the Future of Payments for Restaurants and Cafés

Lavu

In today’s fast-paced restaurant industry, speed and flexibility at the point of sale are no longer optional—they’re expected. Mobile POS systems are transforming the way restaurants and cafés handle transactions, offering a more convenient, efficient, and customer-friendly solution. With the rise of contactless payments and tableside ordering, mobile POS technology empowers staff to serve guests faster, reduce wait times, and improve overall service.

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10 Reasons Your Restaurant Needs Great Signage

Restaurant Engine

10 Reasons Your Restaurant Needs Great Signage In our fast-paced and highly visual world, restaurant signage isn’t just helpful. It’s essential to your success. Whether you’re opening a brand-new diner or you’re trying to maximize your potential, signage is one of your most powerful marketing tools. Great signage not only draws in foot traffic, but it also reinforces your brand.

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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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Shared Kitchens Are Still Rising: Our Legacy with RFBC and What’s Next

The Food Corridor

In July 2025, the USDA announced the termination of all Regional Food Business Centers (RFBCs), including the Northwest Rocky Mountain Center (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming), where The Food Corridor served as co-lead for the Connecting and Scaling Food Entrepreneurs Theme Team. This decision marked the end of a transformative chapter — but it’s not the end of our movement.

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Everything You Should Know About Restaurant Accounting Books

Paper Chase Accountancy

Just like a well-balanced recipe is crucial to a delicious dish, restaurant accounting books are a vital component for a successful food business. We’re here to discuss the ins and outs of these ledgers, from understanding their importance, to optimizing financial planning with handy accounting tips. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, a hospitality accountant, or just someone interested in this niche, we’ll provide you with insights that can be game-changing.

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Boosting Restaurant Visibility within AI Search Engines

Modern Restaurant Management

AI is reshaping how customers discover and decide where to dine, so restaurateurs can no longer avoid its significant impact on customer attraction. With 60 percent of consumers utilizing platforms like Google for restaurant discovery and major AI search engines increasingly integrating large language models (LLMs) – it’s critical for restaurants to rethink their digital presence.

SEO
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How to Fix Inaccurate Sales Reports with Smart POS Software

Lavu

Accurate sales reports are essential for making informed decisions in any restaurant or retail business. However, manual errors, outdated systems, and data mismatches can lead to misleading figures that hurt your bottom line. That’s where smart POS software comes in. By automating real-time reporting, syncing data across devices, and flagging inconsistencies instantly, modern POS solutions ensure your sales reports are always reliable.

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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The Top 30 BBQ Spots in Oklahoma Ranked

Restaurant Clicks

Oklahoma has deep roots in barbecue, and it shows in how seriously people take it here. Across the state, you’ll find all kinds of BBQ spots that locals swear by. Some are small roadside joints, and others are more well-known, but they all have one thing in common: they know how to cook low and slow. Every region adds its own touch, and each place has built its name through word of mouth, steady quality, and loyal customers.

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Crafting the Perfect Recipe: Platform-Specific Strategy for Restaurant Success

Web Diner

Just like a master chef knows that the same ingredient requires different preparation methods depending on the dish, savvy restaurant marketers understand that content must be seasoned differently for each digital platform. You wouldn’t serve a delicate amuse-bouche the same way you present a hearty main course, and the same principle applies to your online presence.

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What consumers want from restaurants at breakfast

Restaurant Business

Continue to Site >>> Menu What consumers want from restaurants at breakfast 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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Why It’s Time to Rethink Guest Feedback: The Complete Guest Experience Solution

Black Box Intelligence

The Feedback Trap We’re All Stuck In You’ve got surveys. You’ve got online review alerts. Maybe even a social listening report or two. But despite all the options, you still don’t have a clear direction to make a real impact on your restaurant. Sound familiar? It’s not that you’re not listening to your guests. It’s that the tools you’re using were never designed to work together.

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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.