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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. That kind of freedom is a real advantage. It means you can be creative.

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Value-Driven Messaging Fuels Increased Traffic

Modern Restaurant Management

" Rose suggests operators should focus on better understanding and segmenting their loyalty program members to communicate their value-based menu innovations as well as new premium offerings. "They " As we head into 2025, Rose anticipates more operators will look to data when problem solving. "In

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What consumers want from restaurants at breakfast

Restaurant Business

Menu innovation can be a motivating factor in luring diners away from breakfast at home—where nearly half of consumers eat the morning meal—and into restaurants. She provides in-depth coverage of chefs, trends and menu innovation. View All Articles by This Author Want breaking news at your fingertips?

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Condado Tacos overhauls its margarita lineup and drink sales spike by 20%

Restaurant Business

Joe Kahn, founder and chief innovation officer of the Columbus, Ohio-based chain, felt that guests were ready for more flavor excitement and better-quality ingredients. “I Joe was like a mad scientist in the innovation lab,” added Sarah Kear, CMO of 52-location Condado Tacos. “We and the zero-proof versions for $7.

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How Cracker Barrel chef Matt Banton is expanding the flavor portfolio

Restaurant Business

Then Pat shares her interview with Matt Banton, VP of menu strategy and innovation at Cracker Barrel. He’s been at the chain for less than a year, but hit the ground running, focusing on flavor innovation, building a robust pipeline and making sure the food and drink selection creates memorable guest experiences.

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‘Cookie-Cutter Marketing Doesn’t Work in this Industry.’

Modern Restaurant Management

Now, our challenges have evolved: Keeping Pace with Technology : From AI tools to social algorithms to customer data platforms, the pace of innovation is nonstop. Restaurants that embrace change and innovation will thrive. That shift has been a game changer, not just for us, but for our clients, too.

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Restaurant Market Research: Ultimate Guide to Market Analysis

7 Shifts

Consider the channels you'll use to reach potential customers, such as social media, local advertising, or community events. By monitoring hashtags related to dining and your local area, you can gain insights into cuisine trends and potential opportunities for menu innovation.