June, 2023

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How to handle restaurant complaints and turn them into hospitality wins

Open for Business

Restaurant complaints are unavoidable in the hospitality industry. It’s just a fact of life. But how you handle complaints from restaurant customers determines whether a problem results in a happy regular for life or a one-star review. Be prepared for the inevitable by preparing your team to handle complaints. With proper training and solid planning, you can turn an annoyed guest into one who will sing your praises.

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Your 5 Ways to Improve Restaurant Efficiency

Sculpture Hospitality

As a restaurant owner, you know that running a successful restaurant requires more than just delicious food and great service. You need to manage inventory , streamline operations, and keep your staff organized.

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IN THE KITCHEN – ROOM FOR EVERY LEVEL OF COMMITMENT

Culinary Cues

I find it interesting that in every profession some people are all in and others are barely connected, but room is there for both to co-exist. Recently, a friend and colleague spoke to an audience stating that no one ever asked a world-class musician, professional dancer, actor, athlete, or artist about their work/life balance. His point was that being a chef falls in the same category – if that is what you want then “all in” is the choice you need to make.

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117 chefs share their secrets to running a successful kitchen and restaurant

Restaurant Business

Shari Bayer, author of “Chefwise: Life Lessons from Leading Chefs Around the World,” collected insights from the pros and shares their best practical and inspirational advice.

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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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Menu Engineering: The Secret to Maximum Profitability

Modern Restaurant Management

Not all menu items are created equal, nor do they contribute the same profit to the bottom line. Some dishes are more popular and increase revenue, while others carry a smaller margin or might not be ordered as often. It is important to understand not only the profitability of each item per serving but also its overall contribution according to the total servings sold.

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How to Build Social Proof for Your Restaurant Business

Modern Restaurant Management

The restaurant industry has generally seen an increase in online orders since the start of the pandemic. Although this is a welcome development, it also means more competition. It means more restaurant businesses now have an online presence. So, how do you attract more customers to your restaurant in the competitive market? One way to do this is by building social proof.

More Trending

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Calif. restaurants used a bogus priest to learn of worker 'sins' like stealing

Restaurant Business

Taqueria Garibaldi used the ruse to learn of such confessed infractions as fudging hours, according to a Department of Labor investigation.

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? Employee Scheduling and Time Tracking: Bizimply is G2’s Summer 2023 Leader

Bizimply

We are proudly ranked as Summer Leader in Employee Scheduling and Time Tracking and in Europe and UK High Performer in Workforce Management and Time Tracking in the most recent G2 Report. The post ? <b> Employee Scheduling</b> and <b>Time Tracking</b>: Bizimply is G2’s Summer 2023 Leader appeared first on Bizimply.

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For Restaurants, Investing in Loyalty Is an Investment in the Future

Modern Restaurant Management

By now, loyalty programs have shifted from a “nice-to-have” to a “need-to-have” for restaurants looking to retain customers and drive revenue amid record inflation figures and increased prices. In fact, research from Accenture found that more than 90 percent of companies have some sort of loyalty program. Although the development and implementation of loyalty programs have become increasingly popular, they still have a widespread reputation as generic, focusing more on ma

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A COOK’S FIRST STEPS TO BEING GREAT

Culinary Cues

Think about this typical story. Shawn was 17 years old, an average student in school, no real direction, wanted to have fun, make a difference, do something important, and college was far from his thinking. Last summer he had a job as a dishwasher in a local diner. Too many of his friends took the wrong fork in the road. Dropouts from high school, a few juvenile offenders with eyes on prison in their future.

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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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Why, Exactly, Do We Love Old Restaurants?

EATER

Lille Allen/Eater A quest to understand the illogical appeal of the old and “just fine” We were driving home from Sedona, Arizona, to Los Angeles. There were blue skies and snow-capped red mountains; I’d like to think we were listening to Willie Nelson, but it was probably Haim. We stopped in Quartzite, Arizona, (population: 2,358) at a roadside antiques store that was more of a tent than a building, where we bought a very affordable and cumbersome glass punch bowl with a dozen tiny glass cups a

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DON’T FORGET, WE ARE IN THE BUSINESS OF HOSPITALITY

Sante

There is constant chatter of late about artificial intelligence, growing opportunities to integrate technology in restaurants, home delivery initiatives, ghost kitchens without guest interaction, and several ways we can become more efficient during a time when the labor challenges seem impossible.

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Jury awards former Starbucks manager $25.6M in discrimination case

Restaurant Business

The former regional manager sued the coffee giant in 2019, saying she was wrongly fired following the arrests of two Black men in one of Starbucks' Philadelphia cafes.

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Revolutionizing Dining: The Future of AI in the Restaurant Industry

Modern Restaurant Management

When people think of the way AI is currently used in quick service restaurants – such as fast-food chains – they might think of AI-powered voice bots utilized at drive-thrus or AI tools to forecast inventory needs based on demand. AI-based technology can be an incredibly valuable resource for the restaurant industry when utilized properly.

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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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The Tipping Point: Tech Tipping Causing Tension

Modern Restaurant Management

Half of customers felt manipulated or tricked into leaving a tip at checkout, according to Capterra ’s June 2023 survey, which was conducted to learn more about how the overuse of tablet tip screens is changing the way consumers approach tipping culture. Among the insights: Over-asking for tips is alienating customers: 50 percent have felt manipulated or tricked into leaving a tip or tipping more than they intended to.

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The Power of Storytelling: Secrets to Content Marketing for Franchise Restaurants

Modern Restaurant Management

Franchise brands have many goals in common: enter a new market; attract new franchisees, employees and loyal customers; increase average unit volume (AUV); and accelerate franchise expansion strategies. Yet, there is nothing common about your specific brand. Every brand has a story, and that’s what makes customers, employees and franchisees take notice, choose you and keep coming back.

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Orchestrating Restaurant Operations to Increase CX

Modern Restaurant Management

One of Merriam-Webster’s definitions for orchestration is “to arrange or combine so as to achieve a desired or maximum effect.” Simple concept yet much harder to pull off for today’s restaurants struggling to harmonize in-store, drive-thru, delivery and curbside experiences for both customers and employees. Customer expectations are level set by their most advanced in-store and digital experiences.

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Training With Intention

Modern Restaurant Management

Early on a sunny Sunday morning, the air is thick with humidity and the servers are reeling from consecutive busy services. As families flood out of a nearby church and line up at the front door for high chairs and hash browns, it becomes clear that the grill cook isn’t showing up and the computers are down (again). As the manager on duty prioritizes each crisis and puts out literal fires in the kitchen while trying to get the POS company on the phone, a chipper newcomer clad in all black

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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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How QSR Brands Can Best Position Themselves for Non-Traditional Expansion

Modern Restaurant Management

As travel and leisure activities continue to rebound from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands like ours have a unique opportunity to position themselves for growth in non-traditional venues like airports, casinos, college campuses, sports stadiums and other travel centers. People are eager to resume their travel journeys and fill up their social calendars, which has allowed QSRs to tap into the demand for quick and convenient food options by expanding their

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How Restaurants Can Attract Gen Z Customers by Embracing Brand Purpose and Social Responsibility

Modern Restaurant Management

For restaurant owners or franchise managers, the importance of brand purpose and social responsibility can’t be overstated, especially when attracting the Gen Z demographic. This tech-savvy, socially conscious generation has distinct preferences and values that can significantly shape the success of your establishment. Understanding the Importance of Brand Purpose In today’s marketplace, brand purpose refers to the reason for your restaurant’s existence beyond making a profit.

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Under One Roof: Creating Distinct Identities for Three Concepts

Modern Restaurant Management

Managing one restaurant is challenging enough, but can you imagine hosting three concepts within a 110-year old historic building? Steve Lewis and Chef Chris Thompson share with Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine how they navigate the unique challenges they’ve encountered while operating Meadowlark Hospitality, which houses three original concepts in Chicago: daytime salumeria/cafe Lardon (MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022), beer-centric restaurant Union , and new craft cocktail lounge M

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Opening a Restaurant: Steps to Take and Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Modern Restaurant Management

Business owners must know the risks and potential pitfalls involved in setting up a new restaurant so their investment is protected. They have to adhere to a set of common guidelines to ensure their business hits the ground running. Conduct Market Research Market research helps you define your business purpose. It allows entrepreneurs to gauge customer sentiment, demand, and potential competitors’ business models.

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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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THOUGHTS ABOUT WORK and JOB

Culinary Cues

I would hazard a guess that the word “work” is one of the most used in conversation. Like other four-letter words, it can be used as a noun, a verb, adjective, and adverb and just as easily in a negative light as a positive one. In fact, over time, it seems as if people prefer to use it as a negative. Just think for a moment of the context and implications when presented in conversation: “I have so much work to do” generally infers that you are over-burdened and challenged to complete everything

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Gamification Prompts Restaurant Engagement and Loyalty

Modern Restaurant Management

Gamification is rapidly changing how brands interact with customers during the restaurant experience. Through dry periods, seasonal menus, product launches or limited time offers, gamification is an intelligent way to motivate engagement, drive competitive traffic, and activate specific behaviors among consumers in the food and beverage industry. But what do you need to know about this tactic to achieve your business goals while driving meaningful customer connections?

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Design Inspired by Japanese Sensibilities

Modern Restaurant Management

Inspired by Japanese sensibilities including intentional hospitality, Janken, a 9,000-square-foot restaurant, opened in Portland, Oregon’s Pearl District at the end of 2022. The name comes from the Japanese equivalent of the Rock, Paper, Scissors game and the space combines natural elements, fluid design lines, and Japanese precision throughout. The pan-Asian restaurant focuses on Japanese and Korean cuisines and handcrafted cocktails with an angulated slat wall that fades from white to black a

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THE CHEF’S STRESS

Culinary Cues

If you’re reading this article, it’s because you have suffered from the ill effects of stress on the job. You know what I’m talking about – the knot in your stomach, dry throat, beads of forehead sweat even without the addition of kitchen heat, tingling in the fingers, rapid heartbeat, lack of focus, cold fingertips, and a sense of impending doom. The signs are there and even though we know what it is we can’t help thinking that there is something dramatically wrong.

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The Funding Recipe for Your Restaurant – A Guide To Growing Your Business

Fuel your restaurant’s success with our comprehensive 2025 funding guide! Running a restaurant comes with unique financial challenges, from managing seasonal fluctuations to covering unexpected expenses like equipment repairs or ingredient shortages. This guide dives into fast, flexible financing options for restaurant owners. Discover how to bridge cash flow gaps, fund expansions, or navigate slow seasons without compromising service quality.

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Maintaining Brand Essence While Expanding (Podcast)

Modern Restaurant Management

On the latest episode of The Main Course , Alexis Blair , CEO of Fig & Olive, shares insights into her restaurant’s expansion journey. She covers the challenges and triumphs of taking a brand global, maintaining the essence of the brand while adapting to new markets, and the impact of the pandemic on the restaurant industry.

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CHEFS AND COOKS: A GUIDE TO BUILDING YOUR BRAND AND CAREER

Culinary Cues

I’ve been reading an interesting book of advice from dozens of prominent chefs: “Chef Wise” from Phaidon Books. This is a compendium of quips that are based on experience; snippets of advice that we can all benefit from. It really is a valuable resource, especially for those in the early stages of a career in food. Of particular interest to me was a paragraph from Chef Sean Brock of Audrey Restaurant in Nashville (pages 289-290) that everyone should read.

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Data Transparency Puts Restaurant Operators in Control

Modern Restaurant Management

This year could be a tough one for many restaurant operators. In its 2023 State of the Industry report, the National Restaurant Association found that exactly half of all operators expect to be less profitable as compared with the previous year. While consumers still love restaurants, economic headwinds are forcing many to cut back on discretionary spending, and restaurants are experiencing higher prices across the board for line items that include food, labor, utilities and occupancy.

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‘Manifold Destiny’ Is the Apotheosis of Dude Cooking

EATER

Lille Allen/Eater Published in 1989, it was the cookbook that dared to ask: Why not use your car engine as a stove? As anyone who reads this website has surely figured out by now, there are many kinds of cooking. There’s cooking as a job to pay the bills; cooking as a way to impress friends , loved ones, and TikTok; cooking to create a connection to the past and long-lost ancestors and homelands.

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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!