February, 2024

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Is the Customer Always Right?

Modern Restaurant Management

A new study challenging the long-standing mantra “the customer is always right" determined that to better support employee mental health, restaurant operators should have clear policies stating that customers' uncivil behavior will not be tolerated. “For decades, a customer could be uncivil, angry, yelling or just plain wrong, and employees were expected to deal with it because it was just part of the business.

Airlines 199
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To Charge or Not To Charge?

Modern Restaurant Management

Charging guests for booking a reservation that they don’t show up for is becoming more popular. Ten years ago, this was a practice in the big cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. When this practice began, I must be honest I told my customers not to do this charge because it could cost them clients. When restaurants began charging guests the three-percent credit card fee, I was against that as well.

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7 Key Features You Need in a Bar POS System

Lavu

Running a Bar: 7 Key Features You Need to Become The Best Bar POS System in 2024 In the bustling world of hospitality, the backbone of a bar’s success lies in its operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. At the forefront of this achievement is the POS software, a pivotal technology that has transformed how bars operate. A state-of-the-art restaurant POS System, specifically tailored for bars and restaurants, streamlines transactions, inventory management, and customer service, ens

POS 166
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What Restaurant Operators Need to Know About Specialized Cleaning

Modern Restaurant Management

Most restaurant owners work hard to make sure their restaurant is a clean environment that provides a hygienic experience for customers and workers. A clean restaurant improves the overall dining experience and more importantly, prevents people from getting sick while eating your food. Restaurant staffers clean the front and back of the house every night before closing and tidy up before opening every day.

Specials 193
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Optimize Restaurant Operations With the Right Payroll & HCM Services

Running a restaurant involves juggling numerous tasks, but payroll and HR shouldn’t add to the stress. Our guide, "A Buyer’s Guide to Payroll & HCM Services," is tailored for the restaurant industry to help you choose the best provider. Efficient payroll services ensure timely, accurate payments, crucial for maintaining staff morale. Compliance support helps navigate labor laws and avoid costly fines.

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Could Surge Pricing Actually Make Fast Food Better?

EATER

Getty Images Probably not, but Wendy’s thinks so Have you ever been eating a cheeseburger and fries, procured from a drive-thru, and wondered “Wow, I wish I could pay even more for this incredibly mediocre lunch?” If so, you’re in luck! Fast food chain Wendy’s has announced plans to test “dynamic pricing” at its locations across the country, beginning in 2025.

Pricing 133
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Restaurants' labor situation has improved, but it's far from perfect

Restaurant Business

The industry has regained workers, and more operators are likely to say they’re fully staffed. But labor is more expensive. Retention remains a key stressor. And jobs have moved.

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Boost Engagement Through Visual Communication

Modern Restaurant Management

The world of food franchising has been a catalyst for pioneering innovations that have had a ripple effect across multiple industries. After all, the McDonald brothers, with the pivotal support of Ray Kroc, changed our approach to franchising altogether. And it’s safe to say that the food franchising industry brought Henry Ford’s approach to process optimization to a whole new level.

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The Rich and Absorbing History of Bulgaria

Sante

You can experience it yourself this June - reserve your spot now. The post The Rich and Absorbing History of Bulgaria appeared first on Santé Magazine.

Magazine 269
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A new purple tomato is available to gardeners. Its color comes from snapdragon DNA

The Salt

The plant gets its color — and a boost in antioxidants — from genes from an edible flower. It's the first time a genetically modified crop is marketed directly to gardeners to raise at home.

Marketing 145
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Meet Me at the Melting Pot?

EATER

The 40-year-old fondue chain certainly has nostalgic vibes, but an effort to revamp the brand aims to bring the Melting Pot into the future. If you have been to the Melting Pot before, it was likely on a date. Maybe it was a first date, where dipping bread cubes and apple chunks into a pot of burbling cheese, cooked right at your table, offered a welcome distraction from the awkwardness of getting to know a new person.

Dine-in 109
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HR in 2025: Insights & Predictions

What type of worker is most engaged—hybrid, remote, or onsite? What are the drivers of effective leadership? What does the C-suite think HR is most responsible for? And why is a wave of HR resignations more likely in the next 12 months? Get our annual survey report to find out: The #1 challenge of recruiting & hiring Why remote teams are struggling What are the drivers of effective (and ineffective) leadership And lots more!

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James Beard Foundation launches campaign to speed federal action on climate change

Restaurant Business

The chef-led initiative underscores climate impact on independent restaurants based on research from José Andrés’ Global Food Institute at The George Washington University.

Food 125
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3 Free Restaurant Templates to Save You Money

7 Shifts

You're always crunched for time and your to-do lists never end. Sound familiar? When you run a restaurant, you need to get things done — not worry about whether they're done properly. That's why we created free templates to help you manage your restaurant team. Customize them to match your needs and save time — so that you can focus on the important things.

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Adopting Tech Solutions Is the Smartest Decision Restaurants Can Make

Modern Restaurant Management

Sweetgreen implemented tech solutions to improve their operations, boost sustainability , and personalize customers’ experiences. Chick-fil-A and Starbucks launched apps that make their consumers’ journeys more convenient, efficient, and enjoyable. Hot Palette Holdings uses AI to improve their forecasting, optimize inventory, and reduce waste.

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MRM Research Roundup: Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day 2024 Edition

Modern Restaurant Management

In this edition of MRM Research Roundup, we feature pizza predictions, Valentine's Day menu trends and lots about loyalty. Pizza Ordering Predictions HungerRush released the results of a national dining survey on 2024 pizza ordering predictions for The Big Game (February 11) and National Pizza Day (February 9). The data revealed an overwhelming 72 percent of diners plan on ordering pizza this year on either The Big Game, National Pizza Day, or both.

2024 193
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New DOL Final Overtime Rules: Quickstart Guide for Employers

There’s a new overtime salary threshold that will impact employers across the country. If you have an employee making less than $43,888 on July 1 or less than $58,656 on January 1, you’re going to have to start paying overtime. Download Paycor’s guide to learn: Which groups of employees are affected? How should you classify employees? Best ways to mitigate risk.

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SOCi Report: Brand Loyalty Affected by Online Inaccuracies

Modern Restaurant Management

Inaccurate business listings can have a substantial impact on brand loyalty, according to the first release of SOCi Inc.'s 2024 Consumer Behavior Index (CBI), which examines shopper practices and preferences when interacting on and offline with local businesses, including restaurants. Nearly two-in-three (63 percent) have encountered inaccuracies in business listings on major platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Revolutionizing Restaurant Operations with Advanced Networking Solutions

Modern Restaurant Management

The restaurant industry is transforming significantly, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and a competitive market landscape. Restaurants are no longer just about the food – they are about the complete dining experience, which includes ambiance, service speed, and personalized interaction. The need for innovation and efficiency has never been greater in this evolving scenario.

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Avoid Digital Pitfalls When a Restaurant Changes Hands

Modern Restaurant Management

There are many details to keep track of during the process of buying or selling a restaurant. Beyond the brick and mortar, there are many digital assets to manage during the transition phase. Part of what you’re paying for when purchasing a restaurant is the brand reputation and web history. To prevent issues down the road, it's best to make sure you speak with your attorney to have all the necessary information.

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Key Sections of a Franchise Disclosure Document: An Annual Review Guide for Franchisors

Modern Restaurant Management

A Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) serves as the foundation of the franchisor-franchisee relationship. Not only is it a critical sales tool for the franchisor, but it also gives a prospective franchisee vital insight into the franchise opportunity and help them make an informed decision to invest. While the FDD is a comprehensive document, certain key sections demand careful scrutiny during an annual review.

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Join Full Course Navigator: Your Path to Professional Growth in Restaurant Leadership

Full Course Foundation is dedicated to nurturing excellence in restaurant leadership. Our Navigator program offers a wide range of resources tailored for professional growth. From high-quality training to personalized coaching, Navigator equips restaurant leaders with the tools they need to thrive in their careers. Unlock your potential with three months FREE access to Navigator by Full Course!

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What Restaurants Need to Know About HOCI

Modern Restaurant Management

Food Safety Specialist Francine L. Shaw sat down with Morten Larsen, CEO & Founder of EcoloxTech to discuss the use of Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in restaurants and food service. Why is it so important for restaurants and other food businesses to be aware of – and use – HOCI as a disinfectant and sanitizer? Well, as you know, restaurants and other food brands must prioritize food safety every day, with every shift.

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How Food Stylists on ‘Feud’ Brought La Côte Basque Back to Life

EATER

A dessert tray on the Feud set. | Tamara Reynolds On “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans,” being seen lunching is everything. We spoke to food stylist Tamara Reynolds about creating the restaurant — and meals — at the center of that world. There is a reason Truman Capote titled his thinly veiled exposé of New York City’s society women and their secrets “ La Côte Basque.

Food 122
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Swedish Candy Is Suddenly Inescapable

EATER

Sweden’s candy culture is vast, with Saturdays designated for lördagsgodis, or “Saturday sweets.” | Getty Images/Johner RF Thanks to newfound TikTok popularity, candy sellers are finding themselves swamped with online orders and long lines Around 10 p.m. on a recent Friday night, the line at BonBon in Manhattan’s Lower East Side was out the door. This isn’t an uncommon sight in the neighborhood — the queue for Double Chicken Please was visible across the street — but BonBon isn’t an acclaimed co

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Loyal customers helped drive McDonald's sales last quarter

Restaurant Business

Same-store sales rose 4.3% in the U.S., thanks to marketing, operations and its growing loyalty program. But sales came thanks to higher prices rather than traffic. And the chain saw sales challenges in the Middle East.

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Planning Your Restaurant's Path to Profitability

Speaker: James Kahler, COO of Full Course

Ever wondered where to splurge and where to safely conserve when it comes to operating and growing your restaurant? 🤔 Join James Kahler, COO of Full Course and industry visionary, in this new webinar where he'll talk all about best practices to invest in your restaurant's success! Whether you're a new business or an established restaurant, a seasoned pro or a rookie, you'll learn the keys to sustainable success in this competitive industry.

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Subway pushes its franchisees to remodel their restaurants

Restaurant Business

CEO John Chidsey told operators this week that they should remodel their locations or get out of the system. And he told franchisees who have remodeled to put some pressure on those who haven’t.

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As CosMc's takes off, McDonald's operators want a piece of the action

Restaurant Business

The Bottom Line: But where that action should take place is the question. Many operators believe the brand should be a testing ground for McDonald's own beverage program.

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The 2024 James Beard America’s Classics Winners Are Here

EATER

This year’s honorees include a New York City institution, a decades-old meat and three, and the oldest Burmese restaurant in San Francisco James Beard Awards season is well underway. The list of semifinalists in the chef and restaurant category dropped late January, and today, the James Beard Foundation announced the recipients of its America’s Classics Awards.

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Alabama eyes source-disclosure requirements for seafood

Restaurant Business

Under a bill introduced this week, restaurants would be required to disclose the countries of origin for all seafood that's sold, along with whether it was wild-caught or farmed.

Sourcing 120
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Top 5 Ways to Optimize Your Loyalty Strategy

Speaker: Lauren Barash, Vice President, Brand Marketing

In an ever-evolving industry, building and retaining loyal customers is critical to the success of any restaurant business. Join Lauren Barash, VP of Brand Marketing at Full Course, as she delves into the world of restaurant loyalty programs, and reveals the top five essential strategies to optimize your approach! This webinar will explore: Loyalty trends and what you should be focusing on 📊 Actionable insights and ideas to help you develop the most powerful and effective loyalty program

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Ghost kitchens are dead. But new models arise from the ashes

Restaurant Business

The pioneers who created commissary-style, shared kitchens for rent have closed, pivoted or show signs of struggle. But elements live on in a variety of new delivery-forward concepts that some call ghost kitchens 2.0.

Delivery 120
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McDonald's franchisees want a return of the Snack Wrap

Restaurant Business

As the brand focuses more on value, a group of operators wants the chain to emphasize value-engineered items, like the old Snack Wraps. And they say many of the company's moves have increased franchisees' costs.

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Restaurant operators prepare for California's $20 fast-food wage

Restaurant Business

The nation’s largest restaurant economy is about to raise hourly pay for limited-service restaurant workers by 25%. Price hikes are on their way. But will high prices drive diners away?

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McDonald’s reaches cage-free egg goal ahead of schedule

Restaurant Business

The burger giant, which bought nearly 2 billion eggs last year, said it had to rework its supply chain to meet its sourcing demands.

Supplies 136
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2024 Restaurant Spending Trends to Stay Ahead of the Curve

How do you stay on top of what your customers are expecting when they step through your doors? Do you know what’s on their mind? How are you going to account for what they’re planning on doing months from now? As we head into 2024, price-related issues are still top-of-mind for restaurant customers after the inflation boom earlier this year. In this new report, we give you the latest insights on consumer spending trends, attitudes on tipping, and how you can respond.