Trending Articles

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Handling Unemployment Claims with Confidence

Modern Restaurant Management

Tips for restaurant HR leaders and operators to respond more effectively—without wasting time or losing money Years ago, when I was leading HR at Potbelly, I got hit with an unemployment claim from a former team member who had clearly quit. They walked off the job and never came back, so I thought, “No write-up, no drama, easy win.” But then I read the claim response our manager submitted: “Employee left due to stress.

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How To Build An Email Marketing List For Your Restaurant

ChowNow

Building a restaurant email marketing list might be the single most underrated move an operator can make to grow their business. With a restaurant email list, operators have a direct line of communication with guests that cant be blocked by third-party platforms that hide your customer data or social media algorithms that no one really understands. Instead of crossing your fingers and hoping your posts get seen, you can send email campaigns straight to the inbox of people who actually want to he

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New Tariffs and the Potential Impact on Restaurants

Goliath Consulting

How rising import taxes may reshape menus, pricing, and sourcing in the restaurant industry. The restaurant experience isnt just about great service and ambianceits deeply tied to ingredient sourcing and food costs. With new U.S. tariffs on the horizon, many restaurant operators are bracing for change. These policies, which will affect a wide range of imported goods, could ripple across the food and beverage industry in the form of higher prices, tighter margins, and evolving menus.

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IT’S THE KITCHEN PEOPLE I MISS

Culinary Cues

Looking back on five decades of kitchen life, what provides the greatest memories, and a feeling of fulfillment are the people I met and those with whom I had the pleasure to work alongside. There is a kitchen culture that is most inspiring. I often reflect on the diversity of people and their backgrounds, the various reasons they tie on an apron, the team environment, and the transparent nature of the characters who cook and serve.

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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.

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So, You Want to Write a Cookbook?

EATER

Jesse Sparks Jenn Sit, the executive editor at Clarkson Potter, on what the publisher is looking for A version of this post originally appeared on April 21, 2025, in Eater and Punchs newsletter Pre Shift , a biweekly newsletter for the industry pro that sources first-person accounts from the bar and restaurant world. Subscribe now for more stories like this.

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Independent Restaurateurs: How to Get the Best Terms from Food Distributors

Wasserstrom

An indispensable tool for independent restaurant owners to possess is the ability to negotiate effectively with food distributors. In this article, we offer strategies and insights to help independent restaurateurs improve their partnerships with food distributors. Part One: Understand Market Dynamics in Food Distribution Before successful negotiations can begin, independent restaurant operators must first cultivate […] The post Independent Restaurateurs: How to Get the Best Terms from Foo

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Jack in the Box is closing restaurants and may sell Del Taco

Restaurant Business

The fast-food restaurant company has hired an advisor to explore strategic alternatives with its Mexican brand just three years after buying the chain. It also plans to close 150 to 200 locations.

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6 Steps To Build Your Restaurant’s Brand

ChowNow

Branding isnt just for big-name chains with deep pockets and multi-million-dollar ad campaigns. Every restaurant concept should be intentional about their branding, from food trucks and cafes to brunch spots and fine dininggreat branding is how your restaurant stands out and stays memorable. But how to brand a restaurant isnt always clear. Its more than just designing a cool logo, picking a catchy name, and slapping it on everything.

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Babka Is an Impressive Home Baking Project You Need to Try

EATER

Kat Thompson The sweet, swirly loaf looks more complicated than it is Since I didnt grow up with babka , I didnt really know what I was missing. By the time I got acquainted with the yeasted, swirly bread, I figured it was just easier to buy a loaf than figure out the intricacies of baking one myself. That changed, however, when I saw the black sesame babka on the cover of Molly Yehs latest cookbook , Sweet Farm : its perfect swirl hypnotized me into finally attempting my own.

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How Mobile Inventory Management for Restaurants Boosts Efficiency in 2025

Lavu

In 2025, staying competitive in the restaurant industry means leveraging technology to streamline operations. One of the most effective tools for achieving this is mobile inventory management. This system helps restaurant owners and managers track stock in real-time, reduce waste, and maintain optimal inventory levels. By automating inventory processes, restaurants can save time, improve accuracy, and enhance overall efficiency.

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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.

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Smooth Operations: Yelp Updates Aim to Increase Efficiency and Elevate Guest Experience

Modern Restaurant Management

Yelp is introducing a slew of new AI-powered updated tools designed to help restaurant operators be more efficient as well as improve the overall dining experience. “Restaurant owners are juggling a myriad of challenges, including rising food and labor costs and shifting consumer expectations,” Akhil Kuduvalli Ramesh – Yelp’s Senior Vice President, Product, told Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine. “They're being asked to do more with less, and that̵

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Chipotle on sales downturn: It's not us. It's them

Restaurant Business

The slowdown in consumer spending is to blame for negative same-store sales in the first quarter for the fast-casual chain. But outside data indicates Chipotle may have a value perception problem too.

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Kitchen Management Tools Index

Chef's Resources

Today’s Chef and Kitchen Manager has a lot on their plate from ordering food, writing recipes, managing inventory and food cost, training the staff, and so much more. Having the proper management tools helps organize your fob and keep things a little simpler. Chefs-Resources has a large variety of excel downloads such as an assortment […] The post Kitchen Management Tools Index appeared first on Chefs Resources.

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I Tried to Make Healthier Muddy Buddies as an Exercise of Free Will

EATER

Hilary Pollack Sometimes, you see a Catalina Crunchy Muddy Buddies recipe on TikTok and think Im going to do that just because I can. Calling all people who eat cereal covered in a combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar: Today is the day I found out that this concoction, which Ive always known as Muddy Buddies (I could never get behind the term puppy chow, popular in the Midwest, since I dont really want to eat dog food?

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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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How Ingredient Swaps Can Help Restaurants Save 30% on Food Costs: A Proven Case Study

Lavu

Rising food costs are putting pressure on restaurant marginsbut theres a smarter way to save. Strategic ingredient swaps allow restaurants to cut costs without compromising quality or customer satisfaction. By replacing high-cost ingredients with more affordable, equally effective alternatives, operators can reduce food expenses by up to 30%. In this case study, well show you how one restaurant implemented ingredient swaps and saw measurable resultsproving that operational efficiency and profita

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Keep it Clean and Safe

Modern Restaurant Management

The cleanliness of the dumpster area may not be a spot most restaurant managers or owners see or deal withdaily, but it plays an important role in keeping the establishmentreputable.Dirty back areas of the restaurant, around the dumpsters, can lead to nasty odors, pests and even costly health fines if not kept up to code.Making sure you staycleanand safe doesnt just apply to those in the restaurant.

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Chipotle same-store sales turn negative for first time since 2020

Restaurant Business

It was a tough first quarter for the fast-casual chain, which was blamed on slower consumer spending. CEO Scott Boatwright said Chipotle is doing everything right and sales will trend positive in the second half of the year.

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Why Location Is Important for Restaurant Success

The Restaurant Group

Location impacts who comes in Different neighborhoods attract different folks. Some areas buzz with students craving budget bites, while others brim with families seeking comfort food. Understanding the local crowd helps tailor your menu and vibe to their tastes. It’s like setting up a lemonade standyou’d pick a sunny park over a quiet alley, right?

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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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SpotOn Launches "Knowledge + Community = Profit" to Spotlight Restaurant Success Ahead of the 2025 National Restaurant Show

SpotOn

San Francisco, CA — April 24, 2025 — SpotOn , a leading restaurant technology provider, is bringing its mission to life ahead of the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show with the launch of its boldest brand campaign yet: Knowledge + Community = Profit. At a time when independent restaurants are navigating economic headwinds and an uncertain consumer, SpotOn is showing up with more than just technology.

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How POS Data Improves Customer Loyalty and Increases Repeat Business for Restaurants

Lavu

How POS data improves customer loyalty isnt just a trending topic its a strategic advantage for modern restaurants. By capturing real-time insights into customer behavior, preferences, and spending habits, POS systems empower restaurants to deliver personalized experiences, reward loyalty, and increase repeat visits. In this post, well explore how smart use of POS data can turn one-time guests into lifelong customers and drive consistent, measurable growth.

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Serve and Sip Responsibly: Tackling Restaurant Liquor Liability Concerns

Modern Restaurant Management

Serving alcohol is a fundamental part of many restaurant operations, but it also presents significant liability risks. From over-serving intoxicated guests to improperly checking IDs, restaurants can face serious legal, financial and reputational consequences for failing to effectively manage their liquor liability risks. Further, Dram Shop laws throughout the country ensure liquor liability does not begin and end at an establishment’s entrance.

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Week in Review: IHOP and Maggiano's revamp, Jersey Mike's and Red Robin get new CEOs, and more

Restaurant Business

A look back at the weeks biggest news in the restaurant industry from Restaurant Business.

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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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THE DISCIPLINE OF CREATIVITY

Culinary Cues

Some misinterpret creativity as a process of breaking the rules, of distancing oneself from accepted standards, or of breaking away from what has been the norm. Nearly all creative process begins with and owes a great deal to the structure of the foundations in a field. The discipline of what is considered normal is the starting point for innovation.

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2025 Guide to Influencer Partnerships for Restaurants: From Foodies to Micro-Creators

Restaurant Engine

Influencer partnerships are key to your 2025 restaurant marketing strategy. Did you know Nations Restaurant News found that nearly 55% of millennials and 38% of all age groups have visited a restaurant or ordered food online after seeing the restaurant on TikTok? Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, and in our new digital world, word of mouth is actually digital.

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How to Set Up a POS System for a Restaurant in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lavu

Setting up a POS system for a restaurant in 2025 isnt just about installing machinesits about finding the right tools to help your business run smoothly. The right POS setup can make it easier to take orders, manage staff, track sales, and keep customers happy. Whether you’re opening a new restaurant or upgrading your old system, this step-by-step guide will show you how to set up a POS system for a restaurant the right wayfrom picking the best features to training your team and getting st

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‘Repurposed Spaces Offer Three Key Advantages for a Fast-Casual Brand: Cost, Time, and Customers.’

Modern Restaurant Management

With big-box retailers closing up shop, more than 140 million square feet of desirable retail space has become available, presenting the opportunity for restaurants such as fast-casual concepts to expand their businesses. Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine tapped into Bonside CEO Neha Govindraj for insights into the real estate landscape for fast-casual.

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How to Set Better OKRs and Drive Results

Before you can achieve success, you have to define it. Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) give you the framework to do just that. Paycor’s free guide includes a step-by-step process leaders can use to work toward – and achieve – their loftiest business goals.

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Inside Maggiano's plans to 'democratize luxury'

Restaurant Business

The Italian polished-casual chain has upgraded everything from its croutons to its tablecloths as it looks to offer a more upscale experience. But prices are staying more or less the same.

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Restaurant Industry in Review: Trends from March 2025

Black Box Intelligence

Out of the Box: March 2025 In This Issue: The Big Picture: Sales and Traffic Trends March 2025 Restaurant Industry Performance Trends In Detail Segment Focus QSR: Current Performance Trends 0.9% Comp Sales -2.2% Comp Traffic March 2025 Restaurant Industry Trends The Big Picture: Sales and Traffic Trends As expected, there was a rebound for the restaurant industry in March.

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282. Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast Ep. 282 Exploring Restaurant Technology with House of Giants: How to Enhance Digital Customer Experiences

Restaurant Technology Guys

In the latest episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, host Jeremy Julian welcomed the founders of House of Giants, Jeremiah Landi and Dominic Magnifico, to discuss innovative solutions for improving digital experiences in the restaurant industry. This engaging conversation sheds light on the importance of integrating technology to overcome challenges faced by modern eateries.

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Top POS Integrations to Boost Restaurant Efficiency in 2025

Lavu

Running a successful restaurant in 2025 isnt just about serving great food and offering good serviceit also requires the right technology behind the scenes. POS integrations have become essential for streamlining daily operations, reducing errors, and allowing staff to focus more on the customer experience. Whether its managing inventory, handling online orders, or running loyalty programs, the right integrations can turn your POS system into a powerful tool for efficiency.

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How to Set Better OKRs and Drive Results

Before you can achieve success, you have to define it. Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) give you the framework to do just that. Paycor’s free guide includes a step-by-step process leaders can use to work toward – and achieve – their loftiest business goals.