Trending Articles

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Balancing Dining Experiences with Cost-Conscious Strategies

Modern Restaurant Management

Despite economic concerns, diners consistently demonstrate a commitment to supporting restaurants, according to TouchBistro's 2025 American Diner Trends Report. “This enduring customer loyalty drives the restaurant industry forward, creating clear opportunities for restaurants to enhance the dining experience through strategic limited time offers, efficient delivery and exceptional in-person service," said Samir Zabaneh, CEO of TouchBistro.

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Restaurant KPIs Every Operator Should Track (With Easy-to-Use Formulas)

ChowNow

Running a restaurant without tracking your key metrics is like flying blind. Sure, instincts matter, but lets be honest, following your intuition is really just a guessing game, and eventually, a strong hunch will turn out to be a bad judgment. With razor-thin margins and hundreds of moving parts, guessing your way through important decisions wont cut it long termthats where you can leverage KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).

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The Practicalities and Pleasures of Homemade Train Food

EATER

Brbara Tamilin Long-haul Amtrak rides are full of people who value a slower pace to life. Of course they eat the same way. As a nonflier and a travel writer, I spend a lot of time on trains. Train food, Ive come to learn, is its own distinct and expansive category. It encompasses prime rib and crabcakes and the tinkling sound of wine glasses shaking in the premier train dining car; railway baron-style hotel restaurants with impeccably marbled rib-eye steaks and raw oysters flown into the Rocky M

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MRM EXCLUSIVE: Personalized Promotions Must Line the Loyalty Path

Modern Restaurant Management

While overall interest in AI-driven restaurant features remains low, loyalty is increasingly influenced by personalized promotions, according to the Summer 2025 Consumer Trends Report from Provoke Insights in collaboration with Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine. Nearly one-third of consumers stated that tailored deals enhance their commitment to a particular restaurant. "While technology has the potential to enhance the dining experience, the research shows that AI integration isn&

2025 282
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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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EVERY PLATE TELLS A STORY

Culinary Cues

The benchmark song on what was arguably Rod Stewarts most artistic album proclaimed that Every Picture Tells a Story lamenting that there are memories attached to our experiences, mementos, or a work that we invest our time in. It is those memories that gives everything meaning and some level of importance in our lives and to others who surround us.

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Taking the Risk Out of Restaurant Technology

Restaurant Business

Most restaurant operators consider technology a necessity for running their restaurants today. They rely on technology to help with day-to-day tasks like managing revenue and inventory, and to fill in labor shortage gaps. While the promise of restaurant technology is enormous, sometimes it doesn't live up to the hype, leading to frustration and trepidation about trying new technology.

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‘Great Partners Build Great Brands’

Modern Restaurant Management

For more than two decades Sam Ballas, Founder of East Coast Wings + Grill, has focused on brand building in a smart and sustainable manner. Most recently, he co-founded Sammy's Sliders with chef Sammy Gianopoulos. After successfully opening a second location in Kernersville, NC, and planning for a third one, the fast-casual gourmet slider brand has started franchising and plans to grow strategically in the Southeast region.

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How To Cut Restaurant Operating Costs Without Compromising Quality

ChowNow

Running a restaurant is equal parts passion and precisionespecially when it comes to running the numbers. One of operators most difficult challenges is balancing restaurant operating costs without compromising the food, service, and customer experience that makes your restaurant unique. Fortunately, though, cutting costs doesnt have to mean cutting corners, sacrificing the qualities of your restaurant that keep customers coming back again and again.

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A STORY TO TELL

Culinary Cues

Oh, how our careers evolve. With a commitment to constantly learn, a willingness to step in different directions, and an open mind where we start may not have much similarity to where we end up. That makes life interesting and fun. I often reflect back on that first job at 15 years old as a dishwasher in a Buffalo, New York diner and shake my head when I contemplate the opportunities that came my way, the people I have met and with whom I have worked, the places I have been, all that I continue

Travel 331
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How Restaurants Can Utilize a Small Business Loan to Fuel Growth

The Rail

By Tracie Johnson, Contributor Running a restaurant requires more than just a good idea, a great menu, and determination. Whether for operations expansion, equipment upgrades, staff recruiting, or more marketing activity, growth calls for resources. Even the most exciting companies find it difficult to realize their full potential without the appropriate financial support.

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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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What Egg Shortage? At the Gudetama Cafe, It’s Business As Usual.

EATER

Kat Thompson The worlds favorite lazy egg remains unbothered This egg shortage has been difficult for me as someone who puts a fried egg on every meal and bakes a lot. A meal of eggs, rice, and soy sauce carried me through times when I couldnt afford much else, but now that Ive seen prices in Los Angeles skyrocket to $14 for a dozen, they feel less like part of the struggle meal and more like a luxury.

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Restaurant Tablet Best Practices: Smart Strategies For Success

ChowNow

Tablets are everywhere in restaurants these days, and with good reason. Their sleek design and intuitive user interface make them a natural fit for a modern restaurants day-to-day operations. From managing reservations at the host stand or firing orders straight to the kitchen from table side, tablets are changing the way restaurants run. But heres the thing: just handing your employees a tablet and hoping for the best doesnt work.

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Influencer Marketing for Restaurants: A Comprehensive Guide to Boosting Your Brand

The Restaurant Group

Hello, restaurant owner! Ready to turn your eatery into the talk of the town? Let’s dive into the world of restaurant influencer marketing a game-changer that’s as juicy as your signature burger. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs, making the process as easy as pie. What Is Restaurant Influencer Marketing? Imagine having a local foodie with a loyal following rave about your dishes on social media.

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The Rise of Transparent Dining and What It Means for Restaurants

The Rail

By Indiana Lee, Contributor Guests want to know where their food comes from, how it was raised, and whether it aligns with their values. This shift is driven by growing environmental awareness, social media scrutiny, and increased access to digital information. Consumers, particularly younger generations , are more eco-conscious than ever. According to a study from Delierect , 43% of restaurant diners say they are willing to pay more for sustainable dishes, and 68% believe restaurants should tak

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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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Want to Use Fewer Eggs? Cook Like It’s World War II.

EATER

Old wartime cookbooks are full of recipes that offer egg substitutes. How good they are is another question. I only recently realized just how much I rely on eggs in my diet. This was easy to ignore when the price for a dozen was cheap enough that I could splurge on the certified-humane, free-range kind without feeling like Id spent my entire paycheck.

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How AI Is Revolutionizing Restaurant Compliance

Modern Restaurant Management

Restaurants must navigate an intricate web of federal and local compliance parameters, from food and workplace safety regulations, to labor laws, to environmental concerns – and when the consequences for violations are so severe, remaining compliant can feel like walking through a minefield. Non-compliance burdens restaurants with hefty fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage, and as diners become increasingly selective about where they eat, restaurants simply can’t afford the risk.

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The Impact Of Online Reviews On Restaurants: Why They Matter More Than Ever

ChowNow

The last time you tried a new restaurant, what steps did you take before you walked through their doors? Did you scroll through the online reviews first? Check the star rating? Maybe skim a few photos? Your guests are doing the same thingEvery. Single. Day. Online reviews have become one of the most influential factors in how consumers choose where to eat, especially for independent restaurants.

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Applebee's is switching to Toast for its POS

Restaurant Business

The casual-dining chain will upgrade its point-of-sale and back-of-house systems across all 1,500 U.S. locations as it looks to streamline operations and improve the customer 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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Top Tips for Ships: How Cruise Lines Use Recipes to Manage Costs and Operations

Crunchtime

From bottomless buffet spreads to endless deckside drinks, cruise ships are like floating cities that never sleepand feeding thousands of guests daily is no small feat. With limited storage space, unpredictable demand, and no room for supply errors mid-voyage, cruise lines need meticulous inventory management to stay profitable. Thats where recipes come to the rescue, helping cruise operators track usage, control costs, and sail smoothly through every meal service.

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A Mouthwatering Guide to the Most Delicious-Smelling Perfumes

EATER

Welcome to the world of gourmand fragrances, where a scent might include notes of banana bread, matcha, apple brandy, or even aged soy sauce They say the eyes eat first, but before we even see what we are eating, we often enjoy its aroma. The scent of a beloved dish, such as the gooey chocolate chip cookies your mom would pull out of the oven after school or the malty almond granita you had for breakfast while on vacation in Sicily, can evoke feelings of pleasure, happiness, and nostalgia.

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Daily, Weekly, Biweekly? What’s the Best Pay Schedule for My Restaurant?

Modern Restaurant Management

After a rough few years due to the pandemic, restaurant workers now have a reason to celebrate: Their average hourly earnings have grown 66% from 2017 to April of 2024, according to data from the Square Payroll Index , compared to 40% growth for retail workers. This is a positive development for the restaurant industry, which has been battling higher rates of turnover compared to other industries.

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How To Integrate Your POS System With Uber Eats, DoorDash, And Grubhub

ChowNow

If your restaurant uses delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub, you already know how overwhelming order volume can get when the rush hitsespecially when youre bouncing between tablets, updating menus in three places, and relying on staff to manually punch in each delivery order. That kind of setup isnt just inefficientit opens the door to expensive mistakes and slows down your team at the worst possible times.

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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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Still looking for a permanent CEO, Subway makes some executive changes

Restaurant Business

Doug Fry stepped down as head of the sandwich chains North American operations while Greg Lyons was named chief marketing officer.

Marketing 264
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Red Lobster’s Digital Transformation: CIO Shawn Harrs Shares What’s Next

Crunchtime

Red Lobster is one of the most recognizable seafood restaurant brands in the world, known for its fresh seafood offerings and iconic Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Its longstanding presence and customer loyalty make it a household name in casual dining. Under new ownership and with strong board support, Red Lobster is embarking on an ambitious journey to modernize its technology infrastructure.

Casual 78
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American Chips Are Getting Really, Really Beefy 

EATER

With the arrival of the Doritos Late Night Cheeseburger flavor and other new additions to the savory chip category, consumers favorite crispy potato snack is getting a meaty makeover On its face, its an absurd premise: a Doritos tortilla chip that could really taste like a cheeseburger. Theres just no way that a sprinkling of flavor powder could actually replicate the savory beefiness of a burger patty.

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Value Is the New Battleground for Loyalty

Modern Restaurant Management

A third of diners said their favorite restaurant changed in the past 12 months, with “better food” (46 percent) and “better value” (40 percent) cited as the leading reasons, according to Tillster’s 2025 Phygital Index Report. The report found that loyalty is eroding as brands worked hard to offer new limited time offers, value meals, upgraded loyalty programs, and digital innovations.

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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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Beyond the Shelf: What Inventory Turnover Really Tells You

ChefMod

Beyond the Shelf: What Inventory Turnover Really Tells You In the restaurant world, high inventory turnover is often treated like a badge of honor. It signals fast-moving product, fresh food, and smart orderingright? Not always. If youve ever run out of a key ingredient mid-shift or placed a last-minute order that blew up your food cost, you know that too much turnover can be just as bad as too little.

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Grocer Hy-Vee to shutter most in-store bars, eliminate full-service dining

Restaurant Business

The Midwestern supermarket chain, which got rid of all of its in-store Wahlburgers locations a few months ago, said the latest moves are designed to standardize its Market Grille dining operations.

Dine-in 262
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3 Key Ways Pressed Juicery, Gong cha, and Global Partners Elevate Brand Standards in Every Store

Crunchtime

For top restaurant and convenience store operators, brand standard audits arent just about ticking boxes for compliance and cleanlinesstheyre a game-changer. Done right, they become a catalyst for smoother operations, more engaged employees, and stronger overall performance. And when powered by a digital platform, these audits provide instant visibility into store operations, turning insights into action faster than ever.

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Meet the New Candidate for the Absolute Worst Restaurant Chair 

EATER

Lille Allen | Eater From Parisian cafes to KFCs, this leaning stool is wreaking havoc on derrieres everywhere A new insult to chairs just landed. I was scrolling through my TikTok FYP when I found this viral video of a woman at a restaurant in Paris, France, struggling to understand how to sit Lean on? Hunch over? one of its counter chairs. In the words of someone in the comments, Why they got you sitting on a tootsie roll?

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Future-Proof Your Talent Pipeline

Get ready for the future of business. As HR navigates an ongoing labor shortage, leaders need stronger, more adaptable recruiting strategies. Do you have the tools you need to build a talent pipeline that drives sustainable business growth?