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Jennifer Ashcraft admits the first thing that attracted her about Capriotti’s was its name, but it was the food that has made her stay and become the first franchisee in Alabama. “It was something I had never heard of before, and, after the name caught my eye, I really liked the concept of a sandwich shop.” Exceeding expectations, the location generated more than $1 million in just seven months.
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
Its a question on the minds of most chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary educators: What will the next generation of cooks and chefs look like? We (those who have invested decades in the business already) may complain about the current labor environment and question the level of commitment from a younger pool of candidates but I have rarely heard anyone attempt to define how it will all wash out.
Hospitality isnt just serviceits the emotional connection that keeps guests coming back. Providing good food is just the beginning. In todays competitive dining landscape, hospitality is what truly sets a restaurant apart. While trends come and go, the ability to make guests feel genuinely welcomed, appreciated, and cared for remains timelessand crucial to long-term success.
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.
When someone searches for your restaurant online, what do they see? A glowing collection of five-star reviews and hunger-inducing photos? Or a mixed bag of outdated info, unanswered complaints, and a few good reviews buried in the noise? Whether you like it or not, your restaurants online reputation is shaping first impressions long before a guest walks through your doors or even places an order.
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.
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&
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&
The James Beard Award is considered one of the biggest honors in the restaurant industry. | Photo illustration by Lille Allen; see below for full credits See the full list of this years nominees Today, the James Beard Foundation announced its list of chef and restaurant finalists for the James Beard Award, considered one of the biggest honors in the restaurant industry.
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.
Providing a seamless, enjoyable restaurant experience is essential for long-term success. From the moment a guest walks through the door to their final goodbye, every touchpoint matters. Heres how to craft an experience that leaves customers delighted and eager to return. 1. Warm Welcome and Atmosphere First impressions are powerful. Ensure that hosts greet guests promptly with genuine warmth and enthusiasm.
For a long time, third-party delivery apps seemed like the easiest way to get your restaurant online and in front of new customers. And for many restaurants, they still serve a purpose. But more and more operators are realizing that relying too heavily on those platforms comes at a costliterally and figuratively. Instead of giving up control to outside platforms, some restaurants are shifting to a more direct approach: first-party ordering.
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.
By Destiny Clarkson, Contributor As much as meal quality, guest retention determines the success of a restaurant. Long-term profitability depends on good retention policies, particularly considering that recruiting new clients usually costs five times more than maintaining current ones. Understanding consumer loyalty psychology can enable restaurants to create systems supporting recurring business and assist in overcoming financial difficulties.
Tableside caviar service A prosciutto cart An authentic kaiseki tasting experience and members-only Japanese whiskey lounge Tableside s’mores These are just a few examples of ways restaurants across the country are hoping to attract guest by elevating the dining experience and creating a vibe highlighted by superior food and presentation. inKind’s CEO Johann Moonesinghe noted this trend toward immersive, quality-focused experiences prioritizing ambiance and exceptional food. "Aft
Diners gather at one of chef Kendall DaCostas supper clubs. | Daron English Communal dining is all the rage. What if youre seated next to someone who sucks? At a recent dinner, I faced the worst fate that can befall a diner: There was an annoying guy at the restaurant. He spoke too loudly about boring things, shared unsolicited expertise on subjects it was clear he knew little about, and wore an ugly jacket.
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
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.
SpotOn grows in popularity amongst restaurants committed to delivering unique, community-driven hospitality experiences. New financial insights help operators prepare for the future while improving profitability. Recent product innovations enhance operational efficiency and guest engagement for restaurant operators. San Francisco , April 14, 2025 — SpotOn , a leading software and payments partner for restaurants and small businesses, enters 2025 with strong momentum driven by new client w
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When it comes to streamlining operations in a busy kitchen, choosing the right order management system is crucial. Kitchen Display System vs Traditional Order Tickets has become a key debate for many restaurants. Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) have emerged as a game-changer, offering real-time updates and seamless communication between front-of-house and kitchen staff.
Joe Nicholson was a manager and tech consultant at one of the busiest restaurants in Sacramento, CA—Tower Cafe. Now, as a copywriter at SpotOn, he helps restaurant owners and managers learn how to run a more profitable operation. Patios can be quite lucrative. However, getting more guests in seats through outdoor dining can also come at a cost, both in time and money.
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.
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.
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
When it comes to keeping a restaurant kitchen running smoothly, it’s important to have properly trained staff, reliable procedures and effective communication. It’s also critical to have equipment that is well cared for and cleaned correctly on a regular basis. That includes food prep equipment like mixers, food processors and slicers. Following some best practices for care and cleaning not only helps support the longevity of the equipment, but it also helps ensure staff has equipmen
Getty Images/iStockphoto As a food editor with gluten intolerance, Ive tried them all and this bucatini, penne, spaghetti, and beyond get top (delicious) marks Gluten-free foods are used to getting a bad rap. Gluten-free pastas have long been pegged as temperamental to cook and prone to mealiness; gluten-free pizza crusts could be too crackery, limp, or dense; gluten-free cookies could sub in for a weak doorstop or crumble at the touch from dryness.
Personalized restaurant marketing using POS data is a powerful way to drive sales and foster customer loyalty. By tapping into the insights your POS system provides, you can tailor marketing efforts that speak directly to the needs and preferences of your customers. Whether its sending personalized offers or creating targeted promotions, leveraging this data helps you make smarter decisions that resonate with your audience.
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.
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.
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.
By Jim Franzen, Contributor In the quiet hours of a Wednesday mid-afternoon, when the fryers long since cooled and the sun has dipped into a smudged shade of bronze over the alley dumpster, you might find yourself in the back office, cardboard box cracked open, sifting through faded photos and dusty VHS tapes. The whole thing smells faintly of vinegar and chili oil, as do the people you used to be.
It’s no secret that restaurants with more than one location depend on standardization to thrive. A customer in Miami should bite into the same perfectly seasoned burger that delights diners in Seattle. Reliable experiences build brand loyalty, and systemic processes lead to reliable profit margins. As chain restaurants continue to integrate new technologies into their daily operations, store-to-store standardization of these technologies is often an afterthought.
Use these handy calendar templates to stay on top of payroll in 2025! Download them today to share with your HR team or post for employees. Whether your company has biweekly, semi-monthly, or monthly pay periods, Paycor has you covered. Get your templates today!
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