Sat.Apr 20, 2024 - Fri.Apr 26, 2024

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Fighting Fast Food Fraud

Modern Restaurant Management

Fast food fraud has seen a 45-percent increase in the last year or so, largely driven by a digital transformation sea change that has made these restaurants more vulnerable, according to data from fraud prevention company Forter. Fast food restaurants are all about convenience with the latest step in providing convenience for guests being the welcoming of digital payments and corresponding loyalty apps.

Food 203
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CHARGING FOR BREAD -SERIOUSLY?

Culinary Cues

A new word has been bantered about over the past few months, a word that ticks off consumers and demonstrates either greed or an inability to understand the public’s perception of “value”. “Shrinkflation” is a descriptor for reducing the size of packaged goods while either keeping selling prices where they were or raising prices while portions are being reduced.

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Insider Tips from Restaurant Industry Experts: Ebook Recommendations

TastyIgniter

Discover the secrets to thriving in the restaurant industry with our top ebook recommendations for managers. From mastering financial strategies to leveraging new technologies, these reads are essential for anyone looking to elevate their restaurant business. Dive in and transform your approach to restaurant management today.

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Rethinking Caviar Service for the Modern Restaurant

Wasserstrom

Once a symbol of one-percenter opulence, caviar has found itself on a broader range of tables, fueled by two distinct trends: the rise of sustainable aquaculture and the unexpected influence of “caviar culture” on social media. We share insights about caviar’s new audience and tips for how restaurants can profit from its popularity.

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Less Stress, More Success: Accounting Best Practices & Processes for 2025

Speaker: Amanda Adams, Fractional CFO, CPA

Are you ready to elevate your accounting processes for 2025? 🚀 Join us for an exclusive webinar led by Amanda Adams, a seasoned fractional CFO and CPA passionate about transforming back-office operations for finance teams. This session will cover critical best practices and process improvements tailored specifically for accounting professionals.

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What Would a TikTok Ban Mean for the Food World?

EATER

TikTok is among the top ways to launch a food career today. A ban would have huge ramifications on both creators and those who use the app to find new recipes. | Anna Moneymaker /Getty The app has become the de facto way many people encounter new recipes and scope out restaurants A version of this post originally appeared in the March 17, 2024 edition of Weekend Extra, a place for the freshest news from the food world.

Food 133
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How to buy a restaurant

Clover - Restaurants

Buying an existing restaurant can offer several advantages associated with investing in a proven concept. Yet, purchasing a restaurant can bring a new set of challenges that are worth considering before you take the plunge. In this guide, we’ll compare buying a restaurant versus starting one from scratch, provide tips on evaluating different restaurants for purchase, and list resources that can help you get up and running.

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What consumers should know about the milk testing positive for bird flu

The Salt

Federal officials and scientific experts say the virus detected in retail milk samples may be inactive and unable to cause an infection.

Retail 132
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Expert Tips to Market and Create a Set Menu

The Eat Restaurant

Attracting new customers and keeping regulars in your restaurant while managing full seating capacity can be challenging. A great solution is to offer pre-made tasting menus through unique dining experiences. This approach draws guests in and delights them with unusual dishes and fresh ingredients.

Menu 78
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Free Guide: 4 Steps to Control Labor Costs in Every Restaurant

Crunchtime

Refresh your labor cost control strategy with this brand-new guide. It's well understood that labor costs are a top concern for restaurant brands today, but oftentimes, operators are largely unaware that labor overspend has crept into their operation. Paying wages is an unavoidable expense of any business, but restaurants often have inflated labor costs that hide in different areas of the operation.

Audits 161
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Reviews and Ratings Are Decisive Factors in Dining Decisions

Modern Restaurant Management

Reviews and ratings are decisive factors for 91 percent of diners with 64 percent focusing on reviews less than a month old, according to a report from RightResponse AI. Additionally, 71 percent said that they “changed their mind and decided not to go to a restaurant” based upon negative reviews. “People read reviews, are influenced by reviews, and are very influenced by negative reviews,” George Swetlitz, co-founder of RightResponse AI, told Modern Restaurant Management

Dine-in 178
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Reduce Bias in Hiring: Structured Interview Questions for Employers

Structured interview questions are a valuable tool for reducing bias in hiring. They help: Ensure all candidates are asked the same questions in the same way Level the playing field so all candidates have a fair chance of being successful Improve credibility, reliability, and validity Download the guide to get the most out of your interview questions!

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The Challenges — and Opportunities — of Establishing a More Circular Mushroom Economy

EATER

Fruiting mushrooms in substrate. | Photo courtesy of Tivoli Mushrooms As demand flourishes, managing the waste from the growing process (known as substrate) poses some problems but brings solutions that could ensure a sustainable future for the market This story originally appeared on Civil Eats. C ollar City Mushrooms occupies a small building along the post-industrial waterfront of Troy, New York.

Compost 124
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Ensuring Food Safety: How Better Equipment Helps

Restaurant Business

Food safety has never been more prevalent. In recent years, consumers have increasingly prioritized sanitation and cleanliness. When dining out, they rightfully expect that the food they order is cooked properly to a safe temperature and that the kitchen foods are prepared in is clean. While traditional methods of cooking are generally considered safe, in higher volume settings such as busy restaurants, operators are looking for ways to eliminate as many risks as possible.

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How Fazoli's Controls Food & Labor Costs to Maintain Operational Excellence

Crunchtime

Fazoli’s journey began over three and a half decades ago with a simple yet bold vision: to serve fast, fresh Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The name "Fazoli's" was inspired by the Italian word "famiglia," meaning family, reflecting the brand’s focus on providing a friendly environment for families to enjoy meals together.

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How to Pass Health Inspections: Ice Machines and Refrigeration

Modern Restaurant Management

Steering through the maze of health inspections might seem tricky. There's a lot to consider — especially when it comes to your commercial refrigeration and ice machines. But fear not! This friendly guide is here to shed light on the best practices to keep your coolers and ice makers sparkling clean. It's not just about acing health inspections, but also about winning the trust of your customers by letting them know their health and enjoyment are your number one priority.

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Food & Beverage Industry Report 2024

Driven by a diverse and exciting ecosystem of passionate, ambitious, and often young entrepreneurs, the Food & Beverage (F&B) sector is a highly competitive environment full of immense challenges and exciting opportunities. Expert Market’s 2024 industry report, sponsored by Toast, is informed by a survey of 522 U.S. food and beverage professionals, from restaurant owners to food service managers, providing insights into the real-time challenges and opportunities within the industry.

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Sky’s the Limit at Armory STL

SpotOn

There are bars with domestic beers, gluey nachos, and one glitchy TV that make you realize there’s a six-pack in the fridge at home (and more comfortable seats). Then, there are bars that redefine the term “bar,” stretching it to include giant ping pong, a pilates class, the movie Moana, and a build-your-own bloody mary bar. Armory , nicknamed “the arsenal of entertainment,” is the biggest bar in St.

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Jerry Seinfeld on the Unreality of ‘Unfrosted’

EATER

Unfrosted is an absurd take on the invention of Pop-Tarts. | John P. Johnson / Netflix Seinfeld and Spike Feresten explain why the story of the Pop-Tart called for an absurdist approach There is a real story about how Pop-Tarts were invented: In 1964, the breakfast food company Kellogg’s (which now operates as Kellanova) approached William Post to develop a breakfast toaster pastry, knowing that its competitor company Post — no relation to William — was working on a similar product called Countr

Take-out 117
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How to Host a Restaurant Tasting Event

Wasserstrom

Tasting events engage diners, showcase culinary creativity, and generate buzz. But for restaurant professionals, navigating the logistics and maximizing the return on investment (ROI) can feel daunting. To get you started, we cover the essentials of hosting successful tasting events, equipping you with the knowledge to cultivate an experience for your guests and boost your […] The post How to Host a Restaurant Tasting Event appeared first on The Official Wasserstrom Blog.

Events 131
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Behind the Scenes: Cinco de Mayo Prep

Modern Restaurant Management

Staff at one popular Mexican chain start preparations for the next year’s Cinco de Mayo celebration right after the previous one ends. “Immediately after the event the team meets to gather feedback and create a recap,” Kurt Pahlitzsch, Vice President of Casual Dining at Doherty Enterprises, franchisee of Chevys, told Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine. “In December, the team begins to plan based on the feedback from that recap meeting and the new ideas that have

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Why Every Small Business Needs an HCM Solution: A Comprehensive Guide

Managing HR tasks like payroll, compliance, and employee data can overwhelm small businesses. That’s where a Human Capital Management (HCM) solution comes in. Our eBook, Why Every Small Business Needs an HCM Solution: A Comprehensive Guide , shows how an HCM system automates tedious processes, ensuring your business stays compliant and efficient. You’ll learn how to simplify payroll, eliminate costly errors, and empower your employees with self-service tools.

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SpotOn Reviews | SpotOn POS

SpotOn

It doesn’t matter whether you run a restaurant, retail store, or any other type of small business—the point-of-sale (POS) serves as the foundation of your operation. More than just a means for running sales transactions, the modern POS can help you increase revenue, streamline operations, better manage your staff, and get better insights about your business.

POS 98
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Staffing and Scheduling: Differences Managers Need to Know

Sling

While staffing and scheduling may sound like the same thing, they’re actually two distinct processes that can have a huge impact on workflow, team performance, and the overall success of business operations. In this article, we discuss some of the main differences between staffing and scheduling and how to improve both aspects of your business in order to make things run smoother.

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TRG Consultancy: Your Key Ingredient for Restaurant Success 

The Restaurant Group

Launching a business in a highly competitive industry like food and beverage (F&B) requires a deep and extensive understanding of the factors that fuel success. Knowledge of kitchen operations and finance is valuable but often insufficient for meeting business goals. This is why many successful restaurateurs hire business consulting firms to help them get started and create a blueprint for their success and profitability.

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Crafting Allergy-Friendly Dining Experiences Using Payment Tech

Modern Restaurant Management

Food allergies in the United States affect an estimated 26 million adults and six million children (10.8 and 8 percent, respectively) and the number of people telling restaurants about their food allergies upfront is increasing. To keep up, restaurants need systems that can quickly check if dishes contain allergens and alert staff. This requires technology that can analyze ingredients against common allergens and instantly inform the kitchen and serving staff.

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Maximize Restaurant Profitability: 5 Key Strategies to Control Costs Effectively

Running a profitable restaurant requires more than great food and service. Our guide breaks down five actionable strategies to help you control costs and maximize profitability. Learn how to track and reduce food waste, optimize labor costs with smart scheduling, make data-driven decisions with regular P&L reviews, and manage fixed and variable costs efficiently.

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2024 Illinois Minimum Wage Guide

SpotOn

For minimum wage workers in Illinois, the new year brought another $1 increase as the state nears the new minimum wage of $15 in 2025. Illinois joins 19 other states that are implementing minimum wage increases starting January 2024. The January increase is meant to ensure the wage per hour keeps pace with the cost of living, but it also brings new labor challenges for employers.

2024 98
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239. Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast Ep. 239 – Unveiling the Future of Kitchen Innovation at the National Restaurant Association Show

Restaurant Technology Guys

The annual National Restaurant Association Show stands at the forefront of revolutionizing the foodservice industry, merging tradition with technological advancement. This year’s expo, particularly notable for its Kitchen Innovations segment, is no exception. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Chicago, the show promises a treasure trove of insights for anyone connected to the food industry.

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How restaurants can make margin improvements that improve the bottom line

Restaurant Business

Boost margins without alienating customers. IFMA's Restaurant Margin Optimization Model offers insights from industry leaders on menu engineering, supply chain efficiencies, and marketing tactics.

Supplies 122
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Outdoor Dining Boom: How Restaurants Can Capitalize on the Al Fresco Opportunity

Modern Restaurant Management

As the weather warms and patios come alive, restaurants across the country are gearing up for a summer of outdoor dining. The pent-up demand for al fresco experiences is palpable, and smart operators are taking strategic steps to make the most of this lucrative opportunity. According to data from Tock, nearly a third of restaurants in Tock’s network have the space needed to serve guests outdoors, with 33 percent having an existing space.

Outdoor 88
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The HR Leader’s Survival Guide

HR leaders drowning in paperwork struggle to meet C-suite's strategic expectations. Burnout and high turnover plague the field, with 95% feeling overwhelmed. This guide explores how the right tools can free HR from admin tasks and empower them to become the strategic leaders they’re meant to be.

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25 Effective Bar Marketing Ideas to Elevate Your Business

The Eat Restaurant

Looking for fresh, actionable bar marketing ideas that will move the needle for your business? You’re in the right place. From utilizing social media to create unique events and embracing community partnerships, this guide is packed with 25 proven strategies to increase visibility, attract new customers, and keep them coming back. Read on to discover how to give your bar the competitive edge it deserves.

Bar 78
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229. Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast Ep. 229 -Innovating the Restaurant Experience with Rick Elliott of Konducter

Restaurant Technology Guys

In the latest episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Rick Elliott, a seasoned veteran in the restaurant tech game and co-founder of Konducter, a promising startup aimed at reshaping how restaurants operate. His journey, from working on drilling rigs to leading tech innovations, provides invaluable insights into the determination and innovation required to excel in the competitive restaurant technology space.

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Cava is ready to bring its bowls to the Midwest

Restaurant Business

The Mediterranean fast casual will debut Friday in Chicago, and the chain’s co-founder said it plans to open “a bunch” of restaurants to the Windy City and its suburbs.

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What Your Restaurant Needs in its Sexual Harassment Policy

Modern Restaurant Management

Did you know that more sexual harassment claims are filed in the service industry than in any other industry? As many as 90% of women and 70% of men working in restaurants reportedly experience some form of sexual harassment, according to the Harvard Business Review. Harassment complaints come to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from service industry workers more often than from any other sector, NPR reported in 2021.

Insurance 100
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Best Practices to Streamline Compensation Management: A Foundation for Growth

Speaker: Joe Sharpe and James Carlson

Payroll optimization can be one of the most time-consuming and complex factors of small business management. Yet, organizations that crack the code on streamlining employee compensation often discover innovative avenues for growth. With the right strategies in place, outsourcing and streamlining payroll processes can result in substantial time and resource savings.