The Value of Restaurant Consultants: The $25000 Answer

It is an interesting dilemma in the restaurant consulting role when you have the answer, but your client doesn’t ask the question. Recently a client, without asking for my consultation, made a decision that negatively affected operations and easily cost $25,000 or more over the course of the week. When I heard about the decisionContinue reading “The Value of Restaurant Consultants: The $25000 Answer”

Fall/Winter 2025 LTO Promotions Part Two

Cross-Channel Strategies to Maximize Online and In-Restaurant Buzz The heat of summer may be over, but for restaurateurs, the real momentum begins with the launch of fall and winter limited-time offers (LTOs). As discussed in Part 1 of this series, crafting show-stopping, crave-worthy LTOs that embrace seasonal flavors lays the foundation. However, even the bestContinue reading “Fall/Winter 2025 LTO Promotions Part Two”

The Five Limited-Time Offer Ideas to Feature in Your Fall/Winter 2025 Menu

Executing Creative, Buzzworthy & Profitable Seasonal LTOs: Part 1 Introduction: Welcome to the 3-Part Guide to Seasonal LTO Menu Success What makes a restaurant’s fall and winter menu not just memorable, but irresistibly shareable and profitable? In a competitive 2025 dining landscape where consumers are both trend-curious and value-focused, limited-time offers (LTOs) remain a provenContinue reading “The Five Limited-Time Offer Ideas to Feature in Your Fall/Winter 2025 Menu”

The Sober Shift: Why Gen Z is Redefining Bars and How to Respond

The Phenomenon From Baby Boomers to Gen Z: A Generational Divide The current decline in alcohol consumption is not a fleeting trend but an accelerating, long-term generational shift. A Gallup poll shows that the percentage of American adults who report drinking alcohol has fallen to 54%, the lowest point in three decades. This trend isContinue reading “The Sober Shift: Why Gen Z is Redefining Bars and How to Respond”

Bringing AI to the Table in Restaurants

As restaurants continue to face high turnover, rising costs, and shifting guest expectations, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming essential to the foodservice industry. Operators are leaning into four types of AI—Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Conversational AI, and Predictive AI—to streamline operations, reduce waste, and personalize the guest experience in ways that weren’t possible just aContinue reading “Bringing AI to the Table in Restaurants”

How Restaurant Robotics Is Reshaping Operations and Service

As restaurants continue to battle rising labor costs and staffing shortages, robotics is quickly becoming more than just a buzzword. For many operators, it’s a practical, hardware-based solution that helps maintain service standards while keeping the kitchen and front-of-house running smoothly. Beyond labor savings, robotics also helps meet increasing hygiene expectations and throughput demands (Middleby,Continue reading “How Restaurant Robotics Is Reshaping Operations and Service”

Hiring the Right Content Creator for Your Restaurant

Today’s diners scroll before they order, and your restaurant’s social media presence can make or break their decision to visit. That’s where a skilled content creator comes in. But not all creators are the right fit. The wrong hire can lead to off-brand posts, low engagement, and wasted effort. Here’s how to find a creatorContinue reading “Hiring the Right Content Creator for Your Restaurant”

Why Hospitality Still Matters: The Heart of Restaurant Success

Hospitality isn’t just service—it’s the emotional connection that keeps guests coming back. Providing good food is just the beginning. In today’s 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 timeless—and crucial to long-term success.Continue reading “Why Hospitality Still Matters: The Heart of Restaurant Success”

Spring HVAC Maintenance: A Smart Investment for Restaurants

As the chill of winter fades and patio season returns, restaurant owners have a prime opportunity to prepare their HVAC systems for the demands of spring. With rising temperatures, fluctuating humidity, and increased allergens in the air, a neglected HVAC system can impact both guest experience and operational costs. Instead of waiting for issues toContinue reading “Spring HVAC Maintenance: A Smart Investment for Restaurants”

How Ozempic Is Changing the Way Guests Dine Out

Ozempic, a medication originally developed for managing Type 2 diabetes, has rapidly gained traction as a weight loss aid. By mimicking the hormone GLP-1, it helps regulate appetite and digestion, leading to noticeable changes in the way people eat. As more diners use Ozempic and similar medications, restaurants may need to adapt to evolving guestContinue reading “How Ozempic Is Changing the Way Guests Dine Out”

The Value of Joining Your State Restaurant Association

For restaurant owners and operators, success depends on more than just great food and excellent service—it requires staying informed, connected, and supported. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by joining your state restaurant association. These organizations offer a range of benefits that can enhance your business, save you money, and provideContinue reading “The Value of Joining Your State Restaurant Association”

Successful Athletes in the Restaurant Business

Many professional athletes transition into the business world after their playing careers, and the restaurant industry has become a prime investment opportunity for some of the biggest names in sports. While their fame provides a strong foundation, it’s their strategic approach, leadership, and ability to build strong teams that drive their success. Let’s look atContinue reading “Successful Athletes in the Restaurant Business”