Since restaurant staff typically can’t afford the time and effort to dig through a recipe box during the evening rush, the design and storage of your recipe cards is critical to running an efficient kitchen. Read on to learn about how to create recipe card templates that maximize both employee efficiency and customer satisfaction. In fact, we’ll tell you why sharing your secret sauce can even be a key to customer loyalty. A brief history of recipe cards It’s not an exaggeration to say that recipe cards were at the birthplace of Western civilization. They can be traced all the way back to Ancie ..read more

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.  Launch vs. buy: Should you buy a restaurant? There are several advantages to buying a restaurant. First and foremost, an established restaurant comes with a trac ..read more

However, before you fully embrace an automatic gratuity model at your restaurant, it’s important that you understand applicable federal and state laws. In this post, we’ll delve into the nuances of automated gratuities and tips, so you can navigate this terrain while staying compliant with legal regulations. What is automatic gratuity? Automating gratuities basically means adding a predetermined tip percentage to a customer’s pre-tax bill, automatically. The goal for adding an automatic gratuity is to ensure fair compensation for service staff while simplifying the tipping process for both cus ..read more

Thankfully, the restaurant industry has bounced back from those difficult times, but one thing is still true–supply chain challenges continue to be obstacles that cannot be overlooked. Reliable, quality food suppliers for restaurants are one of the few key components that a dining establishment must have to remain operational. As a result, take time to carefully vet and build relationships with your key partners.   The role of restaurant suppliers Restaurant suppliers play a crucial behind-the-scenes role in the success of your restaurant. They keep the kitchen stocked, help ensure q ..read more

Thousands of food and beverage makers across the United States use cottage food laws to sell edible or potable items they’ve made in their own homes. But it’s tricky: The laws vary by state and can even vary by county or city. Many areas restrict cottage wares to a certain quantity of canned or baked goods (think pickles, jams, and cookies). Plus, vendors can find it very challenging to produce large quantities of salable food in their home kitchen—just ask the baker cramming pans into his apartment’s single oven or the cook stacking pots next to her single-bowl sink.  Due to these kinds ..read more

“Even with today’s economic headwinds, franchised businesses continue to grow, providing more good-paying jobs for their employees, and serving their local communities,” said International Franchise Association (IFA) president and CEO Matt Haller. “After a historic year of growth during the post-pandemic recovery, the size of the franchise economy in 2023 will exceed pre-pandemic levels—demonstrating the power of the business model for prospective business owners when franchisors and franchisees work together.”  Opening a franchise restaurant can be a great way to get into the restaurant ..read more

In order to be successful, it’s important to consider market demand, financial stability, restaurant operational efficiency, customer base, and growth projections. In this article, learn more about these key topics and how to expand your restaurant successfully. Assessing market demand First, you’ll want to conduct a market demand assessment. This involves researching potential new markets to confirm there’s a demand for your cuisine or everything your restaurant offers, such as unique décor or upscale service. During this phase, be sure to: Analyze the local market saturation. Conduct market ..read more

There are simple ways to improve each of these areas, such as using a reliable restaurant point-of-sale system. Read on for more ways to enhance restaurant operations and improve your business. Front-of-house management Roles of front-of-house staff Your front-of-house staff are the people who have direct interactions with customers. They provide the first impression of your business and help ensure customers get the service they deserve when they come into your restaurant. Front-of-house roles and responsibilities include: Host: Welcomes diners, manages reservations, seats customers, coordin ..read more

Read on to learn more on how to create an effective end of shift report. Why use daily shift reports? A shift report (or “shift log”) is an ongoing log that outlines key events and information from each shift. Each shift manager starts their day by reviewing the previous entry and ends the day by writing a new one. It typically includes details about inventory, equipment, important customer feedback, and any sticky situations that required extra attention.  Completing a great shift report helps you share information with your team, whether everyone frequently sees each other at work or no ..read more

But no matter what business model you use, it’s crucial to optimize your menu and your business, so they hold plenty of value for both you and your guests—especially in a cost climate of significant inflation. Most profitable food to sell Certain restaurant foods are simply more profitable than others. Starches and grains, including flour, potatoes, rice, and even corn, have been used to stretch budgets and fill bellies for centuries. It’s still relatively inexpensive to buy these products and turn them into pasta, bread, and pizza dough, which partially explains the proliferation of sandwich ..read more