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10 Reasons to Buy Local Foods at Your Restaurant

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 09:17:26 +0000

Now that summer has arrived, farmers markets will be in full swing all over the country. Now is a great time to spruce up your regular menu with local foods. Local food taste better, is better for you and keeps money in your local economy. Still not convinced? Check out these 10 reasons your restaurant should go local!

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Reader Asks: How do I manage staff that don't get along?

Thu, 30 May 2013 12:38:31 +0000

Aaron B. writes in and asks:

I opened a new restaurant a little over a year ago. Things are good - it's busy and we get good feedback from customers. The problem I'm having is with my staff. As the owner and manager, I have to deal with all the staffing issues. I have a couple of really strong servers, but the rest of my staff is either brand new, have a bad attitude or they just don't show up for their shifts. It seems like I am always scrambling to fill holes in the schedule. Do you have any suggestions for improving my staffing?

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Reader Asks: Do You Have Any Suggestions for Easy Restaurant Promotions?

Thu, 30 May 2013 06:33:41 +0000

Daisy M. writes in and asks:

I want to try some new things at my restaurant, which is five years old, but I'm not sure what my customers would like. I offer lunch and dinner - it's casual and we get a lot of single, after work crowd. I've thought about sprucing up my menu, but what else can I do to bring in extra business?

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Facebook Meltdown for Scottsdale Restaurant - Or How Not to Use Social Media

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:49:58 +0000

Now, I love social media as a way to promote business: it's cheap, easy, and fun. Sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest offer unique ways to reach out to customers. But sometimes, social media can go terribly, terribly wrong. This was the case with Amy's Baking Company, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Owners Amy and Samy Bouzaglo had a total Facebook meltdown following their appearance on Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, in which they refused to take advice from the celebrity chef. Of course, some say that there is no such thing as bad press. Still, I recommend these tips for using social networks, instead.

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Are You Using Pinterest to Promote Your Restaurant?

Sat, 11 May 2013 11:18:08 +0000

Pinterest, a virtual bulletin board that let's you collect and organize images, is one of my favorite ways social media platforms. It is easy to use, fun, and offers unique ways to connect with customers, both old and new.

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Spain is Home to World's Best Restaurants

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:47:55 +0000

Longtime readers know my love of lists, so needless to say I was very excited about the release of Restaurant Magazine's The World's Top 50 Restaurants. After three years in the number one spot, Noma, out of Copenhagen, has been ousted by El Cellar de Can Roca, located in Girona, Spain. Have you been there? Share your story!

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10 Ways to Make Your Restaurant Staff Awesome

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:25:06 +0000

Now that your restaurant is awesome, it's time to focus on your staff. Awesome staff starts with an awesome owner. As the owner or manager of a restaurant, you are in charge. And whether you like it or not, you are giving your staff permission to act as you do. If you come into work in bad mood and treat people poorly, guess how your staff is going to act? On the other hand, if you come into work with a smile and a good attitude, it's likely your staff will model that behavior...read more.

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10 Ways to Make Your Restaurant Awesome

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:22:05 +0000

Looking for ways to improve your restaurant? Or are you getting ready to open a new restaurant? Check out these ideas for improving everything from your staff, to customer service, to general day-to-day management of your restaurant.

How to Be a Kid Friendly Restaurant

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:18:40 +0000

I haven't had to dine out with babies or toddlers in a long time, but I still empathize with parents who are trying to enjoy dinner, while dealing with a toddler or baby. A kid friendly restaurant can make all the difference for frazzled parents. Simple things like a larger table, sippee cups, crayons and toy cars can keep kids busy and allow mom and dad to have a few minutes peace and quiet. It can also encourage them to come back often, because they know that their kids enjoy dining out at your restaurant, just as much as you do. Read on for ways to make your restaurant more kid-friendly.

Reader Asks: Who Pays for What During a Restaurant Renovation?

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:27:20 +0000

Becky writes in and asks:

I found a good location for my restaurant in a busy downtown area, where it's really hard to find an open spot there, ever. The space used to be a woman's clothing store and needs a complete makeover before I can open my restaurant. So who should pay for the renovations? Me or the landlord (who wants me to pay for everything). I'm worried that if I have to pay for all the renovations, I won't get enough financing from the bank. So, what is a standard lease for opening a new restaurant?

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