It might be a good time to have a restaurant labor expert review your tip pool policies in light of several recent wage and hour disputes. There are a number of class action lawsuits involving chains and individual restaurants in several states that call into question management policies on how tips are shared and who…
A prominent lawyer and food safety consultant spoke at the recent Food Safety Symposium sponsored by Nation’s Restaurant News and Ecolab. Well known Attorney Bill Marler talked about how to reduce liability and what he recommends to make your restaurant and foodservice operation safer. Here are two of the steps from this article: “Identify the…
Recent reports put rising health care costs as the reason why many chain’s restaurant business plan future development will be curtailed. According to the latest news, the health care insurance expense for companies is expected to rise significantly, and more than 150 percent at one major restaurant chain. Since the labor cost portion attributable to…
We routinely read commentary from fellow restaurant consultants that could also benefit foodservice owners and their food and beverage managers. Here are three abstracts along with links to these articles on loyalty (i.e. VIP) programs, tips to improve online marketing and how serving (i.e. waitressing) helps a career: The VIP Treatment – “With these simple…
This year from a restaurant advisor viewpoint is shaping up to be the one that the food and beverage industry gets back on track. According to recent reports from the NRA (National Restaurant Association), both restaurant growth and foodservice employment is projected to return to pre-recession levels. There are also signs that certain parts of…
Restaurant advisors recommend treating your online reputation as a never ending story. Review sites such as Yelp can also provide powerful marketing solutions if you know how to keep up with your customers input and comments. One online company for marketing and reservations for restaurants suggests taking some ideas from a popular movie story line: “There…
Groupon can be a best friend or an unwanted guest from a restaurant management expert standpoint when it is not used correctly. Somewhat like the Entertainment Books of old that the customer could use at whatever restaurant provided the coupons, Groupon is not always going to get you return guests. Like it or not, some…
Foodservice consultants from our group find the new study from the National Restaurant Association on the benefits of food trucks a potential boon to both startups and struggling food and beverage operations alike. Highlights of this research from the NRA suggest several reasons why operators of existing restaurants should consider adding one or more food…
What would a restaurant employment expert say about your practices if your foodservice business is faced with a hiring lawsuit stemming from something that was posted on Facebook, Google+ or Twitter? Restaurants, like hotels, can face problems surrounding their recruitment and training policies for new and existing employees on these social media channels. There is…
Restaurant economist outlooks on consumer spending and the casual dining segment all seem weak according to these recent stories. If your food and beverage operation is feeling the pinch, this may be why: New Low for Consumer Confidence! If the political wrangling over our debt issues has put everything on temporary hold in terms of…