Published January 27, 2015
The table tablet company Ziosk has proudly announced its technology can now be found in restaurants in all 50 states. The tablets help consumers control their dining experience as well as increase efficiency for restaurants and provide advertisement opportunities.
Tablets are changing the way ordering is done as consumers get more comfortable with and embrace technology.
Read the full article here: Ziosk tabletop ordering kiosks expand nationwide
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Published January 27, 2015
With more American consumers trying to eat healthy, restaurants are busy trying to cater to different definitions of the word.
For some people, eating healthy means knowing where their food comes from and what the ingredients are, and others are looking for positive attributes, like power and vitality. Consumers are becoming more informed and looking for natural, unprocessed food.
Read the full article here: Restaurants respond to diverse definitions of ‘healthful’
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Published January 26, 2015
If you’re fairly new to serving and your establishment serves alcohol, one of the things you have to learn is how to tell when a customer has had too much to drink. You have the power to decide when enough is enough, and it’s important to exercise that power so no one ends up in an ambulance (because that’s bad for everyone).
There isn’t a magic number of drinks before the cut-off point because everyone metabolizes alcohol differently, so behavioral signs are your best clue. If your customer is able to communicate clearly and appears stable, go ahead and mix up that martini. If she is slurring her speech, walking abnormally, dropping or spilling things and generally clueless about what’s going on around her, it’s time she switched to water.
Drunk customers may speak more slowly, or they could become loud and potentially obnoxious. They may also become forgetful and repeat themselves without realizing it.
Another sign of intoxication is, of course, reduced inhibitions. That means that uptight businessman you’ve been serving all evening could start getting a little frisky. Be polite, but put him in his place and cut off his supply if it becomes a problem.
If someone gets belligerent, don’t be afraid to take appropriate action. Make sure you know what your restaurant or bar’s policies are concerning the drunk and disorderly.
Read the full article here: 9 Telltale Signs It’s Time to Cut Off Your Intoxicated Customer
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Published January 26, 2015
There are plenty of awesome things about being a server, such as flexible schedules and extra cash in your pocket, but there are also a lot of not so awesome things about waiting that you’ve probably had to deal with. You’re not alone!
In this sarcastic post over on Buzzfeed, 25 realities of working as a server are highlighted. There’s a lot of truth in this post, but laughter is therapeutic. Enjoy!
Read the full article here: The 25 Most Awesome Things About Being A Server
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Published January 23, 2015
If you’re interested in joining the food service industry and have a concept or plan for your own restaurant, check this out!
The Marriott Irvine Hotel in Irvine, California has introduced a project called “CANVAS,” a concept lab that provides the opportunity for entrepreneurs in food service to test their ideas.
Unfortunately candidates are no longer being accepted for the program, but it’s worth keeping an eye on. If the program is successful it’s likely to continue!
Read the full article here: Culinary Incubator Allows Lucky Chefs to Test Drive Their Own Restaurant Concepts
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Published January 23, 2015
Many people are surprised to find out that servers have a starting salary of under $3.00/hour in many states, even though the federal minimum is $7.25. This is still going on today. Tips are supposed to balance out the low wages, but in many locations that’s barely enough to get by.
A video called “The Tipping Point” was posted over at Shiftgig and it’s an eye-opening look at what life is like for actual wait staff and bartenders working for sub-minimum wage.
One man in the video talks about how he might make $80 in tips on a busy Saturday night, but only $20 on a weekday and end up making less than the federal minimum. Employers are required to pay the rest up to the minimum as a tip credit, but this is often unregulated and wage theft is common.
Studies show that you’re more likely to live in poverty if you earn a tipped wage. Servers sometimes see zeros on their paychecks because their wage isn’t even enough to pay taxes, so they live on tips alone and rely on free meals at the restaurant they work at.
Another problem with tips is that they’re often based on appearance, and how much you make is entirely up to the judgment of the person tipping. Most female servers experience some kind of sexual harassment but are forced to let it slide because they rely on that money.
While restaurant lobbyists fight against higher wages to keep their profits high, taxpayers pay the rest in the form of food stamps and other government support for underpaid workers.
If restaurants paid their staff a living wage and eliminated tips, everyone would benefit.
See the video here: Living the Tipped Life Isn’t Always So Great. This Video Really Shows Why
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Published January 23, 2015
Fast food restaurants are in constant competition with each other over factors like speed and price, using special promotions to generate interest (McRib, anyone?). Recently they’ve been focusing on three key products: chicken nuggets, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches.
Burger King recently came out with a super cheap chicken nugget offer to rival McDonalds, while coffee promotions are hot at both fast food stops and convenience stores. Taco Bell launched a breakfast menu last year, and many others have followed suit.
Read the full article here: Fast Food Is Going to War Over These Three Menu Items
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Published January 22, 2015
Technology is invading almost every aspect of our lives and businesses, and that’s especially true for food service, with an added emphasis on mobile marketing. If you don’t yet have an app for your business, you’re falling behind.
Church’s Chicken recently launched an app that’s packed with special features, and fans of the chain can download it for free. The app not only offers access to coupons and special offers, but also features a real-time feedback initiative that can help the company better cater to its customer base.
The app also has a menu display and a restaurant location finder, as well as the option to connect to its Facebook page for more social interaction opportunities.
Apps like this one add to the customer’s experience and keep your brand alive, giving them more incentive to return. People like to know their voices are being heard, so having a social media platform that allows this interaction is important and valuable.
Don’t be afraid to jump on the mobile application bandwagon. It’s only going to get bigger from here!
Read the full article here: Church’s Chicken Launches Free App for Fans
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Published January 22, 2015
There aren’t likely to be any huge changes in food service this year, but there are several things going on that are worth noting. Lower gas prices and higher food costs will basically cancel each other out, but an increase in technology usage, a movement toward transparency, and turf wars between similar competitors are things to look for.
Brand building in 2015 will rely on technology more than ever before with things like digital menus and mobile ordering and payment options. Transparency about the origin and quality of food will also increase, as will competition between restaurants and quick service like vending machines and food trucks.
Read the full article here: Brand Building in 2015
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Published January 22, 2015
When you’re young and find yourself in a managerial position, you may feel like the world is in the palm of your hand and the hard work is over. However, you still have a lot of experience to build up.
Remember you’re still part of a team, and not “all powerful.” You still have responsibilities, so don’t get lazy and continually pass them off to others. Respond to situations, don’t react to them, and be careful not to overestimate anything.
Read the full article here: Mistakes Young Managers Make
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