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From News & Trends

20 Menu Trends For 2010

(Allison Perlik, R&I) Yes, sustainability, burgers and the farm-to-table movement will still be a big deal across the foodservice spectrum in 2010, but what else will be all the rage in the year ahead?

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The Pate Dawson Brand

Consider the following questions:   1.  “How different would your business be if your foodservice salesperson never SOLD you anything?”   2.  ...

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From Service

100 Things Restaurant Staffers Should Never Do

(By Bruce Buschel)  Here is a modest list of do's and don'ts for servers at the seafood restaurant I am building.

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From News & Trends

Study Highlights Rise of Premium Burgers

According to a new report from foodservice industry consultant Technomic, consumers are willing to pay more for a specialty burger, regardless of restaurant segment.

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The Bottom Line

8 Critical Characteristics Found In The Most Successful Restaurants

(By Jonathan Munsell)   These are proven hard hitting tactics that every truly successful Restaurant Owner lives by, in today’s economic times and ANY time!

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News & Trends

Adapting Chain Mindset With Indie Way of Thinking Levels Playing Field

(By Mark Brandau)  Imitation is the sincerest form of competition as independents take a page from chains’ operational playbooks and build strength in numbers.

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Best Practices

Eight Basics of Cost Control

(By Eric F. Nusbaum, PhD, CHA) Recently I have been getting a lot of phone calls from operators experiencing food, beverage, and labor cost problems.  Given the stagnant economy, increase in competition from new chain units, and rising costs of ingredients, the need to control costs is understandable. Now is probably a good time for a refresher on the basic principles of cost control. 

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Service

Food & Beverage - Rudeness, Manners & Etiquette: what should staff know?

(By Ken Burgin)  Chances are they can take orders, serve, clear and be reasonably attentive...But if schools and parents forgot to teach the finer points of etiquette, you'll have to be coach, tutor and guide - you set the standard. Walk it through and practice the words, don't just write it a list: most learn best by doing and talking, not reading text books. How good are staff with these finer points? Conversation on the phone: how formal or casual should they be? How is advice given on directions and location? Do staff know how to make light of problem situations like parking or if you're booked out? How confidently do they describe food, wine lists and prices?

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Marketing Strategies

The Brave New World Of Social Media

(Source: Technomic/American Express MarketBrief)   Social media are relatively inexpensive and easily accessible platforms that encourage online sharing of information. As such, they can be used to communicate, collaborate, provide entertainment, and offer reviews and opinions; they have also become a great way to exchange news and opinions about restaurants.

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