10 ways to deliver epic customer service

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

In a world where so much is automated and impersonal, exceptional service is a brand's most human and most powerful differentiator. It's not about being…

3 ways to keep customers ordering your 'not-so-cheap' eats

by CJ Gaffney — VP Brand Strategy, Partners + Napier

A few Fridays ago, I found myself in the Wendy's drive-thru with three boys in the backseat and a trunk full of baseball gear. The sun was setting, nerves were…

Can protein, "back to basics" approach re-energize Starbucks?

by R.J. Hottovy — Head of Analytical Research, Placer.ai

If Starbucks can give its large, established customer base new reasons to visit, it can unlock significant growth.

There is nothing 'soft' about soft skills

by Felicia White — President, CHART

The skills frontline managers require are categorized as "hard" and "soft" skills. The "hard skills" (which I noted in my initial blog post) are those focused…

No tax on tips? Ask restaurant workers, not politicians

by Tal Clark — CEO, Instant Financial

Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial, discusses findings from a survey revealing workers' opinions on eliminating taxes on tips.

Revealed: High costs of restaurant safety shortcuts

Nathan Leathers, the founder of Kitchen Guard, discusses how proper risk management, high-quality leadership and strategic financial planning are the keys to…

Do you have the guts to grow your restaurant?

Bob Andersen, President of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, reveals frameworks to build leadership and management systems into a culture to scale big!

3 tech-savvy ways to ease restaurant labor costs

by Eran Hollander — Chief Product Officer, HungerRush

Restaurants that embrace a tech-first mindset aren't just keeping up; they're gaining the clarity and control needed to manage labor costs, empower their…

Are you the tallest tree in your 'business forest?'

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Have you ever heard the phrase, "You can't see the forest for the trees"? This metaphor is particularly relevant for Founders, as it highlights how we can…

Founderology Forum introducing blog series: 'Developing front-line managers' leadership skills'

by Felicia White — President, CHART

Dr. Felicia White's blog series will reveal results from her research study exploring the connections between front-line restaurant managers receiving training…

Tariffs causing 4 strategy pivots for restaurants

by Dilan Mehta — CEO, Sizzle

Dilan Mehta, co-founder and CEO of Sizzle, an AI-powered food commerce platform, believes that restaurants considering the market's volatility as a moment to…

Flexing your catering muscles

by Terry Matthews — Managing Partner, Off Premises Growth Academy

Great catering programs aren't built on talent alone. They're built on systems, clarity, shared knowledge, and consistent coaching. That's training. That's…

How to build a leadership team for scalability

Can you distinguish between managers and leaders?

Dutch Bros gains, Starbucks holds top spot

by Shira Petrack — Content Manager, Placer.ai

Despite the rapid growth of smaller coffee chains, Starbucks continues to dominate the coffee category, receiving over half of the combined visits to…

Are you leading with influence?

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

At its heart, leading with influence means you lead by earning trust, building relationships and creating a compelling vision that others want to follow.

Perfect Pitch, ‘Fast Casual Frontrunners' open nominations for top emerging brands

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Nominations are now open but close June 1.

Building your restaurant's championship team to win

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

The same principles that create winning teams on the field can transform your business into a powerhouse. Let's talk the Xs and Os of building a championship…

6 ways for fast casuals to offset tariff pain

by Sharmah Seakar — Senior Procurement Lead at Efficio, Efficio

Brands must recalibrate procurement, rethink value menus and re-engineer the back of house.

Scooter’s VIP reveals 3 strategies for brewing growth

Tim Arpin, chief growth officer, discusses the importance of prioritizing menu innovation, streamlining operations, and creating meaningful community…

Turning your restaurant customers into brand ambassadors

by Jim Knight — Founder & CEO, Knight Speaker

When customers feel genuinely valued, they don't just return — they bring others with them.