Three organizational challenges that hinder innovation (and the solutions to resolve them)

by Rob Connelly

There are three main challenges that hinder innovation: Playing catch up, ambiguity and underdevelopment of employees.

The one left off the list: hourly employees' influence on consumer decisions

by Amanda Richardson — Senior Vice President of Product and Marketing, Snagajob

While trend lists may not identify employees as a critical factor, the quality of a restaurant's front-line staff has a significant influence on the features…

Cranking up catering sales in a multi-unit restaurant environment

by Erle Dardick — CEO, Monkeymedia

There are many thousands of proven sales systems that your brand can implement to help make your catering sales sing. But here’s the rub. Even proven sales…

Want to Facebook? What are you waiting for

by Janet Eden-Harris — CMO & SVP Strategy, Market Force

Ninety five percent. That’s right, 95% of all consumers are on Facebook, according to our latest research findings across both North America and the UK. We…

Top 5 things we didn't know we should be afraid of - part I

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

A study found that only 8 to 12 percent of gluten-free consumers said they bought gluten-free products because they or a member of their household has celiac…

If it's Monday, this must be meatless

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

While diners can see some personal benefits — like weight loss — from a Meatless Monday regime, restaurants can see some real bottom-line benefits.

Bistro offerings complement hospital's mission of health and wellness

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

The Colorado Center's mission is to promote health and prevent disease by reducing obesity and the rates of weight-related chronic diseases, and this new…

Credits + Compliance = Cash (for restaurant owners)

by Rick Casmass — VP Marketing, Valiant

I’ve been in the restaurant industry, in one form or another, for well over 20 years. In that time, I’ve seen some very smart owners make some of the very same…

Could be deadly, but essential for restaurant operations

If you have CO(2) fill ports or storage tanks in tight enclosed quarters, lower levels, or have older systems or systems that have not been inspected by…

Clothes can make the employee

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

Earlier this month I ran across an article in Freakonomics referencing a study that showed "wearing a white lab coat — a piece of clothing associated with care…

Culinary Tide's 2012 top trends

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Culinary Tides, Inc. released the report: "Top 10 Trends Analysis - Shifting Sands 2012: A cross analysis of predictions across Government, Technology, Health…

What's in your egg salad?

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

When I was about 8 years old, my mother finally left me alone in the kitchen to create something of my own devise. I couldn't use the stove, but I could use…

Social media: A necessary evil?

by Janet Eden-Harris — CMO & SVP Strategy, Market Force

Market Force just completed a consumer study of social media usage. Not surprisingly, every year we've looked at usage we've seen the numbers going up. About…

Do you really offer gluten-free dishes?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Identifying and avoiding potential contamination starts with the very basics in the kitchen.

The leadership of Ray Kroc to drive catering sales

by Erle Dardick — CEO, Monkeymedia

I have been reading a lot about Ray Kroc these days. As I dig deeper into his story, I become more fascinated with his meticulous attention to detail. Like all…

Is your restaurant stuck in a monkey trap?

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

From switching out the décor to updating technology, restaurateurs must take chances to keep their business fresh.

Would YOU resist a robber?

The young manager knelt in front of the safe, a thousand thoughts cluttering his head. His fingers were nearly frozen with fear as he fumbled with the…

Don’t gamble on your summer hiring success

by Amanda Richardson — Senior Vice President of Product and Marketing, Snagajob

If a candidate isn't serious enough to take a short assessment, the odds are he or she won't turn out to be one of your top performers.

Serving sizes lead label-readers astray, what will restaurant menus do?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Healthy framing has the greatest influence with consumers who are most concerned about their diets, and restaurant operators should focus on portion sizes…

Gloves! The Controversy Continues - Part 3

by Paul Mcginnis — Vice President, Marketing, Ecolab Food Safety Specialties

If glove use is going to be effective, several factors should be considered when designing a disposable glove program. Size is vitally important to ensure the…