Renting a really green Christmas tree

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

Rent a tree. For Christmas. It's a fledgling industry, but it exists. These days you can rent a Christmas tree and enjoy the holiday guilt-free, knowing that…

Adaptation – 3 Categories Evolve

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Be mindful of where categories were during the Recession and do not stray too far from the familiar.

A leopard that couldn’t change its spots

What exactly do you know about employees assigned to handle your deposits?

The ageless meatball is the new menu trendsetter

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

Meatballs are versatile and offer a big profit margin.

Getting ‘Siri-ous’ in Foodservice HR

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

As more programs are developed to be voice interactive, it's possible that Siri will one day be capable of interactively pre-screening applicants and more.

The most gluten-free meal of the day

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Some of the simplest sweets can become gluten-free with simple substitutions, like chocolate chip cookies made with non-wheat flours.

Adaptation – 3 Factions Evolve

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

The strongest trends, even in the restaurant industry, are the ones most adept at change.

Personal safety tips for the holidays

D.B. "Libby" Libhart has more than 30 years of experience in the loss prevention industry. He has provided security and safety leadership in retail settings…

Making Decisions as a Leader - Part V

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

Over the course of my 37-year-career in the restaurant industry, I have had the privilege of serving in leadership positions at all organizational levels, from…

De-Silo HR: The Next Evolution

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

It is projected that by 2013, 15 percent of business intelligence deployments will combine BI, collaboration and social software into decision-making…

Thanksgiving and giving thanks

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

An often overlooked trend in the restaurant industry is giving back.

The Stuff of Leaders - Part IV

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

Superior training is something that is critical to every successful team, whether on the battlefield, the football field, or the kitchen of your restaurant.

First impressions still count for new customers

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

Food is still the biggest driver of a customer's first impression.

The HR Takeaway From The 99%

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

Occupy movement has been smart to leverage social media, make their members feel like part of a team and reward and recognize their efforts.

One is the loneliest number

Having a lone employee on a late night shift raises the risk of robbery and employee theft.

Starbucks, health and wellness

by Valerie Killifer — Editor, FastCasual.com

In 2010, The Wall Street Journal posted a story indicating economists look toward Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts for insight on consumer spending. The story…

Size matters and not just desserts

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Offering smaller portion sizes can lift sales.

Bacon: An indispensible ingredient in food innovation

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

Bacon appears to be one ingredient that the American consumer cannot do without. It's been around since the beginning of time, but never been applied to so…

Management versus leadership - Part III

by Don Fox — CEO, Firehouse of America

Great leaders help their followers understand that there is a greater good to pursue.

The art of building a bank

It has nothing to do with concrete blocks and mortar. Cranes and bulldozers are not involved, and it has no reference to the facility where you make your…