High quality fried foods require clean cooking oil. Learn how proper filtration techniques not only produce great foods, but also save you money and time...more >>

This shared trait of successful independent restaurants might be the key to profitable, growing restaurant operations......more >>

Your team members are the key to creating a high-quality guest experience that keeps guests coming back. A respected, confident team will be more engaged in their job and naturally deliver superior service and genuine hospitality. One of the best ways to get your people on this level is to recognize that they may see things that can help you make your business better. When a team member comes to you with an idea or observation, don't dismiss them, LISTEN instead. Dismissing is a surefire way to lose your employees' engagement and respect. When you listen, your team becomes a source of new ideas and creativity, and new ways to solve problems. Want a more engaged, committed team? Watch this video!...more >>

Gain without Pain. If you take an old-school manufacturing approach to improving your restaurant's efficiency, you could create a whole new list of headaches....more >>

You track prime cost weekly, know everything that's in your inventory, and keep labor costs under control, but you may still be missing something; your employees' trust and loyalty. It's nearly impossible to build a loyal, committed team without it. Spend some time, and get to know your people better. When they see that you are genuinely interested and are looking out for them, they will be much more motivated to do their best, support their fellow team members and take great care of their guests. Build loyalty with your people by showing a personal interest in them, and you will see a profound impact on morale, productivity and how long they are likely to stay at your restaurant....more >>

Who are more deserving of a break on their meals than service men and women and our community elders? Do they really want them? And do discounts really help build their guest loyalty?...more >>

Join hosts Chris Tripoli and Barry Shuster and their guests for a podcast for anyone who is starting a restaurant business, growing an independent restaurant business, or dreaming about starting an independent restaurant business. Learn from successful restaurateurs who share their stories WHY they got into the business and HOW they created and built their winning concepts....more >>

Without consistent execution in the kitchen, you'll never deliver what your guests want more than anything else, the same high-quality food and experience every time they visit. Kitchen scales are an essential part of making sure every menu item comes out exactly the same, regardless of who's doing prep or working on the line....more >>

Sure, it seems straightforward, but plate removal is a prime opportunity for uncomfortable situations to pop up. It could be snatching a plate from a guest who is still working on their meal, interrupting a conversation at the worst possible moment, or even sticking your elbow into an unsuspecting diner’s face. It’s easy for these awkward moments to happen when you’re clearing a table, but don’t worry, they’re not inevitable. Watch this video, and you’ll learn seven simple but effective tips that you can use on your next shift. Not only will you elevate the level of service for your guests, but just as importantly, it will prevent you from unintentionally creating those awkward moments....more >>

Maintaining a clean restroom is crucial for a positive dining experience at your restaurant. Beyond just hygiene, it directly impacts customer satisfaction and perception. Guests will often judge a restaurant's standards by the cleanliness of its restroom, which will affect their confidence and how likely they are to return....more >>

You walk up to greet your new table, but something feels off. Something about the guest is setting off a siren in the back of your head. As the service goes on, you realize this customer is very… particular. Maybe even... extra particular. It seems like they walked into your restaurant for the sole purpose of picking a fight. This is a classic restaurant scenario that I'm sure you are familiar with, but don't despair. There is hope. In this video, you will learn four tips that will help you not only survive but actually turn the situation around. Remember, no guest's mood is so far gone that it isn't worth trying. Many… extra particular guests have become loyal regulars through genuine hospitality and fantastic service....more >>

This month's article features menu items created by Tom Bruce, founding chef and owner of Central Coast Food & Beverage....more >>

Hospitality is an important part of every guest experience. At this time though, online ordering, delivery, masks, distancing, all make creating a personal, human connection and showing genuine hospitality MUCH more challenging....more >>

Nobody expects to have a serious workplace accident, and a fatality -- especially in the restaurant industry -- is almost unheard of. But the shocking truth is that accidents do happen, and when they involve electricity, the risk of a serious injury is heightened....more >>

Employee cross-training has its benefits, but not every employee is a good candidate for training for a new role....more >>

This month's article features recipes supplied by the National Onion Association. Author Chef Tom Bruce of Central Coast Food & Beverage created the recipe mapping for these dishes....more >>