How do you increase lackluster guest traffic? Do you create special menus? Are aggressive advertising and coupon deals the answer? Do you need to ramp up your social networking campaign? Or is it a systemic problem requiring a change of concept or chef?...more >>

More effective portion control can increase your bottom-line, maintain product freshness and ultimately improve guest satisfaction. Here are some effective, practical ways to improve your portion controls....more >>

Padrino's journey from mom and pop café to the 5 units and 160 employees they now employ, with more units slated to open every year, is a success story rich with lessons learned on how to turn a pretty good family restaurant into a really great and growing business success....more >>

A manager exists to build profitable sales, and everything a manager does should be targeted to that objective. Still, there's no set personality that characterizes a good manager; one top performer might be totally outgoing and effervescent while another may be quiet and reserved. Both personalities could perform exceptionally well, but there are some core qualities that top managers share. Explore here what defines the best and brightest....more >>

After 26 years in the wireless industry Scott Widor was ready to do his own thing. With the help of a business partner, they researched 8-10 industries and after joining RestaurantOwner.com he knew the restaurant business was it....more >>

What you don't know can hurt your restaurant, especially if you sell adult beverages. Here is our list of ten expensive errors many beverage operators make and how to avoid them....more >>

Jean Tabarrini, the owner of the Canal View Cafe, used social media to raise awareness of their reopening after a two-month shutdown in their seasonal market. The reopening post was viewed by over 9,000 people and led to a successful night without spending any advertising money....more >>

Are you missing out on a crucial opportunity to get your new hires off to a great start? Many Independents are! Your employees will never be more open and receptive than when they first walk in your door....more >>

The restaurant training program's final written tests and/or quizzes provide matching, fill-in-the-blank, and/or multiple-choice questions that cover all the key restaurant positions and all aspects of their training programs to measure the knowledge and competence of the trainee....more >>

These survey results include specific comments on how other independent restaurants are improving their culture and how changes in the labor market over the past two years might affect their operations if their staffing situation does not improve. You may be surprised to see the benefits some operators are offering in order to retain their staff....more >>

Use the Preparation Checklist as a guide for deciding what your restaurant should be doing to produce the highest quality food in the most efficient manner every day. It should help you quickly become aware of basic preparation procedures and policies. Use it as a tool to help you determine what should be done, how it should be done and who should be doing it....more >>

Pat & Pam O'Malley, owners of Pat O'Malley's Jet Room, know one of the secrets to success can seem counter-intuitive. He provided an increase in pay and benefits for his staff and it paid off by lowering turnover, hiring and training expenses. It also improved morale and customer service....more >>

Prompt and courteous delivery is a key factor in creating a positive and enjoyable take-out guest experience. You can accomplish this by thorough training and attention to the details of each step in the delivery experience process....more >>

The Host/Hostess Training - Trainer's Notes is a guide to cover all aspects of a new hire's training to empower them to provide exceptional service for your guests....more >>

The right employees love using online training systems because they get the information they need to be successful. Online training can have great benefits when it comes to cost, accessibility, flexibility and effectiveness. Managers prefer it and it empowers motivated employees at all levels who are interested in taking on more responsibility....more >>

Being a server is demanding, fast-paced, and occasionally stressful. However, it can also be exciting, financially rewarding, and filled with intriguing colleagues and guests. Not only are there advantages now, but your experiences in a restaurant will likely provide many longer term benefits as well....more >>

Here are the 10 most common architectural design mistakes the author sees in new restaurants. Each of these problems can be prevented if your architect has a good understanding of what you need the restaurant to be able to do and if you have selected the right space to lease to begin with....more >>

The Emergency Preparation Checklist provides guidance in the event of a power outage, specifically during a snowstorm, and what steps should be taken in advance to minimize the impact of such an event.

One of the most talked about topics in our Discussion Forum has been management incentives or bonus programs. Do they work, how much should they pay, how to evaluate managers and other such questions are typically asked. Chris Tripoli has designed and implemented many management bonus programs during his 30+ year career as an operator and advisor. Chris discusses the various elements of successful programs and...more >>

The Cashier/Order Taker (QSR) final written quiz provides true or false, and multiple-choice questions that cover key aspects of the training program to measure the knowledge and competence of the trainee....more >>