Expanding Your Footprint: Restaurant Real Estate Trends

If you’re wondering if restaurants are expanding their footprints as we pass the mid-year mark of 2024, one look at the headlines reveals the answer. “Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers to Expand Texas Footprint with 20-Unit Development Deal.” “Potbelly is Expanding its Footprint in San Antonio.” “Wendy’s to Expand into Two European Markets.” “Cava Expands… Continue reading Expanding Your Footprint: Restaurant Real Estate Trends

Taking Aim at Eatertainment in the Restaurant Industry

Eatertainment, concepts that combine quality food and beverage offerings with entertainment, particularly competitive social gaming, have been on the rise for some time. The growing desire for experience over material objects has only escalated this advancing trend.  Recently, Nation’s Restaurant News came out with four of the top players in this unique category, staging a… Continue reading Taking Aim at Eatertainment in the Restaurant Industry

Where Are Restaurants Opening? The Urban Setting Re-visited

Over two years ago, we highlighted the changing landscape of the restauranteur as more establishments gave up their urban setting and headed to the suburbs. As the French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr wrote, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”  Nation’s Restaurant News recently spoke with Hudson Riehle, National Restaurant Association’s senior… Continue reading Where Are Restaurants Opening? The Urban Setting Re-visited

Steering Clear of a Similar Fate as Red Lobster’s

Red Lobster has been front and center in the news media for the last week. What did they do to make the near-limitless headlines? They closed almost 90 restaurants in 27 states, auctioned off equipment, and ultimately filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 20. Many experts in the industry blamed their demise on the… Continue reading Steering Clear of a Similar Fate as Red Lobster’s

What Bon Appétit’s 7 Best New Restaurants this Spring Have in Common

“Best of” lists are quite common in the restaurant industry, with numerous platforms selecting destination restaurants around the country you don’t want to miss. What makes these restaurants stand out from the crowd? Is it a well-known chef? Are they part of a restaurant mega-group? Do they have an in with the publication?  To come… Continue reading What Bon Appétit’s 7 Best New Restaurants this Spring Have in Common

The Key to Restaurant Success: Strategic Inventory Management

Good inventory management is the meat and potatoes of a restaurant’s success. By controlling inventory, you’re reigning in food costs, reducing waste, and ensuring happy customers. There’s nothing worse than a guest making their way to your restaurant for their favorite signature dish, only to find you’ve run out of an ingredient, and they’ll have… Continue reading The Key to Restaurant Success: Strategic Inventory Management

Optimizing Your Restaurant’s Data and Putting It to Use

The increasing data availability has enabled restaurant operators to gather information about their customers, resulting in more personalized service, strategic marketing, and much more. However, as the amount of data increases, it becomes increasingly complex. How do you integrate the massive amounts of information and come up with insightful actions as a response? Nation’s Restaurant… Continue reading Optimizing Your Restaurant’s Data and Putting It to Use

Get Inspired: Restaurant and Restaurant Tech Events to Attend in 2024

Are you ready to raise the bar this year? There’s something about starting a new year that fills people with inspiration, hope, and energy! Now, the trick is to stay inspired throughout the coming year.  One way to accomplish this is by attending the many events found in our industry. From the Bar & Restaurant… Continue reading Get Inspired: Restaurant and Restaurant Tech Events to Attend in 2024

How Restaurants Are Navigating the Current Real Estate Market

Restaurants looking to expand are facing some significant roadblocks as the end of 2023 approaches. The demand is high, and the “right” inventory is challenging to find and quickly scooped up as soon as it hits the market. For those looking in the hot markets, the shortage intensifies.  Add construction delays and supply shortages, and… Continue reading How Restaurants Are Navigating the Current Real Estate Market

The Top 100 Independent Restaurants

Recently, Restaurant Business came out with the top 100 independent restaurants in America. This ranking reflects those with the highest earnings and, of course, independently owned.  So, what is it about these restaurants that brought them such great success? What unique experience, food, or aesthetics do they offer? How many units do they have, and… Continue reading The Top 100 Independent Restaurants