The best restaurant summer menu ideas for 2023
Summer is peak tourist season in the US, which means restaurants experience more foot traffic and higher order volumes. If you’ve been wanting to experiment with fresh dishes, now’s the perfect time — new restaurant summer menu ideas can keep locals and visitors coming back all season long. Menu tips: 4 easy ways to make your summer menu stand out A tantalizing summer menu appeals to loyal diners and new customers alike. To make it a success, try these tips: Go with lighter fare. When it’s hot outside, many customers prefer meals that aren’t too heavy. Look for ingredients that…
Restaurant advertisement: growing awareness of your brand
Restaurants rely on local business, which means awareness is everything. Before they can stop in for a meal, customers need to know your establishment exists. That’s the role of marketing and advertising: to build awareness and familiarity in your target audience as a way to boost sales. Get your brand out there Marketing is one of the most important aspects of operating a restaurant. An effective marketing strategy helps your business succeed by: Building brand awareness and name recognition Creating relationships with your target audience Distinguishing your restaurant from competitors Convincing customers to try your food Increasing sales and revenue…
A 5-star restaurant kitchen cleaning checklist
Next to cooking, cleaning is the most important process in your restaurant. Rigorous cleaning and sanitization helps kill bacteria, which prevents a variety of contact and food-borne illnesses. When the procedure is compliant with federal, state and local food codes, it’s easier to maintain a high restaurant health score, even after a surprise health inspection. Cleanliness also benefits your bottom line — when diners can enjoy their meals in a fresh, spotless setting, they’re more likely to give you positive reviews and repeat business. Need help with consistency and accountability? Try standardizing the process with a restaurant cleaning checklist. That…
What does a NSF certification mean for your restaurant?
When you operate a commercial kitchen, hygiene and safety are top priorities. You’ve probably implemented strict food safety practices, but when was the last time you evaluated your kitchen equipment? The design, materials and functionality of your refrigerators, water heaters and beverage dispensers can have a big impact on overall sanitation. That’s where National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification comes in. Buying NSF-certified food equipment is one way to ensure your restaurant kitchen meets the highest safety standards. What is NSF International? NSF International, previously known as the National Sanitation Foundation, is an independent certification organization. It develops strict standards for…
What you need to know about restaurant accounting
Restaurant accounting is a uniquely complex process. Financial transactions pass through a variety of employees, including hosts, servers and bartenders. With all these inputs, a comprehensive accounting process is a must for restaurant owners — it helps you maintain accuracy, stay legally compliant and maximize profits. Importance of efficient restaurant accounting Restaurant accounting is the process of recording, monitoring and analyzing a food-service company’s financial transactions. A solid accounting system tracks the restaurant’s finances, providing a clear picture of the health of the business. Efficiency is critical, especially in the restaurant industry — restaurants often operate on tight profit margins,…
Chef vs Cook: What’s the Difference?
The terms “chef” and “cook” are often used interchangeably. While they’re similar, the two positions often have different backgrounds and responsibilities. When you’re hiring restaurant employees, it’s important to understand the nuances of chef vs. cook roles. Chefs vs. cook: what each role means The concept of chef vs. cook can vary from restaurant to restaurant. After all, both positions are responsible for preparing ingredients and cooking the food that’s served to customers. In a commercial kitchen, a chef usually has formal culinary training and experience — and high-level responsibilities. They might supervise lower-level employees, develop recipes, cook food and…
What you need to know about tip pooling
Tips are an integral part of the restaurant industry. They motivate employees to provide exceptional service, creating an experience that brings customers back time and again. For employers in many states, tips can also make up the difference between the server minimum wage and the federal minimum wage. If you’re looking for ways to distribute tips more fairly among employees, tip pooling is one option. What are the tips for pooling? Tip pooling is a practice where restaurant employees put all or part of their tips into a communal pool. The employer divides the total funds among eligible workers, either…