How restaurant AI can work for your business
When you think of restaurant AI, you might imagine a kitchen run by sophisticated robots. While automated chefs may be possible in the future, current restaurant technology solutions are focused on driving efficiency and improving the customer experience. Restaurants are using AI technology to streamline every aspect of operations, including ordering, delivery, back-of-house workflows and supply-chain management. The best part? AI is readily available — in fact, you can start implementing it in your restaurant today. How AI is being used in restaurants today AI is everywhere in the restaurant industry; in many cases, companies are building machine learning into…
Ouch, Siesta Key ranks among the worst hotel service in the nation, study shows
Does a room with a paradisal view make up for poor hotel service? apparently not. Despite being recognized for having one of the best beaches in the country and in the world by Tripadvisor, Siesta Key was ranked the 4th worst city for hotel service out of 20 cities, according to a study from Planetware. The study analyzed nearly 8 million hotel reviews from more than 9,000 hotels across 95 US cities to determine those with the worst hotel reviews, worst hotel service, and the common complaints made. Based on their methodology, they took the millions of hotel reviews and…
How to sell on Grubhub
Technology is no longer optional for food-service businesses — it’s an industry standard. Diners expect their favorite restaurants to offer convenient tech solutions, such as mobile ordering, contactless payments and QR-code menus. If you’re planning to sell on Grubhub to meet these demands, you’re not alone. Restaurants often partner with food delivery apps to streamline the technology integration process. With Grubhub’s industry-leading platform, it’s easy to add mobile ordering, reach new customers, increase revenue, create loyalty programs, and market your business. The importance of delivery Food delivery is an essential part of your restaurant’s operations, especially post-pandemic. The delivery market…
An all-inclusive guide to restaurant branding
The food-service industry is both competitive and crowded; new establishments enter the market every day. In this environment, strong restaurant branding is a must. Well done, it can help your business stand out from the crowd and build customer loyalty. What is restaurant branding? Restaurant branding is the process of creating a recognizable identity for your restaurant. A great brand is both visual and experiential; it encompasses the different ways customers interact with the company. This includes visual components, such as your logo design, menu layout and signature colors, as well as big-picture elements, such as the brand voice and…
How to start a restaurant
Opening a restaurant is a dream for foodies everywhere. As an owner, you enjoy full creative control over the menu, food quality and customer experience. Before you start a restaurant, however, it’s important to understand exactly what goes into the process. So sit back, untie your apron and dig into the steps for opening a restaurant. Steps to open a restaurant Opening a restaurant is both exciting and complicated. From getting licenses to planning a menu and buying kitchen equipment, each phase requires patience and attention to detail. Use these steps to organize your plan of attack. 1. Decide on…
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…
Ghost Kitchens Vs. Virtual Restaurants
Scroll through any major food delivery app and you’re likely to come across restaurants that seem to only exist online. Chances are, they’re ghost kitchens — virtual brands that use delivery platforms like Grubhub to reach hungry diners. Flexible and cost-effective, this business model is an ever-growing trend in the restaurant industry. Developing a virtual brand is a great way to capture the growing delivery industry. Restaurateurs, chefs, and entrepreneurs will typically launch their virtual brands either through a ghost kitchen or as a virtual restaurant that operates in tandem with their brick-and-mortar concept. How we talk about virtual brands…