May 2010 Blog Posts (52)

Non-Operator Less is More: Restaurant Survival Tactics

Atlanta - By Doug Marranci

With all of the incidents of different types of food poisoning, deaths, and even babies are not safe, what is the Number 1 consumer trend in dining is today?

If you guessed Local products, you are correct. Local and Sustainable are the keywords that are buzzing in local eateries.

Current economic trends in my opinion will provide a balancing effect over time. The time is gone where you can sell a 200.00 bottle of wine, unless you have… Continue

Added by Doug Marranci on May 7, 2010 at 5:00am — No Comments

Non-Operator FOHcus: Waiting Tables As The World Falls Apart

I left my house to grab some lunch at around 11:45am on May 6th, 2010, PST. I casually turned my car radio on and flipped to an AM news station where a frantic commentator was explaining that the Dow Jones Industrial Index had just shed close to 1,000 points in under an hour of trading. She remarked that even in the last 2 minutes that she had been talking, another 150 points had been lopped off. Her co-host shuddered in disbelief. While the market… Continue

Added by FohBoh on May 6, 2010 at 11:30pm — 3 Comments

Operator - Chef Big News for Farmed Salmon

Farmed salmon is bad new in most cases. Wild salmon has way more benefits that include health and environment factors. But there is usually an exception to the rule. So you can't say that all farmed fish are bad or even all farmed salmon is bad.

If you have seen any of my blog posts in the past you know that I am against farmed salmon. Well I found this farmed salmon that is being praised by Seafood Watch. Check out this video for all the details.

I still do believe that wild… Continue

Added by Marcus Guiliano on May 6, 2010 at 5:30pm — 1 Comment

It's not service...it's caring!!

Maybe I should change the name of the blog to "Hospitality Raps". Here I am again talking about hospitality. So this weekend my washing machine dies. the gasket duhicky thing breaks and water goes everywhere. Not to panic (I did until I realized) the warranty is still good. So I call Sears "customer service" line and get put on hold for 30 minutes, great service...NOT!!!! When I finally get a real live human being on the line she tells me no problem we will have a "service" tech out tomorrow…

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Added by Michael Minichello on May 6, 2010 at 6:49am — 2 Comments

Non-Operator Playing with Toys

It looks like health advocates are going back to old fashioned techniques for combating childhood obesity. The old reward or penalize method is the latest tactic proposed Santa Clara County California for fast food restaurants who offer free toys with kids meals.

The toy ban would only allow restaurants to offer toys in kid’s meals if the meals meet nutritional criteria (less than 485 calories, no more than 35 percent of calories from fat or 10 percent from added sweeteners, or have… Continue

Added by Alyson Mar, RD on May 6, 2010 at 6:00am — 4 Comments

Service and customer awareness is still King

Just ran out for a quick meeting and stopped by Specialty's in Mt. View, California. Beautiful restaurant located near Hwy 101 and Ellis in the heart of Silicon Valley. It's on my list to visit more frequently. Why?

1. Free Wi-Fi and it's posted on the door as an invitation to sit, relax and take a break form your office.

2. Cookies and pastries greet you as you walk in the door. Great merchandising and just want I… Continue

Added by Michael L. Atkinson on May 5, 2010 at 5:20pm — No Comments

Take action: Help the CRA stop the Santa Clara County Toy Ban

The Santa Clara Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance that bans most toys and other incentives for children in restaurants in the unincorporated area of the county on April 27. The California Restaurant Association strongly opposed the ordinance, which was authored by Supervisor Ken Yeager. A CRA-commissioned poll of county residents revealed that a strong majority of them were against it, as well. The board acted in total disregard of its constituency, however, passing the…

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Added by Angelica Pappas on May 4, 2010 at 4:00pm — 4 Comments

Social Media Foodie: Tweet To Engage, Build Community

During my time in college I had the opportunity to work for an organization on campus called The Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy (ICDD). ICDD was created in light of the lack of civility and intolerance that takes place so often in public discourse. Working with this organization gave me a strong foundation in the belief that everyone has something to say and to offer.

People are often engaged in discussions about the issues that affect them, but sometimes they need… Continue

Added by Josh Hersh on May 4, 2010 at 9:00am — 5 Comments

You Can't Buy the Wag of a Tail

“Money will buy a pretty good dog, but it won’t buy the wag

of its tail” –Josh Billings

I don’t know Josh, but his quote applied to more than just dogs, it applies to people too! If you know me, you know I grew up training dogs in obedience trials and many of the things I learned there apply to what I know about helping people to win. Training dogs is a struggle because they can’t tell you…

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Added by Andy Swingley on May 4, 2010 at 5:50am — 3 Comments

Non-Operator Chain Restaurant Disclosure and Analysis Can Improve

Chain Restaurant Disclosure and Analysis Practices Can be Improved

In April, we had…

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Added by John A. Gordon on May 3, 2010 at 3:31pm — No Comments

Non-Operator May brings Lessons from Legends

The month of May marks an interesting time of the year for growth and celebrations. It is the time of the year when we celebrate the end of the school year, graduations and this year a change in consumer-spending. Warmer weather seems to be pulling customers back into our restaurants to celebrate

Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, graduations, birthdays, Memorial Day and sometimes to just enjoy amazing weather days.

In the spirit of all that May brings us I would like to share some of my… Continue

Added by Kathleen Wood on May 3, 2010 at 9:49am — No Comments

Do You Want to Become a Gourmet Cook?

Perhaps, you have finally mastered the basics of cooking. Now, are you ready for gourmet cooking? Are you ready to embark on an exciting culinary adventure? It’s time for you

to grab the best gourmet cooking articles from your cooking newsletters and prepare yourself for the whole experience.

What is a Gourmet Cook?

Have you ever wondered how…

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Added by ChefBlogDigest on May 3, 2010 at 9:30am — No Comments