All Blog Posts Tagged 'technology' (63)

Reported by foodem.com, the online wholesale food marketplace-

Mobile technology has made it easier than ever to find just about anything, but on this blog we talk about all things food. Since spring is here, why not do a little spring cleaning? De-clutter…

by Aprons & Smocks

Thinking about buying a point-of-sale system for your restaurant?  For many restaurants, the point-of-sale computer system is one of the biggest up front purchases they'll make, and one of the most complex to navigate.  Here's some insider tips on how to negotiate the best possible deal - and some hidden traps to watch out for so you aren't left with unexpected expenses!

Tip #1: Know What You're Buying…

Coupons - love 'em or hate 'em, it's hard to get away from them in the pizza industry.   Most pizza restaurants issue coupons to grab the attention of their customers, to encourage new customers to try the restaurant, to compete with the other pizzerias in their area, to introduce new products, and to encourage 'bundling' of products together.  But what's the best way to know if your coupons are effective and working? 

Tracking Coupon Codes…

A new study by the University of Rochester sheds some light on our online pizza ordering behavior - and finds that when we're hiding behind our computer screens, we're much more likely to triple the pepperoni, double the bacon, and order…

Last week’s Jobs Report, issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, echoed news we’ve all grown accustomed to hearing — U.S. job growth is weak.

But is that the whole story?

If you take a moment to study the recent news, there is a silver lining — at least for the restaurant industry. In the month of August, 96,000 jobs were added on a net basis across the nation and more than 28,000 of those jobs were in the restaurant industry. In other words, more than…

Your restaurant point-of-sale system is one of the keys to your smooth running operation - helping to keep the orders flowing correctly and the cash coming in.  But are you overlooking some of the ways your POS Software could help you boost your restaurant's bottom line?   Here's 5 common features that many restaurant owners neglect - but that can make a real impact on your profit! 

1.  Marketing …

Now get used to it, they aren’t going anywhere. 

Take a step back for a moment.  Look at the devices you use in your personal life: phone, tablet, computer, all of them?  Compare that to 10 years ago.   A bit of a difference isn’t it?  Now let’s compare that to the way you manage your restaurant or retail company, is there a difference? How many times do you use your devices to find a business, rate a business, or purchase from a business on a mobile device or computer? …

OK, so this is getting a little creepy.

Creepy but cool all in the same breath mind you.

First off...WARNING: Wipe any inappropriate thoughts from your mind when you enter a Starbucks. Your mind is about to be invaded.

It was announced that Starbucks was teaming up with…

When I sought out to find an iPad stand to put on the tables for BEAN Coffee Lounge, it had quickly proven to be quite difficult.  BEAN is a new Coffee concept in Seattle that is putting an iPad on every table.  Yes, an iPad on every table.  After meeting with the founder (who wears many hats, including concept development), I knew immediately that we needed a stand that was both elegant…

Review by Digital Restaurant Solutions (www.updatemypos.com)

One of my clients is the owner of a coffeshop.  He runs a small unit, about 6 employees and less than $5ook in sales annually.  His biggest concerns are saving money, as he is a lower volume shop; and organizational structure, as he does not intend on managing the business full time in the long-term.

He uses an old Panasonic…

Recently, I was having dinner with my family at a favorite local brew pub.  As is typical at this establishment, the service was slow - we waited 20 minutes or so to place our drink order.  When we received our food, we were missing one of the most important meals - my young daughter's grilled cheese.  And as we enjoyed our food, we were ready to order another…

Are you being weighed down by the proverbial “ball and chain?” No, not that ball and chain. I’m talking about the processes that your restaurant just can’t operate without. Remember your great idea from 10 years ago? The one that changed the way your restaurant operated, or saved a ton of money … or even revamped your brand. Is it still the biggest thing to happen to your restaurant?

Being locked-in to certain business practices can stunt your creativity and growth. Every successful…

It's Friday night and it happened again - in the middle of the rush the POS system is locked up and no one can take orders.  I missed a critical order because it didn't print. I dread having to make menu changes - it will take me all day to figure out.  Customers are complaining that their order isn't right - because the point-of-sale system just doesn't work.  I can't start anything new - like online ordering - my POS system can't handle it.  Heck, I can't even find hardware that's…

We talk to many restaurant operators. All of them are suffering from sales pitch fatigue. The steady flood of daily deals solicitations, loyalty program offerings, and social/local/mobile ad listing opportunities has taken a terrible toll. The problem is that there are some pretty good services on the market; tools that can really help a restaurant attract, engage, and retain customers. The key is moving quickly to separate the worthwhile from the worthless.

There are three numbers…

There is a recently completed study on the work habits of Millennials that might surprise employers. The study was done by MTV, and before you shrug it off, think — who better to get honest feedback from a younger generation?

Let’s examine the results as they apply to foodservice and the upcoming restaurant workforce.

Culture

In a briefing with…

I recently visited a restaurant and observed an elderly couple struggling to view a menu.  A few minutes into their struggle, their server graciously presented them with an iPad version of the menu and showed them within a few seconds how to zoom in to read the menu better.  The couple had a wonderful time…

Marketing trends are changing, and with them the effectiveness of print media loses its value. Digital marketing is widely becoming the most popular form of advertising because of its many advantages. More and more consumers are glued to their smart phones - they never let…

A growing trend in the hospitality industry is the use of loyalty and reward programs to give incentives to your customers to continue returning.  Rarely will a customer visit a national or regional restaurant or hotel without finding an incentive program.  Dine 9 times and receive your 10th meal free or earn 500 points and receive a free dessert.  The options are many, but where are the independent restaurants in the loyalty game?  Often times, loyalty programs are…

In this digital age, most businesses have managed to stay afloat with a potential growth on the horizon despite economic struggles. Social media has played a huge role in marketing and businesses have grasped this concept to continually expand their brand. Restaurants are no exceptions. Just like any growing…