As various states begin to discuss lifting shelter-in-place orders, it’s imperative for restaurant owners to be prepared to open their doors in the near future. Prior to when restaurants reopen and patrons arrive for dine-in services, it’s a good idea to understand the industry landscape, revenue opportunities, and how to set your restaurant apart from
Coronavirus era: how to adapt your restaurant business model
At Rewards Network, nothing matters more to us than our customers. We’re in constant contact with the thousands of restaurants in our network—absorbing their challenges, offering insight, and celebrating their innovations. We’re also closely following their successes so we can gain a better understanding of what strategies are working today. In a time where business
Party On: Increase Restaurant Profits with Private Events
Attracting customers during times that are traditionally slow can be a challenge for any restaurant owner. One way to combat these times when sales take a dip is by focusing on hosting private events. The process of prepping (or constructing) private rooms, developing special dishes, and planning promotions takes time. This is why it’s important
How Should I Price My Restaurant Menu?
The price. It’s often the first thing your guest will notice, and probably one of the (many) things keeping you up at night. How do you know it’s right? Does demand matter? Is just covering your costs enough? Does the price reflect the real value the customer is receiving from their meal? All of these factors
How to Make Your Happy Hour More Profitable
To the joy of many — and disappointment of others — Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill yesterday legalizing Happy Hour in that state for the first time since 1989. The concept of short-term discounts, usually falling in those slower after-work hours, is so prevalent, everyone from Sonic Drive-Ins to upscale steakhouses uses the
5 Tips to Help You Strive for Sustainability
In the restaurant industry, trends come and go nearly as quick as customers during a dinner rush. But there is one buzzword floating around that you should definitely pay attention to: sustainability. At the recent National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, a panel of experts — including Kathleen Seeley, managing partner of Ricca Design Studios;
How Foodservice Trends Affect Your Back of House
As a restaurateur, you spend a lot of time trying to anticipate the next big consumer trend and how your business can capitalize on it. Most often, these changing tastes deal with new flavors, original preparations, and innovative presentations. Each change in what the customer sees and tastes, however, can have major effects on your
7 Foods That Sound Like One Thing (But Are Actually Another)
Ever have one of those days where it seems like up is down, left is right, and there’s a surprise waiting around every corner? Well, if you’re an active or aspiring foodie, that could actually be the perfect recipe for adventure. Today’s culinary landscape features quite a few menu items that sound like they could be one
What You Need to Know about the Restaurant Industry
Understanding and keeping an eye on the economic landscape of the restaurant industry can be an integral part of managing your business. As a provider of financial and marketing services to the restaurant industry, Rewards Network has unique insights into the industry through the data we receive from over 10,000 restaurants. We also monitor the
9 Unlikely Taste Combinations That Just Work
In 1976, Herb Hudson opened a small Los Angeles restaurant that exclusively served chicken and waffles. At first, many people were surprised to see an entire menu dedicated to this uncommon pairing — but all it took was one visit to get them hooked. Now, 40 years later, the unlikely, but delicious, combo at Roscoe’s