The Satisfied Customer: Part 2 (Read part 1 here) Guest satisfaction doesn’t start with the host stand, it starts in the back office. In this follow-up to Part 1 of what restaurant guests actually want, we shift the focus to the behind-the-scenes operations that make great guest experiences possible. From optimized labor scheduling to real-timeRead more
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As a restaurant operator, it’s easy to focus on food cost, labor scheduling, and operations first, but what about what your guests actually care about? In 2026, the key to guest satisfaction isn’t just warm service or great food (though that still matters), it’s experience, efficiency and value. Diners are savvier than ever, and they’reRead more
Let’s be honest, restaurant trends come and go faster than you can say “plant-based protein,” but in 2026, the real shift isn’t just happening on the plate. It’s happening behind the scenes, deep in the heart of your restaurant operations. The most successful brands this year are the ones that are adapting, not just theirRead more
The restaurant world runs on people, personality, and pace, but it’s increasingly powered by something else too: data. While the term AI can sound intimidating to some operators, the truth is simple: AI and automation aren’t replacing your team, they’re making it stronger. When used intentionally, restaurant automation tools give you the power to scheduleRead more
In franchised and multi-unit restaurant operations, growth is assumed. You’re already scaling. You’ve already built the brand. In 2026, the operators who will win won’t be the ones simply adding more units, they’ll be the ones scaling intelligently, with systems that support consistency, profitability, and clarity at every level. Growth in 2026 doesn’t just meanRead more
In today’s restaurant industry, sustainability is more than a buzzword, it’s a business imperative. From compostable packaging to local sourcing, restaurants are under growing pressure to operate with intention, and today we will discuss one of the most impactful, often overlooked sustainability tools. Your inventory and forecasting system! Yes, really. The path to better marginsRead more
As the countdown to a new year begins, most people are planning celebrations. Restaurant operators on the other hand are planning clean-ups, check-ins, and tight turnarounds. The final weeks of the year are the perfect time to reset your back-office systems, fix what’s not working, and start 2026 with clean data, accurate labor practices, andRead more
Retail’s chaos spills into your dining room, and you’re expected to serve it with a smile. Between the crowds, chaos, and caffeine-fueled consumers, restaurants have a unique opportunity: serve more people, more efficiently, without slashing prices like everyone else. Let’s talk about how to: Take advantage of the traffic surge Tighten up operations before theRead more
New units bring new staff, new vendors, new logistics, and if your back office isn’t built to scale, that excitement turns into chaos fast. Operators looking to grow in today’s climate need more than ambition. They need repeatable systems that lock in profit, eliminate waste, and work just as well at store #15 as theyRead more
If there’s one thing more frustrating than last-minute call-outs, it’s the constant cry of “I can’t log in to see my schedule!” As a manager, you have a hundred things to juggle, like building the schedule, adjusting labor to meet demand, handling payroll, coaching staff, and so much more. The last thing you should beRead more
