Part 1 of "Is it real or counterfeit?" gave practical tips in teaching cashiers how to detect counterfeit currency. Anti-counterfeit technology has been embedded in U.S. currency. Tips on detecting …

Employees using their own devices (smart phones, tablets, PCs) actively use the technology they're most comfortable with, which has a positive impact on productivity. Some organizations are creating …

I've worked many years for tips. I began my restaurant career when I was 14 (don't tell the Labor department). I've been a busboy, a waiter, a bartender, and manager. My brothers were chefs, my …

Phone systems are the lifeline of most pizzerias. For those who conduct most or all of their business via take out and delivery, the phone is the direct and sometimes only connection with customers …

I had an absolute blast, as always, at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago last week. I reconnected with old friends, met some awesome new people, and had a great time talking about …

With the impending menu labeling laws expected to go into effect sometime this year, restaurants are scrambling to meet the criteria, and more than 200,000 restaurants will have to comply by …

"Good morning! Thanks for calling XYZ Company; how may I help you?" "Hi. This is Susan down at the bank." "Oh, Hi Susan; How are you?" "I'm fine thank you, but I'm afraid I have some bad news for you …

We all know that our friends and families influence us if they give us a recommendation…or a 'stay away!' …for a vendor or business. And those recommendations have proliferated in the …

I know this sounds like the old joke about a light bulb or a chicken crossing the road, but the way some restaurants operate, the joke is on them. There are many restaurants that have their servers …

Your bags are packed and you're ready to head to the 2012 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago May 5-8. You've probably made a list of those vendors you'd like to see, or if you're a …

* Get caught up, read Part I first. Toys The Hype: Toys in kid's meals entice children to eat fast food. Research: According to the CDC, in 2009-2010, the prevalence of obesity in children and …

From the moment a customer dials your number they should be engaged. When your phone line is busy, or your staff too busy to do more than simply take orders, you can and will miss out on …

How do you recognize "true" innovation, and who practices it? I recently noted that a leading hamburger chain received an industry "innovation award" for its retooled hamburger sandwich. This is a …

In my last blog, we discussed why your restaurant should be franchised. I will assume that you have listened to what I said and you have now made the decision to become the next McDonalds or Dunkin …

In a recent McKinsey study, 70 percent of corporate leaders profess that innovation is among their top three priorities for driving growth. But the way companies manage and govern innovation doesn't …

The National Restaurant Association's (NRA) 2012 Restaurant Industry Forecast recently identified the top five elements that drive a consumer's decision when choosing which quick-service restaurant …

First, what is Innovation? And second, what is "Reverse Innovation'? I have been discussing innovation within the food and beverage industry for about a year now. I have also quoted heavily from two …

On East 56th Street in New York City, just off of the food wasteland that is Park Avenue, sits a hidden little gem that is deserving of attention: Pizza by Certe, a 3-Star Green Restaurant Certified …

Ninety five percent. That's right, 95% of all consumers are on Facebook, according to our latest research findings across both North America and the UK. We asked more than 12,000 consumers from all …

They stared at each other, not with indifference but one with caution, the other with interest. "Teddy, get over here" Lily hissed. Teddy came across the bridge still munching hay, "What ... oh yes …