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Every few weeks our efficiency specialists will post helpful tips, techniques or other information that you can use to better run your restaurant, bar or cafe. We hope you enjoy and if there are other topics you are interested in, please let us know – we’d love to talk with you!

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After a big jump in hiring over the summer, things

After a big jump in hiring over the summer, things leveled out in October—only 3,700 jobs were added in the entire restaurant sector. It’s a shift but not entirely unexpected.

Normally, with the holiday season coming, we’d expect more hiring. But this year, it seems like restaurants are adapting differently.

Here’s what’s going on:

➡ Hiring Surge Over Summer: We saw an unusual hiring spike in August and September, maybe a bit earlier than usual.

➡ Back to Normal in October: Now hiring is more in line with typical levels, especially for independent spots trying to manage tight budgets.

➡ Segment Differences: Quick-service places are actually hiring above pre-pandemic levels, while full-service spots are still 4% behind.

The National Restaurant Association noted that despite the slower month, overall hiring is still higher than it was pre-pandemic.

But many places are planning carefully to avoid overstaffing.

So, should we expect more hiring this month for the holidays? 🤔

Most likely!

November usually sees a boost with the holiday season ramping up. And while hiring may be more balanced now, we’ll probably still see seasonal hires to keep up with the holiday rush.

If this insight was helpful, feel free to share it with other restaurant owners! Sometimes talking through these trends helps us adapt better. 🔄
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #RestaurantManager #RestaurantManagement #StaffingSolutions #Restauranteurs #EmploymentTrends

Curious about where things stand with Massachusett

Curious about where things stand with Massachusetts’ tip credit ballot? 🤔 Here’s the latest:

➡️ The tip credit ballot results are in, and Massachusetts voters have rejected Question 5, meaning the current tipped wage system will remain in place.

➡️ Tipped employees will continue to receive a base wage of $6.75 per hour, with tips bringing their total earnings to at least $15 per hour. If tips fall short, employers are still required to make up the difference.

➡️ This decision also means that tip pooling across different roles won’t be implemented.

That’s a significant outcome, right?

With this vote, many restaurants can continue their current wage and pricing structures without immediate changes. But staying informed about policy shifts remains important, as these decisions can have a lasting impact on our industry.

How are you feeling about this result? Share your thoughts below!

If you found this helpful, feel free to share it with other restaurant owners. Staying informed helps us all adapt better to industry changes! 🔄
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #RestaurantIndustry #Restaurant #RestaurantOwners #RestaurantOwner #IndustryUpdates

In a restaurant, you’re not just serving food; y

In a restaurant, you’re not just serving food; you’re creating an experience. 👨‍🍳

That’s what keeps people coming back. And honestly, it’s simple to say but hard to do consistently.

You want people to feel at home, but balancing that with running a business... it’s a challenge.

You’re managing emotions just as much as you’re managing inventory.

With rising costs and everything, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers. But if we forget about how we’re making customers feel, we’re missing the point.

How do you keep that balance? How do you make customers feel valued when prices are higher? 🤔

Let us know! 💬
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #RestaurantSuccess #CustomerExperience #BusinessChallenges #RestaurantLife #HospitalityTips

Have you seen our last post about restaurant price

Incentive pay is a reward system that motivates em

Incentive pay is a reward system that motivates employees to perform better. 📈

It’s separate from their base salary and is usually tied to specific goals. 🎯

Here are some examples of common incentive pay ideas:

➡ Cash Rewards: Simple cash bonuses for meeting sales targets.

➡ Commissions: Pay-per-sale structures for your waitstaff to encourage upselling.

➡ Profit Sharing: Sharing a portion of the profits with your team based on performance.

➡ Flexible Schedules: Offering alternative work hours for achieving certain benchmarks.

But how can you implement this? 🤔

Start small! Clearly define your goals, establish your incentive program, and communicate it to your team. 💡

Regular check-ins can help you adjust and improve the system over time.

Did you like these ideas?

Then save this post for later or share it with other restaurant owners! 🔄
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #RestaurantOwners #EmployeeEngagement #BusinessGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #ServiceIndustry

Have issues with your staff arriving late? 😟 I

Have issues with your staff arriving late? 😟

It can really throw off the whole operation, right?

If you're wondering what you can do about it, you're in the right place!

Here are some effective strategies to handle tardiness:

✅ Establish a Tardiness Policy: Make sure your team knows the rules. Having a clear policy helps everyone understand the consequences.

✅ Talk to Them Early: When someone is late, address it immediately. Understanding their reasons can help you find a solution together.

✅ Adjust Schedules if Needed: Sometimes, it's a matter of adjusting shifts. If someone has a recurring issue, see if a flexible schedule might help.

But what about team morale when someone is frequently late?

Here are a few more ideas:

1️⃣ Kick off the day with a brief meeting to create accountability. This encourages everyone to arrive on time.

2️⃣ Keep records of late arrivals and conversations. This can help you track patterns and address issues as they arise.

3️⃣ If someone starts coming in on time, acknowledge their effort! A little praise can go a long way.

If you found this post helpful, please save it for future reference or share it with other restaurant managers. Let's work together to foster a punctual and responsible workforce! 🔄
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #EmployeeManagement #RestaurantOperations #WorkplaceCulture #StaffManagement #RestaurantTips

Have you seen how restaurants stepped up to help w

Have you seen how restaurants stepped up to help with Hurricane Helene relief? 🌪️

It's heartwarming to see the industry come together like this, right?

Wondering what some of their efforts were?

➡ Well, for instance, McDonald's dispatched their McRig mobile kitchen to provide free meals in Asheville, N.C. They served meals from October 3 to 5. 🍔

➡ Denny's sent their Mobile Relief Diner to feed communities in need. They served hot breakfasts and coffee to over 3,600 people in Spartanburg, SC, and they continued through October 8 in Asheville. ☕

➡ Bojangles also made a significant contribution. They donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross and filled two truckloads with bottled water for affected areas. Plus, they donated 10% of net sales from their Heart-Shaped Bo-Berry Biscuits to the Red Cross from October 7 to 31! ❤️

It's inspiring how these businesses are rallying to support those impacted. It really shows the community spirit!

If you found this post insightful, please share it with fellow restaurant owners. Let's inspire more businesses to contribute to their communities! 🔄
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #RestaurantOwner #RestaurantManagement #Restauranteurs #Restaurants #RestaurantLife

Hi there! Given the current climate, have you noti

Hi there! Given the current climate, have you noticed the increased pressure on restaurant pricing lately? 🤔

Definitely, right?

We're sure it's been tough managing costs while trying to keep customers satisfied. 😟

But that's not just you.

Many restaurant owners are feeling the same pinch.

Here's what some chefs have shared about why dining out seems so pricey:

➡ Labor Costs: Many are now focused on fair wages, which have significantly increased operational expenses.

➡ Ingredient Prices: Essential items like cheese and proteins have seen substantial price hikes—some up over 50%!

But what other reasons make some dishes seem overpriced compared to others? 🤔

Well, stay tuned for next week's posts, where we'll explain this and much more! 📌

And if you found this post insightful, don't forget to save it and share it with fellow restaurant owners. 🔄
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #RestaurantIndustry #CostManagement #FoodCosts #RestaurantOwners #DiningOut

Many restaurants raise prices slightly during the

Many restaurants raise prices slightly during the holidays because people are more willing to spend. 📈

But what should you do when business slows down? 🤔

You can lower prices during off-peak times to attract more customers.

Here are some key strategies to consider:

1️⃣ Monitor Sales Data: Use spreadsheets to analyze trends. What dishes are selling best at different times?

2️⃣ Conduct Market Research: Surveys can help you understand what your customers want and when.

3️⃣ Adjust Gradually: Start by slowly changing prices for a few items. See how customers react before making big adjustments.

It’s about being strategic and responsive. 💡

Also, don’t forget to keep an eye on competitor pricing. Knowing what they’re doing can help you stay competitive.

If you found this helpful, share it with fellow restaurant owners! 🔄
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #RestaurantManager #MarketResearch #RestaurantTips #DiningExperience #FoodServiceIndustry

Did you hear about Cava's new loyalty program laun

Did you hear about Cava's new loyalty program launch? 🤔

It's quite interesting!

They're rolling out a more personalized loyalty program that allows guests to earn and bank points toward tailored rewards. 📈

They tested it first in Houston and then expanded to the Carolinas. Previous programs were just about earning points for every dollar spent.

But what does this mean for other restaurants?

Well, it presents a fantastic opportunity for inspiration.

Here are a few key takeaways:

✅ Cava's program offers a "catalog" of rewards, which keeps customers engaged.
✅ They'll be promoting new items through the loyalty program, which drives interest and repeat visits.

They're also introducing limited-time offers, like a new steak bowl and Garlic Ranch-flavored pita chips. 🌟

Looking for advice on how you can implement similar strategies?

Here are a few ideas:

✅ Develop a personalized loyalty program that offers tailored rewards.
✅ Promote new menu items through your loyalty initiatives.
✅ Encourage customer engagement on social media by showcasing user-generated content.

Did you find this insightful?

Then don't forget to share it with fellow restaurant owners. Let's keep learning from each other! 🔄
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #CustomerEngagement #Restaurant #LoyaltyProgram #FoodIndustry #BusinessGrowth

Did you catch the latest survey on Americans' view

Did you catch the latest survey on Americans' views of restaurants? 🤔

Well, it turns out their opinions have hit the lowest point since 2008. 😬

➡ Positive views dropped from 61% last year to 52% this year.
➡ That's a nine-point decline, which is the largest for any industry!

But what's causing this drop?

A lot of it seems to stem from rising prices. Nearly 80% of people now see fast food as a "luxury."

➡ Frustration with costs is growing, especially on social media.
➡ There's also been an increase in neutral views—31% of people feel indifferent about restaurants.

That's concerning, right?

So, does that mean restaurants are in trouble?

Not necessarily! Despite the decline, restaurants are still one of the most popular industries. 🍽️

➡ They rank second in positive ratings only behind farming and agriculture.
➡ Even with the drop, they scored way better than grocery stores, which only had a 33% positive view.

So, what can restaurants do to improve their image?

They can focus on:

✅ Enhancing customer experience to create more value.
✅ Promoting special deals or loyalty programs to attract customers.
✅ Engaging with feedback on social media to show they care.

What do you think? Do you have any other strategies in mind? 💬

If you found this post insightful, don't forget to share it with other restaurant owners. We all need to stay informed! 🔄
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #RestaurantIndustry #RestaurantOwner #HospitalityTrends #RestaurantOwners #RestaurantManagement

Hilton just released their report, and they're cal

Hilton just released their report, and they're calling it "The Year of the Travel Maximizer."

Sounds interesting, right?

But what does that mean for restaurants? 🤔

Well, it's great news. 🙌

Among other things, it means that nearly 20% of people are planning to travel just to seek out new culinary adventures! 🍽️

But wait, there's more. Their report also highlights the following:

➡ After accommodations, dining experiences are the next highest budget priority for travelers in 2025.

➡ 50% of global travelers book restaurant reservations before their flights.

➡ 60% of luxury travelers want hotels with great restaurants.

So, restaurants have a great opportunity here.

Adam Crocini from Hilton mentioned that restaurants should capitalize on this trend by being innovative.

That makes sense, right? Local cuisine and chef-driven dining are big draws. 💡

Plus, wellness trends are on the rise too. People are looking for health-conscious menu options and mindful drinking experiences. 🍹

So, how can restaurant owners prepare for this?

✅ Focus on creating experiences that are not only delicious but also memorable.
✅ Emphasize local flavors.
✅ Consider unique drink offerings, including non-alcoholic options.
✅ Engage with travelers through social media to showcase what makes your restaurant special.

Did you like these ideas?

Then don't forget—sharing is caring! If you found this post insightful, share it with fellow restaurant owners. They might find these trends helpful as well! 🔄
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #RestaurantTrends #DiningExperience #LocalCuisine #RestaurantMarketing #CustomerExperience #FoodService #DiningOut

It looks like book bars are really on the rise! 📕🍷

Searches for them are up 102% year-over-year! 📈

That's impressive, right?

People are looking for a cozy vibe and want to sip a drink while flipping through pages.

And that's not all! Multi-colored matcha drinks are trending too. 🍵

➡ Orange matcha is leading the pack with a 595% increase in searches!

➡ Then there's strawberry matcha, up 240%.

➡ And blueberry matcha, at 176%.

It's all about the experience nowadays. 💡

Cozy atmospheres and visually appealing drinks can really draw in crowds.

So, what do you think? Was this post insightful?

Then don't forget to share or save it for later! 🔄
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #BookBars #MatchaDrinks #FoodAndDrinks #BeverageTrends #BookLovers

Hey! Have you seen the latest trends in restaurant

Hey! Have you seen the latest trends in restaurant start-ups? It's pretty impressive! 📈

Here's what's happening:

➡ Despite the economic challenges, restaurant start-ups are showing real resilience.

➡ Data shows that applications for new restaurants have been up recently.

➡ Business applications in the foodservice sector were around 22,918 in May, a solid jump from previous months!

But with inflation and rising costs, how are they managing? 🤔

✅ Many start-ups are adapting by focusing on unique concepts or experiences.

✅ Entrepreneurship is thriving as people are looking for new opportunities.

That makes sense, right?

A fresh idea can really attract customers!

And even with economic headwinds, the restaurant industry is becoming more entrepreneurial.

Start-ups are nearly 38.3% above the pre-pandemic trend in business applications.

So, what do you think? 🗨

Don't forget to share this info with fellow restaurant owners. They might find it helpful!
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #RestaurantStartUp #Entrepreneurship #FoodserviceIndustry #FoodBusiness #Restaurant

Did you hear about the Federal Reserve cutting int

Did you hear about the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates recently? 🤔

It's a big move—the first time they've done it since March 2020.

📌 But what do you think it means for us in the restaurant industry?

Well, the rate cut could help stimulate more economic growth. Lower rates generally mean cheaper borrowing costs for businesses. 💵

That could encourage restaurant operators to invest more.

It sounds promising, right?

But do you think the cuts will help restaurants recover from the inflation they have been facing? 🗨

That's the hope! The Fed seems focused on a "soft landing." With lower rates, we could see an increase in consumer spending, which is crucial for restaurants.

But it's also important to be a bit cautious because inflationary pressures could persist.

Want to keep your fellow restaurant owners informed about this?

Share this insight with them! 🔄
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #RestaurantIndustry #EconomicGrowth #FoodService #RestaurantNews #RestaurantOwner

The latest data shows that wholesale food prices i

The latest data shows that wholesale food prices increased 0.8% just last month. 📈

That's four months in a row with gains over 0.5%.

📌 But what does that mean for restaurant managers and owners?

It means food costs are climbing fast! They're now 5.4% higher than last year and a staggering 32% above pre-pandemic levels.

Prices for eggs, for example, shot up 124.3%! And butter, pork, and coffee are all seeing big increases, too.

📌 What should restaurant operators be doing about this?

Focus on your menus by considering ingredient swaps or highlighting seasonal items that are more cost-effective.

But how about you? What strategies are you implementing to navigate these rising costs?

If you found this helpful, don't forget to share it with your fellow owners. Let's keep the conversation going! 🔄
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #RestaurantManagement #FoodCosts #MenuPlanning #RestaurantOwners #FoodServiceTrends

Have you noticed that restaurant sales have been p

Have you noticed that restaurant sales have been pretty flat lately? 🤔

It’s a reflection of the overall economy.

Just last month, total sales hit $94.5 billion, but that’s been unchanged for four months now. 📊

That’s surprising, right?

Some of us thought people would be spending more.

But it’s not like there’s no interest. 42% of adults say they wish they could dine out more often. And 38% say they’re not ordering takeout as much as they’d like.

So, there’s definitely pent-up demand.

And it’s pretty consistent across the board. For instance, 43% of millennials feel they’re not eating out enough. Even 40% of Gen Z says the same.

What about higher-income households? Are they still spending?

They are! Households making over $100,000 account for nearly 60% of all restaurant spending. That’s crucial for the industry.

So, there’s still hope!

The key is to focus on value and experience to tap into that demand.

If you found this helpful, don’t forget to share it with your fellow owners. Let’s keep the conversation going! 🔄
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #DiningOut #FoodServiceIndustry #RestaurantManager #IndustryInsights #HospitalityTrends

Hey! Did you catch the latest jobs report for Sept

Hey! Did you catch the latest jobs report for September? 📋

No?

Don't worry, here's the scoop:

📌 The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported about 254,000 new jobs added, and the restaurant sector alone contributed 69,400 of those.

But what is driving that? 🤔

Well, it's that time of year when many high school and college workers head back to school, so restaurants typically ramp up hiring to fill those gaps.

September had the largest monthly increase in restaurant jobs in over two years. 📈

It's a great sign! It shows the sector is rebounding. Overall, restaurants added 136,800 jobs in the third quarter. That's the most growth we've seen since Q3 2022!

That's encouraging, right? 😀

Unfortunately, full-service restaurants are still lagging behind.

They're about 4% below pre-pandemic levels.

But quick-service and fast casual are doing well—up by 4%.

What do you think? Is this a good time to leverage this hiring momentum?

Share your thoughts.

And if you liked this post, don't forget to share this info with your fellow restaurant owners.
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #RestaurantHiring #FoodService #RestaurantNews #FoodAndBeverage #HospitalityIndustry

Fast casual restaurants are stepping up their game

Fast casual restaurants are stepping up their game lately. 🚀

They seem to be doing better than quick-service places.

But why is that? 🤔

It’s all about value perception.

Fast casual is winning over consumers who are looking for more than just low prices.

Value isn't just price anymore; it’s about speed, quality, and convenience. 💡

They’re appealing to those wanting a dining experience without breaking the bank.

Does that make sense?

Traffic data shows that fast casual restaurants had a 3.2% increase in visits this year, while quick-service saw just 0.4%.

But why are quick-service places struggling?

Well, their pricing perception has taken a hit. Many customers think they’re overpaying, even with deals like the $5 Meal Deals at McDonald's.

📌 So, how can restaurant owners take advantage of this trend?

✅ Focus on building that value perception.

✅ Highlight quality and service in your marketing.

✅ Create a unique experience that makes customers want to come back.

And don’t forget to engage with your community online—people love sharing their dining experiences!

Share your thoughts or experiences about this trend.

And feel free to save this post for future reference!
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #FastCasual #RestaurantOwner #RestaurantManagement #QuickService #CulinaryInnovation

Women are breaking barriers in the restaurant indu

Women are breaking barriers in the restaurant industry just like they did in sports during the Olympics.

📌 More women are stepping into leadership roles.
📌 They’re bringing fresh perspectives and creativity.

But there’s still a long way to go.

While women make up over half of foodservice workers, only 38% hold C-suite positions.

There’s a big gap in leadership, especially at the top.

So, what can restaurant owners do to support women on their teams?

Here are some ways:

1️⃣ Mentorship Programs: Pairing women with experienced industry leaders can foster growth.

2️⃣ Scholarships: Supporting educational opportunities helps women pursue culinary arts.

3️⃣ Networking Events: These open doors and create connections that are invaluable.

Want to see real change?

Let’s work together to empower women in our industry!

Remember: Sharing is caring! Let’s keep pushing for a restaurant industry where everyone can shine.
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#SchedulesMadeSimple #Restaurants #Restauranteurs #CulinaryLeadership #RestaurantIndustry #SupportLocalRestaurants

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