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Restaurant Rewind

`Those who don’t know their history are destined to relive it', to riff on the words of a famed philosopher. For anyone in the restaurant business, that oft-quoted saying may be more of a heartening promise than a dire admonition. The industry’s past is packed with tales of scoundrels and heroes, big thinkers and pinheads, colossal successes and dismal failures, breakthrough moves and self-inflicted destruction. Few soap operas pack as much color and drama. Yet those yellowed snapshots provide insights relevant to the challenges of today. Join Peter Romeo, a 41-year veteran of the business with a penchant for restaurant history, as he explores those pivotal moments from the past. 

Leadership

Restaurants needed a kick to be mindful of the environment. Here's who provided it.

By Peter Romeo on Oct. 10, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: Lady Bird Johnson provided some tough love, and the industry is still showing the results today.

Financing

Jimmy Buffett wasn't wasting away in Margaritaville

By Peter Romeo on Oct. 03, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: The pop singer and proponent of a never-ending happy hour was that rare rock star who found nearly as much success in the hospitality business as he did in music. And he did have some company.

Marketing

Restaurant chains have been the subjects of crazy rumors. Here are some standouts.

By Peter Romeo on Sep. 26, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: The industry has given rise to reports that defy reason. But that doesn't mean they didn't find traction.

Emerging Brands

How far can buzz take a restaurant? Here's a cautionary tale.

By Peter Romeo on Sep. 12, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: Wagamama was going to blitz the U.S. market, or at least that was talk. Decades later, we're still waiting.

Marketing

The restaurant and film businesses have long overlapped, and no one's yelling 'Cut!'

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 29, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: The two industries have fed one another in all sorts of ways. Here are a few that may be new to you.

Operations

What can Bloomin' Brands expect from disgruntled shareholder Starboard Value?

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 22, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: There could be a preview in the pressure Starboard put on Bloomin' arch-rival Darden Restaurants nine years ago.

Food

Where to look for the next killer menu trend

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 17, 2023

Reality Check: The pace of menu development has increased markedly this summer. Where are all the new ideas going to come from? We have some suggestions.

Workforce

Will $30 replace $15 as the target for minimum-wage increases?

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 15, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: A proposal to require $30 an hour for some foodservice employees is already scheduled for consideration by Los Angeles County officials next month. Is it a fluke or an omen? The past provides some clues.

Marketing

'Ain't that a dilly!': How Dairy Queen became a small-town favorite

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 08, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: Some of the biggest chains in the restaurant business are targeting small burgs as their next avenues of growth. That strategy is far from new for the pioneer of the soft-serve market.

Operations

Why Boston Market was once what other chains wanted to be

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 01, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: The brand is currently slogging through a challenging chapter. How did it land in such straits after such a hyped beginning?

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