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customer service

Recognizing regulars

With hundreds of names and faces filtering through the door every day, committing guests to memory isn't so simple. Here are some steps to follow to boost recognition.

35 things servers do wrong

An informal survey of servers calls out what they feel are the annoying customer-service habits of their peers.

Chili's to extend tablet rollout, launch loyalty program

Aug. 08, 2014

In addition to the technology updates aimed at attracting millennials, the chain plans to launch a frozen-foods line to extend its reach.

An inside look at a restaurant opening

By Patricia Cobe on Aug. 05, 2014

Some new restaurants prefer to stay under the radar on opening day, building momentum as they hit their stride. Others open with a bang. The latter was the case when Chicago’s River Roast held its opening party with high-profile Chef Tony Mantuano of Spiaggia fame at the helm.

McDonald's tests 1-minute drive-thru service guarantee

Aug. 05, 2014

At some South Florida McDonald's locations, customers are given timers when they pay at the drive-thru window. If it takes longer than 60 seconds to get their food, their next meal is free.

Retiree traffic at restaurants rises

Aug. 05, 2014

Retirees over the age of 65 bought an average of 193 meals each at restaurants last year up from 171 in 2009, NPD Group reports, with many seeing dining out as a priority.

Making it worth a millennial’s wait

By Sara Rush Wirth on Jul. 23, 2014

According to Technomic’s recent 2014 Generational Consumer Trend Report, 40 percent of millennials rate fast service highly important when deciding which QSR or fast casual to visit. But sometimes stats don’t tell the full story.

The top 12 ways restaurants piss people off

Jul. 18, 2014

Dirty utensils and restrooms really get people's blood boiling; confusing who ordered what dish, not so much. A new infographic by Consumer Reports shows the most common restaurant complaints.

Workforce

The trouble with tips

By Steve Brooks on Jun. 17, 2014

Business- crushing lawsuits and tedious rules have some operators debating whether it’s time to topple the practice of tipping completely.

Everyone’s a critic

By Amanda Baltazar on Jun. 17, 2014

Everyone's a critic; know how to respond to a review, good or bad.