economy

How to avoid being ice-axed by the polar vortex

By Sara Rush Wirth on Feb. 06, 2014

There’s no denying that it has been a bone-chilling winter. With fuel costs rising as the temperature plummets, restaurants are seeing spikes in utility costs. See some tips on managing your heating and energy spending to reduce the weather damage to your bottom line.

Consumer Trends

Factoid of the week: Consumers to spend cautiously this Valentine’s Day

By Kelly Killian on Feb. 07, 2014

According to the National Retail Federation’s 2014 Valentine’s Day spending survey, consumers will shell out $3.5 billion going out to celebrate.

Food

Snacks and meals continue to blur

By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 18, 2014

The three-meals-a-day routine is a relic of the past, as eating patterns conform to today’s busy lifestyles.

Leadership

Brain jam takes main stage at chain restaurants’ Woodstock

By Restaurant Business Staff on Feb. 19, 2014

CEOs from Dunkin’ Brands, Brinker International, the National Restaurant Association and Outback parent Bloomin’ Brands, and their riffs will be different perspectives on the macro issues confronting all chain executives at RLC's general session—The Leadership Watch Power Panel.

Financing

‘What are you talking about?’

By Restaurant Business Staff on Feb. 19, 2014

What are the issues most likely to be discussed both on and off stage during the Restaurant Leadership Conference? A recent pulse check by the National Restaurant Association reveals some reordering of the usual concerns preoccupying restaurateurs.

Travelin' brand

By Sam Smith on Feb. 20, 2014

Taking your restaurant’s show on the road through catering is a growing opportunity—as long as you don’t lose your identity along the way.

Consumer Trends

New breaches raise data security concerns

By Sara Rush Wirth on Feb. 24, 2014

Approximately 110 million customers' credit card or personal information was hijacked in the Target data breach that occurred this past holiday season

Falling into the gender gap

By Kelly Killian on Mar. 04, 2014

Why finding the industry’s female stars is tough.

Leadership

Shattering the gastro ceiling

By Patricia Cobe on Mar. 13, 2014

Rohini Dey, owner of the Vermillion restaurants in Chicago and New York City, never thought her girlhood passion to save the world would land her in upscale dining. Now that she’s here, Dey is shocked that there are so few women leading the industry.

Workforce

The $15 question

By Steve Brooks on Mar. 17, 2014

In the fight over minimum wage, the restaurant industry faces an elusive, but highly organized challenger.

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