operations

How not to be like the next guy

How do you stand out? Operators are pondering this question these days, because nobody wants to be a me-too restaurant. We asked some executives how they differentiate themselves, and this is what they told us.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit puts the "E-" in team

Keeping a franchise system focused on the same priorities can be a challenge, especially when the chain is expanding at a dizzying clip, says Dickey’s Barbecue Pit President and CEO Roland Dickey Jr.

Until The Home Depot opened its 500th store, co-founder and then-CEO Bernie Marcus personally trained every manager. “I don’t mean I spent a few hours with them and gave them a speech,” says Marcus, now age 84. “I spent days with them.”

The week’s hot-openings news reveals more proof of a shift in fast casual, growing interest in Peruvian and why menu transparency may be more of a feint than a fact.

Pizza Patrón’s franchisees say its new LTO name is $#*&^.

Converted repair shops give way to unique design.

A chef-driven food hall in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen brings in locals and tourists alike.

A new study finds that more than half of consumers are willing to pay an extra fee to cover employee health insurance costs at restaurants.

After a shin kick of a winter, restaurant chains are trying all sorts of ways to goose sales and profits. Here’s a sampling from Dunkin’ Donuts, Chili’s, Famous Dave’s and others.

Restaurants are like totally ignoring older kids with not-so-easy restaurant menu transitions.

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