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. 

Operations

Hurricane Milton was expected to be nearly as bad as Katrina. Here's why the comparison should scare restaurants

Restaurant Rewind: The hurricane that hit New Orleans 19 years ago knocked the whole city onto its back, its famed dining scene included. Can the damage from Milton be remotely as severe?

Leadership

Norman Brinker also ran a pretty good CEO prep school

Restaurant Rewind: At one point, most casual-dining brands were led by the legendary chain builder's proteges. Now a similar grooming role is being played by Yum Brands.

Restaurant Rewind: The founder of Carl's Jr. borrowed against his old Plymouth to fund his first venture. The $326 bet would grow into a multi-billion-dollar empire Karcher would subsequently lose and regain, leaving behind a rich legacy in the process.

Restaurant Rewind: Two decades ago, many in the business pleaded with lawmakers to let patrons continue smoking. It would be a while before the whole industry would exhale and admit the sky wasn't falling.

Restaurant Rewind: Churchill's British Restaurants grew to 2,500 locations. Now there's a movement to bring the concept back.

Restaurant Rewind: George Biel may not have the high profile of other casual-dining pioneers, but his operations remain gold standards within the business.

Restaurant Rewind: This month marks the anniversary of the drive's kick-off. Here's how the effort unfolded and where it leaves the coffee segment today.

Restaurant Rewind: We can recall two that were in the same league, each from decades ago. See if you agree.

Restaurant Rewind: The latest bankruptcy filer started off as a rule-breaker that had the business talking.

Reality Check: So-called one-to-one marketing has been touted as a sure-fire remedy for flagging business. Now's the time for proof.

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