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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. 

Marketing

How Steak and Ale and Red Lobster invented casual dining

 By Restaurant Business Staff on Jan. 31, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: The graybeards are planning comebacks. Here’s how they changed the game 60 years ago.

Operations

Remember the pandemic? What a difference 3 years make

 By Restaurant Business Staff on Jan. 10, 2023

The restaurant industry is entering a new year with more distance from the bleakest days of the crisis than the calendar might suggest.

Marketing

How restaurants used to yell their identities from the rooftop

By Restaurant Business Staff on Dec. 20, 2022

Restaurant Rewind: Once upon a time, marketing started literally at the top, with a distinctive color and configuration to a concept's roof. Here's how that practice poses a challenge today.

Operations

How supper clubs are keeping the past alive

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 13, 2022

Restaurant Rewind: A true Midwestern peculiarity, establishments that grew out of speakeasies and roadhouses are still going strong. Mix yourself an old fashioned and find out why.

Operations

Are these the weirdest concepts the restaurant industry has ever seen?

By Restaurant Business Staff on Dec. 06, 2022

Restaurant Rewind: At a time of rampant format development, it’s appropriate to consider the great misfires of the past.

Leadership

John Y. Brown was famous for many reasons. One is spelled K-F-C.

By Restaurant Business Staff on Nov. 29, 2022

Restaurant Rewind: Yes, Harland Sanders started the brand. But Brown made it a powerhouse.

Leadership

Wish a restaurateur was running Congress? Here’s as close as you’ll come

By Restaurant Business Staff on Nov. 22, 2022

One of Capitol Hill’s top officials was slicing meats and making salads before he went into politics. And the incoming speaker of the House says he hasn’t forgotten that formative experience.

Operations

Politics and restaurants haven’t always mixed well

By Restaurant Business Staff on Nov. 15, 2022

Restaurant Rewind: 32 years ago, the industry shot itself in the foot by supporting a legislative action that did little but tarnish the business.  Here’s the cautionary tale.

Leadership

Is this the biggest restaurant jerk of all time?

By Peter Romeo on Nov. 08, 2022

Restaurant Rewind: Victor Posner set a new depth in restaurant leadership, though he’s certainly had ample competition. Here’s how he earned his dubious distinction.

Leadership

Take the rollercoaster ride that was Shoney's

By Restaurant Business Staff on Nov. 01, 2022

Restaurant Rewind: Once a dominant player in its segment, the family-dining chain sported some of the more memorable CEOs the restaurant industry has ever seen. Come see what we mean.

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