Independent Restaurants

Is open-book management right for your operation?

By Alaina Lancaster on Dec. 01, 2017

Here's why some restaurants are deploying the strategy as an antidote to today's challenging labor market.

So you want to open a restaurant ...

By Jonathan Deutsch, Ph.D. on Mar. 06, 2014

Opening your first restaurant is a daunting task and you’ll never be 100 percent ready. Advice Guy recommends three approaches to restaurant education prior to starting your concept.

Food

Indie restaurants stand out by maximizing regional flavor and originality

Sponsored content from our partner General Mills Convenience & Foodservice on Mar. 14, 2018

Independent restaurants are known for their creativity and their ability to turn out signature menu items their customers crave and can’t find anywhere else.

10 groundbreaking concepts of 2014

By Sara Rush Wirth on May 05, 2014

Instead of following the lead, these trendsetting operations have changed the game with unique, new business plans. So they've become the ones to watch.

Marketing

Restaurants jump on @HiddenCash social media trend

By Kelly Killian on Jun. 06, 2014

People in big cities have been all abuzz over the hidden cash craze sweeping social media, that all started when a mysterious person (@HiddenCash) began stashing money around San Francisco.

The week’s 5 head-spinning moments: Special eye-poke edition

By Peter Romeo on Jul. 11, 2014

New food-cost threats, an example of how not to handle shareholder relations and Moe, Larry and Curly are handed spatulas.

Organizing the profit and loss statement

By Jonathan Deutsch, Ph.D. on Sep. 11, 2014

G&A, or general and administrative expenses, vary by concept—and accountant. What is typically included in G&A? Should it be added to the P&L if expenses are covered in other categories? Advice Guy shows how to organize your P&L statement.

Top 100 Independents

Top 100 Independents in New York City

Oct. 13, 2014

Despite rising rents and the announcements of some high-profile restaurant closures, the restaurant industry in New York City remains strong. That's especially true for independent restaurants, as our Top 100 Independents ranking illustrates. Indeed, 29 of the Top 100 restaurants are located in the Big Apple.

Steal this idea: feed the force

By Sara Rush Wirth on Nov. 10, 2014

The guest list at the launch for Umami Burger’s Chicago unit had the typical folks: bigwigs, friends, the media. Also invited to sample the menu on the house: two uniformed police officers. Why? Brand advocacy. Local police are visible, influential community leaders, says Umami CEO Paul Clayton. Plus, it can’t hurt to have the law looking out for the place.

Consumer Trends

5 consumer trends for 2015

By Kelly Killian on Dec. 08, 2014

Editor Kelly Killian shares her predictions on what restaurateurs can expect from customers next year.

Page 128