In-Depth Articles
Advertising & Marketing
How to Calculate Marketing ROI
Marketing is essential for any business to promote brand awareness, gain new customers, and increase sales. There are free marketing strategies you can take advantage of like social media marketing, but many forms of marketing cost money. As a result, your business should be tracking the effectivene
Instagram for Restaurants
Instagram is one of the most influential marketing tools a business could use. For many, it’s the first page people check out to understand what your restaurant is all about, even before looking at your restaurant’s website. It’s also how a lot of people find your restaurant in the first place! Belo
Restaurant Sign Ideas to Attract Customers
Draw attention to your restaurant by investing in vibrant, eye-catching outdoor signs for your storefront. Your restaurant sign is the first thing your customers will see and is free advertising for your business for any passersby. This is especially true if your restaurant is in a high-traffic area
Social Media for Restaurants
To thrive in modern foodservice, restaurants need a user-friendly website and a strong social media presence. 49% of consumers learn about nearby restaurants through social media, and 48% follow a restaurant or food brand’s account. While the potential is great, when operators don’t understand socia
Restaurant Loyalty Program Ideas
From a global pandemic to supply chain and staffing shortages, the restaurant industry has weathered many challenges since 2020. Brands can use customer loyalty programs to successfully navigate these turbulent times. No matter the economic climate, creating a customer loyalty program helps restaura
Everything You Need to Know About Online Ordering
With an increasing amount of customers wanting delivery and takeout due to the coronavirus pandemic, online food ordering has become one of the main ways customers place orders. Customers are dining in less due to the COVID-19 restrictions, which means online ordering is a way that your business can
How to Increase Restaurant Sales
Maintaining your restaurant sales amidst fierce competition and rapidly changing trends can be a challenge. A key to success is finding the balance between acquiring new customers vs. retaining existing customers. With any new goal, you can best approach this by creating a plan and breaking it down
Restaurant Branding
Successful restaurant branding can set your eatery apart, giving it a memorable ambiance that guests will want to experience time and again. Whether you're just starting a restaurant or rebranding and updating your look, explore our guide to understand the basics of restaurant branding and how to cr
The Importance of a Restaurant Mission Statement
When opening a restaurant, you’ll want to establish a brand to give your business its personality. An important part of restaurant branding is creating a memorable and strong mission statement. Customers, now more than ever, want to know what companies stand for, and your mission statement gives the
Top 5 Mobile Marketing Strategies for Restaurants
The majority of the population in the United States has a smartphone, which makes mobile marketing strategies very effective at reaching your intended audience. Additionally, studies have shown that many customers will research different restaurants in their area online before deciding where to go o
How to Run a Successful Coupon Marketing Campaign
Coupons are an important part of the restaurant industry, and they can help bring in new customers to your business or encourage former customers to return, which helps increase your restaurant's sales. Some restaurant owners, though, may be wary of using coupons because coupons can put your busines
Bakery Management
12 Types of Frosting: The Definitive Guide
Before you can frost a cake, you’ll have to choose the perfect frosting to pair with your recipe. We’ve created a guide of cake frosting types to help you understand their differences and find the best one for your culinary creations. Frosting vs Icing The difference between frosting and icing
Wax Paper vs Parchment Paper
While wax paper and parchment paper are similar, there are a few key distinctions that you should know before using them. Lining your sheet pans with the wrong paper could turn your baked goods into an unappetizing mess and may even start a fire. If you've ever asked "is wax paper oven safe?" or won
Types of Donuts
Before you can start a donut shop, you must choose the types of donuts you want to offer. By definition, donuts are small, fried, sweetened dough cakes, typically shaped into a ring or ball. You can classify the many cultural and regional donut varieties within one of 10 distinct types. We’ve create
Types of Cake Pans
From birthdays to weddings and holidays, we celebrate life's milestones over a slice of cake. Selecting the proper cake pan is as essential as using the appropriate type of flour for achieving ideal baked good consistency, flavor, and appearance. The wide variety of available cake pan shapes and sty
Sheet Cake Sizes: How to Choose the Right Size Sheet Cake Pan
Sheet cakes are one of the best forms of cake to make for a crowd because they do not require very much layering or structural support and they're easy to transport. Plus, a slice of sheet cake lends itself well to skilled piping work or other edible decorations. That being said, it can be tricky to
Accommodate More Customers with Gluten-Free Baking
Have you ever been curious about why some people go gluten-free? As many as 3 million people in the United States are diagnosed with Celiac disease. Those who have this disease cannot eat and properly digest gluten products without harming their small intestine. As awareness of this disease has incr
Choosing a Bakery Floor Plan
If you are starting a bakery or are re-designing your bakery layout, the bakery floor plan that you choose will depend on a number of factors. Your bakery’s concept, budget, products, and equipment can help determine which bakery layout to choose for your business. A bakery floor plan can be essenti
Marketing Strategies for Your Bakery
Before you open your bakery, it’s important to understand who your target market is and how you’re going to reach them through a bakery marketing plan. This allows you to pick a viable location for your business and discover how much future customers are willing to spend on your sweet treats. In add
Different Types of Bakeries
If you want to open a bakery, you need to start by looking at the different types of bakeries to determine which is best for you. Your choice will ultimately affect many of the decisions that you’ll soon be making, including what equipment you’ll need, how many staff members you should hire, and wha
High Altitude Baking Adjustments
Baking is an edible chemistry that can produce completely different results based on the smallest ingredient. One ingredient to successful baking is your understanding of your environment. (Yes, your literal environment!) If you're aiming to open a bakery in a high altitude environment, getting a co
Choosing the Best Commercial Bakery Equipment
Finding the right mix of bakery equipment to outfit your new bakery can seem like a daunting task. It's important to think about not only what you wish to produce, but how much, as those details will influence the specific pieces of equipment you should purchase. Whether you're looking to open a new
Bar Management
Bar Marketing Ideas
One of the most important aspects of opening a bar is creating a marketing plan that will attract new customers. In order to successfully run a bar, you must have several bar promotions to not only reach new customers but also to keep existing customers coming back. Quality bar marketing will have y
How to Run a Proper Wine Service
You don't have to own a wine bar to serve great wines. Wine has the unique ability to elevate the guest experience, enhance your menu, and boost your alcohol sales. From swirling wine to holding the glass correctly, wine comes with its own rules of service and etiquette, which can be a little intimi
How to Clean Kegerator Lines
One of the key factors to running a successful bar is keeping your kegerator lines clean. The quality and flavor of your signature beer can be significantly impacted by the state of the lines they flow through. We’ve created a step-by-step beer line cleaning guide to show you how to clean keg lines
Different Types of Beer
There are over 9,000 craft breweries in the United States, proving that craft beer is bigger than ever. If you're interested in opening a bar or starting your own brewery, it's important to understand the different types of beer and their unique flavors. We break down the most popular beer types so
Proper Wine Storage Tips
Whether you need to properly store a variety of wines for your restaurant or you're looking for long-term wine storage tips, there are a few things to always remember. Take into consideration important factors such as temperature, humidity, and air or light exposure. Additionally, it’s important to
Bar Open and Closing Checklist
Whether you already run a successful bar or you're opening a new business, a bar opening and closing checklist is one of the best ways to make sure your bar, nightclub, or pub is clean, organized, and ready for the next day. These bar checklists include the bar opening procedures and bartender closi
How to Run a Successful Bar
Whether you manage a brewery or nightclub, the challenges of running a successful bar go far beyond just keeping customers' glasses full. You need to ensure that you're well-stocked, serving tasty drinks, creating events to excite potential customers, and protecting yourself from any potential liabi
Types of Whiskey
Identifying the different types of whiskey isn’t just the realm of the bartender. Some customers will simply tell their server, “Bring me an Old Fashioned.” To provide a high level of service, you must know enough about whiskey to respond with, “Do you prefer bourbon or rye in your Old Fashioned coc
Types of Whiskey Glasses
With whiskey’s recent comeback in American popularity, it is important to know how to serve this oaky spirit to best showcase its richness and versatility. Keep reading to familiarize yourself with all the types of whiskey glasses (aka whisky glasses) and their individual benefits. Shop All Scotc
How Much Does it Cost to Open a Bar?
The cost of starting a bar varies greatly depending on your location and the type of bar you’re opening, but averages show that bar startup costs are between $125,000 on the low end and $850,000 on the high end. We’ll explain the reasons for this wide range and break down the individual costs to hel
How to Obtain a Liquor License
Are you interested in learning how to apply for a liquor license for your new bar, restaurant, or nightclub? Liquor laws vary by state and are determined by local agencies, so it's important to be well-informed before beginning the process of applying for a license. If you're interested in learning
Beer and Food Pairing Guide
With so many different types of beer and even seasonal styles to take into account, it can be difficult to come up with good pairings for every beer on your restaurant or bar's beer list. Creating an excellent beer and food pairing menu can result in a siginifcant boost to your profits. Keep reading
How to Create the Best Bar Food Menu
Your guests likely crave a range of tastes when enjoying drinks at your bar, so what is the best bar food to serve? Creating a bar food menu can be challenging, since some customers just want your standard basket of fries, while others want a unique experience. To meet the needs of your guests, list
Wine Tasting Room Basics
Offering a wine tasting at your winery gives customers an opportunity to try a product before committing to a bottle of something they may not like. In addition, wine tastings are often part of a fun day out for couples, friends, or coworkers. Below are a few ways in which a wine tasting room can be
Hiring a Bartender
Bartending is a complex job that requires employees to juggle multiple tickets at once, upsell customers, facilitate sales, remember complicated drink recipes, and much more. But, having a staff of competent bartenders is essential for ensuring the success of your bar. We'll walk you through all the
Bartending School Vs. Experience
For any bar owner, the difference between success and failure often depends on the skill of their bartenders. Having well-trained, professional bartenders on your staff is essential for any kind of establishment from your local dive bar to an upscale lounge. But when it comes to experienced professi
How to Taste Whiskey
In recent years, many craft whiskey distilleries have popped up all over the United States, and there is increased interest in tasting whiskey among the population. As a result, many bars and distilleries are now offering whiskey tastings, which allow customers to sample a variety of whiskeys and co
Catering Tips
What Is a Charger Plate?
A charger plate is a large, decorative plate that acts as a base for other dinnerware. Also known as service plates, under plates, or chop plates, charger plates are purely ornamental and aren't safe for direct food contact. They create attractive table presentations at weddings, corporate parties,
Catering Supplies Checklist
Catering an off-site event requires organization and planning. Accounting for supplies and catering equipment before your staff steps onto the delivery truck ensures no items are left behind. We’ve made a catering checklist to help you prepare for your event and set your employees up for success. If
Catering Menu Ideas
One of the first steps in starting a catering business is brainstorming ideas for your catering menu. By offering original catering recipes, you can take your company to the next level and leave a lasting impression on your guests. To create a diverse menu that appeals to a variety of clients, consi
Free Catering Invoice Templates & How To Price Them
When starting a catering business, you'll need to anticipate your costs and create a document to outline prices. It's important to accurately communicate catering prices and services before the event to avoid client disputes. Keeping copies of all invoices will also help you stay organized for incom
Coffee Shop Tips
What Is Fair Trade Coffee?
If you love coffee, you have likely heard about fair trade. Fair-trade coffee is becoming mainstream, so more and more corporations are offering fair-trade coffee. Fairtrade merchandise ranges from clothing to consumables, with coffee being one of the most common commodities. But what exactly is fai
Coffee Grind Size Chart
The perfect cup of coffee starts with the perfect grind. Just like there are multiple types of coffee roasts, there are multiple grind consistencies and methods. Our comprehensive coffee grinding guide outlines everything you need to know about grinding coffee beans. Shop All Commercial C
Coffee Brewing Methods
Java, Joe, liquid energy, and brew are just some of the terms used to describe one of the world’s most highly consumed beverages - coffee. Did you know different coffee brewing methods affect the taste and aroma of your coffees? Understanding the types of brewing methods helps you choose the right c
Types of Coffee Drinks
If you have ever been to a cafe or coffee shop, you know the drink menu is often overwhelming. As a coffee shop owner, there are so many types of coffee drinks you can offer your customers that it's difficult to understand the difference between them. We explored the most popular coffee drinks and t
How to Start a Coffee Shop
The coffee industry is experiencing a period of growth as many of the younger generations become interested in not just coffee, but high-quality gourmet coffee and house-roasted beans that they can only get from a coffee shop. As a result of increased interest in coffee, it's a great time to conside
How to Become a Cafe Manager
Cafe managers are essential to the success of a coffee shop or cafe. A cafe manager must take care of the majority of the day-to-day tasks, have an extensive knowledge of coffee, and ensure that the cafe staff are organized and ready to serve customers daily. Below, we guide you through all of the i
How to Become a Barista
Working as a barista is ideal for people who have a passion for coffee, those who are looking to get into the foodservice industry, or for young people that want a great first job that will teach them lots of transferable skills. Keep reading to learn what a barista is, what a typical barista job de
Consumables
Types of Bread
Bread combines four simple and inexpensive ingredients (flour, water, yeast, and salt) to make one of the world’s longest-standing foods in almost every culture. Whether you’re just getting into bread-baking or you’re starting a bakery and need menu ideas, check out these bread types to expand your
Types of Butter
Butter needs no introduction. It's probably in your fridge in some form right now. But do you have the 84% butterfat butter that will part dough into layers to make a flakey croissant? Or the herbed and spiced butter that adds an immense boost of different flavors to cooked meat or fish? How about t
What is DOP?
DOP, or Denominazione di Origine Protetta, is the Italian acronym for “Protected Designation of Origin”. The strictest of Italy’s geographical indication certifications, it is a legal guarantee that a product is produced, processed, and packaged entirely in a fixed geographic area and follows that r
Cooking Equipment
Oil for Deep Frying
You can find fried foods on the menus from all kinds of establishments. Whether you own a burger place, an Italian restaurant, or you want to try frying a turkey as a holiday special, knowing what oil to use in your fryer and how to maintain it is key for producing high-quality fried foods. In this
What Is Induction Cooking?
Whether you’re building a brand new restaurant or looking to remodel, it’s important to consider your options when it comes to what type of cooking equipment will be best for your business. Induction cooking has grown in popularity over the years, but the way it works and the benefits of using it ar
Different Types of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an alloy of several different types of metal that, when combined, are stronger and more durable than when they are separate. By adding and subtracting various elements to stainless steel, engineers have been able to create many different varieties of the alloy, each with their own
Everything You Need to Know about Pressure Cookers
Are you interested in adding dishes prepared in a pressure cooker to your restaurant's menu? Maybe you've already started using one, but you're wondering whether these powerful cooking devices are safe? Do you know the wide variety of foods you can prepare using pressure cookers? Keep reading to lea
Eco-Friendly Tips
Top 10 Energy Conservation Tips for Restaurants
Reducing your restaurant's overall energy consumption not only lowers your utility costs, it's also better for the environment. Many food service professionals have been adopting energy conservation methods for the past decade and have drastically cut their energy use and expenses. Here, we've outl
Sustainable Seafood for Restaurants
Whether it’s related to food sourcing or disposal methods, sustainability has been at the forefront of foodservice trends and concerns in recent years. One of the primary focuses of the sustainability movement is the health of our oceans and marine life. Over 50% of American consumers identified tha
Ways to Reduce Food Waste in Your Restaurant
Running a foodservice operation requires a lot of thinking. You have to order ingredients on time, balance your finances, and manage your staff amidst a world of other concerns. As important as it is to consider what food you’re making, it’s equally important to think about what happens to food that
Restaurant Recycling
It is estimated that just one full service restaurant can create over 2,000 pounds of total disposed waste a week. If this fact is alarming to you, perhaps it’s time to consider how your food establishment can recycle all that waste. While you may think that the steps to becoming an eco-friendly res
ENERGY STAR Appliances and Rebates
If you’re looking for ways for your restaurant to go green this year, investing in ENERGY STAR appliances will help your business to save money while reducing your carbon footprint. In this guide, we’ll explain what ENERGY STAR is, what it means for appliances, and how you can check if you qualify f
Restaurant Composting
Do you want your restaurant to become more environmentally friendly or more involved with the local community? Even if you just want to give your establishment's marketing plan a boost, restaurant composting might be a great solution. According to the EPA, 60-80% of garbage produced by restaurants
Facility Layout & Design
Designing Your Restaurant's Dining Room Layout
Your restaurant floor plan is a major component of your restaurant concept. It sets the scene for your guests' dining experience and separates you from competitors, but it's not just about aesthetics. Restaurant seating layouts must meet government regulations, accommodate the proper capacity, and w
ADA Bathroom Requirements for Your Restaurant
When designing your restaurant layout, it is important to keep ADA regulations in mind to ensure that all of your customers have a pleasant experience in your establishment. Designing an ADA compliant bathroom can present its own set of challenges due to the various customizations necessary to make
Principles of Commercial Kitchen Design
A poorly designed restaurant kitchen can cause chaos and may even cause accidents. As a result, when starting a new restaurant or re-designing your existing business, you should think through your kitchen design carefully. In this article we'll cover what to consider before you design your commercia
Restaurant Kitchen Layouts
Components of a Commercial Kitchen Most people hear "commercial kitchen" and think of ranges, grills, fryers, and maybe a frantic, angry chef yelling out orders. That may be the case, but the true commercial kitchen is much more than just the equipment or personnel found in it. A successful kitch
Restaurant Lighting
One of the most important features of restaurant design is lighting. Lighting in your restaurant can add to the ambiance of your dining room or ruin the experience completely for your customer. But why is restaurant lighting so important? How do you know what kind of lighting is right for your busin
Food Prep
Burger Temperature Chart
Burgers are a staple of American cuisine, being one of the United State’s most iconic and recognizable foods. One of the best features of burgers is they can be prepared in several different ways just like steak, allowing customers to order their meat exactly the way they like it. Cooking burgers co
Plant Based Meat Substitutes
Are you curious about adding more plant-based dishes to your menu? The key to creating a satisfying meatless dish that's loved by omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans is to use plants that pack a lot of protein. Protein gives the feeling of fullness, takes longer to digest, and satiates the appetite.
How to Fry the Perfect French Fries
The secret to achieving the perfect french fries is to fry them twice. Eliminating a majority of your potatoes' moisture before the final frying is key to yielding a crispy, golden brown product. To help you improve your restaurant's fries, we share the best potatoes for frying, how to choose the be
Food Storage & Refrigeration
How to Defrost Meat
Defrosting meat is an essential part of food preparation. Often, people are in a hurry to get their meals cooked and resort to quick thawing methods, such as using hot water or leaving the package on the counter all day. However, these methods are not safe and may lead to foodborne illnesses. Raw or
How to Organize Your Restaurant Storeroom
While most restauranteurs dedicate time and attention to designing their dining room layout, how you organize your restaurant storeroom is equally important. A well-organized foodservice storeroom aids in inventory management, reduces food waste, and improves cleanliness. Keep reading to learn how t
Refrigerants Explained
Refrigerant is essential for cooling refrigerators and air conditioners but it generally isn't a factor most people think about when making a purchase. However, with refrigerant laws changing and certain refrigerant types becoming illegal, it is important to understand the differences between the ty
Maintaining a Commercial Refrigerator
No matter what kind of foodservice establishment you own, having a functional refrigerator is necessary for your day-to-day operations. However, because this piece of equipment is so commonly used in your kitchen, you may find that it requires attention more often than some of your other appliances.
Food Trucks & Concessions
Food Truck Permits and Licenses
Opening up a food truck business can be an exciting venture, but you'll need to acquire the appropriate permits before hitting the streets. Food truck owners need many of the same licenses and permits that restaurants require, along with some additional truck vendor-specific ones. We’ll provide you
Choosing a Food Truck Generator
Whether you’re starting a food truck or looking to upgrade your existing truck, many different things can impact your success. One such thing is the type of generator you choose. In this article, we’ll investigate the various types of food truck generators, the differences between them, and how to c
How to Make Your Own Slushie Mix
Slushies are loved by customers of all ages, which makes them a great addition to the menu when you want to boost impulse sales. With the right commercial slushie machine, these frozen drinks are easy to make and even easier to sell. But did you know you can make your own slushie syrup mixes? Outdo
Food Truck Equipment Checklist
Once you buy a food truck or sign your food truck lease, your next step is to choose what kind of equipment you’ll put in your new food truck. Unlike other forms of mobile food businesses like food carts, food truck kitchens are large enough to house various equipment and supplies. The extra space a
Food Truck Parking
Parking is the real estate of the mobile vending sector. Whether you’re just starting your food truck business, or you’ve been in the industry awhile and are looking for more ways to reach customers, understanding where you can park your food truck and which spots are the most profitable is essentia
Food Truck Insurance Types and Costs
If you’re looking to start your own food truck, one of the most important business steps is investing in insurance. Without the right insurance or proper coverage, your food truck is at risk of costing you thousands of dollars or putting you out of business entirely. In this resource, you’ll get an
Food Truck Marketing
Food trucks can't depend on returning customers the way brick and mortar restaurants can, so you need a solid food marketing strategy for attracting and engaging customers. When paired with an effective food truck business plan, a well-thought-out food truck marketing strategy brings you and your t
Food Truck Design
As an entrepreneur, you may have your sights set on creating a successful food truck business. Once you've researched how to buy a food truck, your next step is to figure out what food truck layout will suit your needs the best. Continue reading to learn how to design and create a layout for your fo
Hospitality Management
Housekeeping Checklist
We've created a housekeeper checklist to help your cleaning staff prepare rooms in a quick and efficient manner. Hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals rely on their housekeeping staff to ensure that rooms and rentals are spotless and well-stocked with amenities. In addition to an organized cleaning
Types of Hotels
Hotels are the foundation of the accommodations sector and play a vital role in the hospitality industry. Travelers of every nature, whether they travel for business or recreation, require overnight lodging while they are away from home. Within the travel industry, there are different types of hotel
Industrial
How to Wrap a Pallet
Pallet wrapping is an essential part of the warehousing process. It keeps goods secure, reduces the risk of lost inventory, and improves warehouse organization. Whether you own a warehouse or are just getting started in the industry, it's essential to familiarize yourself with pallet wrapping. We’ll
Warehouse Automation
Automation is transforming the warehousing industry. The responsibilities of workers have evolved, error rates are falling, and workplace layouts have changed to adapt to emerging technologies. Whether you're starting a new warehouse or already managing one, staying educated on the topic of automati
Order Picking in a Warehouse
Order picking is the first step in the fulfillment process for an ecommerce business or distribution center. When an order is placed with your company, the items must be “picked” from your storage area. The type of order picking that you implement heavily influences the organization and layout of yo
Inventory Warehouse Management
Implementing a solid process for managing warehouse inventory is imperative for any business that sells tangible goods. It helps you not over-buy or over-produce, while also ensuring you always have enough stock on hand to meet orders quickly. Warehouses are set up to optimize order fulfillment, but
Warehouse Packing Stations
A warehouse packing station consolidates the fulfillment process into a single location, simplifying the procedure and making it more manageable for employees. Whether you're just starting a warehouse or looking to improve the efficiency of an already-existing industrial location, adding a packing
OSHA Signage Requirements
To uphold warehouse safety standards, you must understand safety sign requirements. Safety signs alert warehouse staff to potential hazards so they can avoid them. We explain what protocols your safety signs need to meet so your business complies with OSHA and ANSI standards and your staff remains s
Machine Guarding Safety
What is machine guarding? Machine guarding is a practice that protects operators and employees from the mechanical hazards of heavy machinery. Whether you're opening a warehouse or managing the safety of a manufacturing facility, you need to be familiar with machine guarding methods. If not properly
Types of Loading Docks
Whether you’re opening your own warehouse or looking to improve your distribution process, being able to identify the different types of loading docks is essential. Choosing the wrong dock can limit your staff’s efficiency and cause disruptions in the shipping and receiving process. In this article,
Warehouse Types
Before you can lay out your warehouse, you must first decide which type of warehouse you want to operate. At its most basic, a warehouse is a large building that stores products in bulk and houses e-commerce inventory. However, there are many different types of warehouses. Each offers unique technol
Types of Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers protect your business from electrical hazards, but what are they and how do they work? While you should always leave the installation and maintenance of circuit breakers to the professionals, you don't need to be a certified electrician to understand the basics. We’ll explain why ci
Pallet Racking
If you operate a warehouse, you’ll know that implementing a strong organization method is imperative for running a successful business. A pallet racking system is a great way to help with just that by organizing stock, carrying out orders succesfully, and maximizing space in your warehouse setup.
Box Cutter Safety
When considering warehouse safety, box cutter hazards are definitely towards the top of the list of concerns. According to OSHA, lacerations are the cause of about 30% of workplace injuries in industrial settings and can lead to around $40,000 in direct and indirect costs for a single injury. Hand i
Eye Wash And Safety Shower Requirements
Multiple factors must be considered when starting a warehouse business to make your facility efficient and profitable. In the hustle and bustle of a warehouse, safety must be a top priority to ensure that every employee is protected from hazardous materials that may exist in their workspace. Adding
Ladder Safety
Ladders are a common tool used in industrial settings, making them an important part of warehouse safety. Ladder falls can lead to serious injuries and thousands of dollars in damages, creating a need for ladder safety training. Educating employees on how to safely set up, use, and store a ladder ca
How To Use A Pallet Jack
Pallet jacks are a common sight in industrial environments where pallets and skids are used to transport loads to different warehouse locations. They’re especially useful for small businesses and warehouses because they’re more affordable than forklifts and they don’t require a special license for o
Forklift Safety
When it comes to keeping your warehouse safe, there are many factors to take into account. The busy and fast-paced warehouse environment can create many opportunities for accidents to occur, with one of the most common types being forklift accidents. In the article below, we’ll investigate what you
Warehouse Safety
If you are opening a warehouse, getting every single detail right can seem daunting, and knowing what to prioritize is even more challenging. When it comes to the safety of your employees, we’ll make it simple for you: before employing your warehouse staff, you need to strategize and implement wareh
Warehouse Job Titles and Descriptions
A major part of opening up a successful warehouse is hiring the right staff. With a wide variety of warehouse roles and responsibilities, it is important to become familiar with the job titles and descriptions to create a cohesive team. Whether you’re looking to hire warehouse workers or are applyin
How to Set Up a Warehouse
If you've outgrown your current space, starting your own warehouse could be the next logical step in storing and selling your company’s products online. Or it could be a profitable new venture to create a warehouse and rent out your space to other businesses. No matter what your business goals are,
Emergency Supplies List For Businesses
A part of overall restaurant safety is to ensure that you have a business disaster plan in place to help protect your employees and customers in the event of an emergency. Whether it's a fire, an extended power outage, or a natural disaster, having the proper emergency supplies available can sometim
Installation & Maintenance
Preventative Maintenance Checklist
You can extend the life of your commercial equipment and reduce service calls by performing preventative maintenance on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. You'll also find that keeping up with a regular schedule to remove grease and buildup from your equipment will make cleaning and sanitizing your
Maintaining a Commercial Beer Tap System
The beer tap system is one of the most important tools in a bar, nightclub, or restaurant, so it's important that you're properly maintaining your system. But, with multiple moving parts involved, understanding and maintaining your beer tap system can easily become overwhelming. Here, we’ll break do
Propane vs. Natural Gas: Comparing Cooking Fuels
Gas cooking is a staple of foodservice. Whether you are using large or small kitchen equipment, cooking with gas provides more heat than electricity can. In many areas, gas is also less expensive than electricity, so choosing gas could help reduce your restaurant's overhead costs. When it comes to s
The Importance of Water Filters for Your Restaurant Equipment
A filter system is an integral part of your restaurant equipment's water tank! Here at WebstaurantStore, we get a lot of customer orders asking why, or if, a filter is even necessary when they purchase a commercial ice machine, coffee brewing equipment, or steam equipment. Filters not only ensure th
Kitchen & Cooking Tips
Types of Knife Cuts
Restaurant kitchens write their recipe cards with the knife cut sizes in mind, so you must learn how to perform the classic culinary knife cuts to become a chef. Skillful knife cuts aren’t just about presentation; they ensure food cooks evenly, enhance texture, and release aroma. Whether you’re cons
What Is Sous Vide?
Sous vide is a French term meaning "under vacuum.” It is also the name for a cooking process where chefs slow-cook vacuum-sealed food in a water bath. Sous vide cooking is precise, requires minimal labor, and can reduce food waste. In the wake of staffing shortages and rising prices, reducing overhe
Cooking Oil Smoke Points
While we associate sesame oil with Asian dishes and olive oil with Mediterranean food, the flavor profile is just one element of choosing cooking oil. Equally, if not more important, is selecting an oil that will not break down or burn during your cooking process. Cooking oils smoke and burn at diff
Kitchen Slang: How to Talk Like a Chef
If you're training to become a chef in a commercial kitchen, you may hear some restaurant lingo that is completely new to you. Sometimes it seems like chefs and their kitchen staff have a language of their own. It's important to become familiar with kitchen slang because communication in a fast-pace
Types of Vinegar
Vinegar is a go-to ingredient when you want to increase the acidity in your recipes or preserve foods through pickling. It can help to cut the saltiness of over-seasoned dishes, and it can be combined with salad oil to create a tangy vinaigrette. Vinegar has a long shelf-life, which makes it conveni
How to Deep Fry a Turkey
If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing entree that can serve a large group, deep frying a whole turkey is a tasty alternative to roasting a turkey in the oven. The results are delicious, and the process takes less time than you might think. A 20 pound turkey can be deep fried in an hour and twenty m
Types of Pasta Sauce
Pasta is a celebrated dish, with the versatility that allows you to build whole menu concepts around it. But with hundreds of types of pasta to choose from, narrowing down the type of pasta sauce you’ll want to use can be a challenge. We’ll help you curate a delicious menu by explaining the 12 most
What Are TCS Foods?
You already know that food safety is extremely important, and that cross-contamination can lead to foodborne illness. But did you know there are certain foods that require special handling when it comes to time and temperature control? These foods are called TCS foods, and you might be surprised by
How To Sharpen A Knife
Nothing affects the longevity and daily performance of your knives more than sharpening and maintenance. When it comes to knife safety, a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one. There are different ways to sharpen a knife, such as using a manual or electric sharpener, but using a sharpening s
How to Clean a Cast Iron Pan
Whether it’s been passed down through generations or just recently purchased, a cast iron grill pan is a vital tool to have in your kitchen. But once service is over, do you know how to properly clean your cast iron grill pan? With the right care, these pans can outlast even your most durable non-st
Steak Doneness Guide
Serving steak at your guests’ requested steak temperature is an essential trick of the trade. A steak that is not done well enough or is overly cooked can irk guests and result in food waste. Learn how to serve a perfect steak every time by mastering the different steak doneness levels. Follow our p
Types of Spices From Around the World
As global dishes continue to dominate restaurant food trends and you explore new international recipes for your menu, you may run across some rare spices and spice blends you’ve never heard of before. These spices are the key to achieving the signature flavors in popular types of global cuisine. We’
How To Season and Clean a Wok
After choosing the type of wok that works best for you, it's time to determine if your pan needs to be seasoned. Woks that are made of porous metals like cast iron and carbon steel must be seasoned before cooking to prevent rust. This article will provide you with detailed instructions for cleaning,
Kitchen Prep Lists for Restaurants
Behind the scenes in any restaurant, there’s kitchen prep work that has to be performed before the dining room opens its doors for service. During the quiet morning hours, the kitchen staff diligently washes produce, prepares ingredients, and cooks many food items ahead of time. In order to complete
Is Lead Crystal Safe?
You may have seen lead crystal glasses, decanters, and goblets in movies, or perhaps encountered them in antique shops or relatives' homes. These glass items often feature intricate designs that add three-dimensional texture and help catch the light at every angle, giving them an upscale look perfec
Cookie Sheet Size Chart
Baking sheets are versatile cookware tools for everything from broiling meats and roasting vegetables to baking bread and confections. Baking sheet materials differ to accommodate a broad range of oven cooking projects. Whether you operate a bakery, steakhouse, or gastropub, owning baking sheets of
Types of Cooking Methods
There are three types of cooking methods: dry heat cooking, moist heat cooking, and combination cooking. Each method describes how chefs use heat to cook food and bring out unique flavors and textures. Understanding these different cooking methods can help you choose the best technique for your ingr
Types of Potatoes
Potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients in a commercial kitchen. In fact, many diners don't consider a meal to be complete if it doesn't include a hot baked potato. With so many potato varieties to choose from, it can be difficult to match the right potato with the correct cooking method.
Types of Clams and Oysters
When choosing seafood for your restaurant, clams and oysters are widely recognized as marine life delicacies. With high praise from the most celebrated cooks, clams and oysters continue to leave their complex flavor profiles on the palates of the most adventurous eaters all around the world. We’ll i
Different Types of Greens
It’s no surprise that leafy greens are an important part of a well-balanced diet. They are full of essential vitamins and minerals that offer a variety of health benefits. They can also be easily incorporated into a wide range of meals to add depth and balance to a dish. We made a list of some leafy
Types of Ice
Not all ice is the same. You may have noticed that there are different types of ice cubes, varying in shape and sizes. But why is that? How do ice cubes differ in a way that would make you choose one over the other? Knowing the purpose that an ice cube serves and its ideal application and setting
How to Cook Fish: The Best Cooking Methods for Every Type
Fish is an excellent protein to serve because there are many ways that you can cook it, but not all methods of cooking will work for every type of fish. For example, some types of fish are too thick to cook under a broiler, and some types of fish are too delicate to deep fry. Here, we'll break dow
How to Debone a Chicken
While using a whole chicken may be the most economical way to prepare poultry dishes, it can be a little daunting when trying to figure out how to get the meat you need. There’s no need to be overwhelmed, though, since this tutorial will guide you through the steps of how to completely debone a chic
Cooking Conversion Chart
Knowing how to convert measurements is an important skill to have in the kitchen. For example, in a restaurant or catering setting, you might have to convert a recipe that serves 300 people to accommodate 500 people. Additionally, if you're using a family recipe or one from the internet, you'll have
Menu Design
Menu Engineering
Applying menu psychology when you design your menu encourages patrons to spend more. In a foodservice landscape plagued by staffing shortages, inflation, and supply chain disruption, maximizing profits is more important than ever. We teach you popular menu psychology tactics, menu engineering do's a
How to Make a Menu
In the restaurant industry, having a well-designed menu that is carefully laid out and planned is a must. Your menu is the main tool that drives sales to your business, and engineering your menu can help bring in more sales and boost your profits. Additionally, studies have shown that a well-designe
Adapting Your Menu for Delivery
Before you can set up a delivery service for your restaurant, you need to make sure that you have a menu suitable for take out. With meal kit options booming and more customers choosing to order out rather than dining in, having a delivery-friendly menu is essential for your bottom line. As the coro
Restaurant Management
Types of Restaurants
If you're planning to open your own restaurant, there's one important question to ask yourself from the start - “What type of restaurant?” Determining the type of restaurant you want to open plays into your concept, your brand, and your overall business strategy. We'll outline the different kinds of
Calculating and Reducing Restaurant Labor Costs
Opening a restaurant can be an exciting prospect and also a challenging financial endeavor. In a time when supply chain shortages are prevalent and employee turnover rates are high, you'll need to be able to calculate your restaurant's labor costs and adjust your budget accordingly to remain cost-ef
How to Get Into Culinary School
Starting a culinary career is an exciting path with many ways to break into the industry. One of those entryways is to attend a culinary school. Whether you’re a seasoned foodservice professional or you’ve never stepped foot in a commercial kitchen, a culinary education can help you develop the skil
How to Reduce Food Costs In Your Restaurant
According to the USDA, 30 to 40% of all food produced in the U.S. is wasted, which ends up costing approximately $161 billion every year. One of the biggest contributors to the food waste problem is the restaurant industry, and all of that waste can hurt your bottom line. By setting goals for your r
Tip Pooling Laws
Tips play an essential role in compensating foodservice workers. Most customers plan to tip their server, but inevitably those tips will vary based on the party size, the cost of the bill, and the generosity of the patron. Some employers worry about tensions rising between their tipped staff and cho
Kitchen Equipment Every Restaurant Needs
When opening a new restaurant or refurbishing an existing business, choosing the right restaurant kitchen equipment is essential for success. Our team of experts created a list of essential restaurant equipment, so you can be sure that all of your bases are covered when outfitting your kitchen. It's
Types of Chefs
In a busy restaurant, one key factor for success is hiring the right chef. There can actually be various types of chefs operating in one kitchen. That leads us to ask, "What are the different types of chefs?" Read on to learn the difference between the various chef titles and the tasks those c
Overhead Cost for Small Businesses
Whether you own a restaurant, bar, or catering company, overhead costs are one of the greatest expenses you'll pay to run your small business. By tracking and looking for cost-saving opportunities in your overhead, you can lower expenses and become more profitable. We'll teach you about the differen
Spanish Restaurant Vocabulary to Teach Your Staff
A foodservice kitchen is a bustling environment, often with a diverse group of people filling an array of restaurant roles and responsibilities. Because of the number of employees needed to ensure a kitchen operates smoothly, it is not surprising that many restaurant businesses regularly encounter a
The Essential Guide to Restaurant Positions and Job Descriptions
Whether you’re serving take-out to a customer on-the-go or providing a five-star fine dining experience, you need a great staff to leave your customers with a lasting impression of quality. There are some restaurant positions that span the different types of foodservice establishments, but there are
Restaurant Accounting Tips
While running a restaurant may begin with a talent for cooking and a passion for hospitality, you can only gain and maintain a profit in your business through proper bookkeeping. With the proper understanding of restaurant accounting, you can help your new establishment become a success and remain p
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Restaurant?
Opening a restaurant is your dream, but is it something you can afford? Don't give up if you're intimidated. Just like any big investment, most people require financial assistance in the form of a bank loan to afford the startup costs. We'll help you weed through the individual costs of starting a r
Server Sidework Checklist for Your Restaurant
If you operate a restaurant, you know that it’s important to train your servers well. They should be able to take orders, deliver meals, and sort the bill with professionalism and efficiency. However, there is a whole slew of sidework in a restaurant that must be accomplished to keep the establishme
How Much Do Restaurant Owners Make
Opening a restaurant presents a number of challenges and questions that can be difficult to navigate and answer whether you're new to the foodservice industry or have worked in it for years. One such question is how much a restaurant owner's salary should be. While some may think this figure depends
Restaurant Recruiting Guide
Even though recruiting employees is easier than ever thanks to online job sites, restaurants are still lagging behind when it comes to targeting the right applicants. If you’re struggling through a labor shortage and you want to attract a better pool of candidates, it’s time to make recruiting your
How to Start a Juice and Smoothie Bar
Juice and smoothie bars used to attract only the most health-conscious consumers, but their mass appeal has grown due to an increased interest in wellness. Healthy living and nutritious diets are more popular than ever. For some, a daily visit to the local juice bar has become as routine as a trip t
Restaurant Dress Code for Employees
Most businesses put dress code policies in place to create a standard of dress for their employees. In the foodservice industry, dress codes are an essential part of restaurant branding, food safety, and workplace hygiene. By providing a clear restaurant dress code, you help your employees to unders
Restaurant Profit Margin
A restaurant’s profit margin is a standard measure of the business’s profitability, or the potential to make a profit. Terms like profit margin might seem like complex financial jargon, but the principle behind a restaurant’s profit margin is actually quite simple. No matter if you're opening a new
Restaurant Labor Laws
To protect workers and employers, there are a series of employment and restaurant laws all restaurant owners must abide by. These laws, set by the United States Department of Labor as well as state and local governments, are designed to provide a safe, healthy, and fair workplace to create restauran
Restaurant Profit and Loss Statement Explained
While there are several ways to measure and ensure the success of your restaurant, the best way to understand your restaurant’s financial progress is with a restaurant profit and loss statement. Also known as a restaurant P&L statement, this financial tool reflects your sales and costs during a
Fine Dining Etiquette for Servers
Fine dining restaurants are known for delivering the highest level of customer service. Guests expect elegant ambiance, upscale table settings, and a menu with higher price points. They also expect servers to uphold fine dining etiquette. We’ve made a guide of fine dining etiquette tips to help new
Alcohol Delivery: How to Do It Legally and Effectively
As you establish your alcohol delivery service and prepare to sell alcohol for consumption outside of your licensed premises, use our checklist to make sure you’re establishing an alcohol delivery service that is both legal and profitable. How to Start an Alcohol Delivery Service Check sta
Reduce Your Restaurant Employee Turnover Rate
Restaurants are notorious for having a high turnover rate. Of course, sometimes saying goodbye to employees is inevitable, but there are a couple ways you can keep your staff happy to be a part of the team. We'll discuss some of the most common reasons why employees tend to leave their restaurant jo
How to Set Up a Delivery Service for Your Restaurant
Food delivery and takeout services are two of the fastest growing segments of the restaurant industry. In the US, it's reported that 60% of consumers order takeout or delivery at least once a week. A growing reliance on convenience and quick service has created a boom in food delivery and offshoot s
Hiring a Cleaning Service for Your Restaurant
Restaurant cleaning services can be a helpful addition to those who may be short on time or looking to ease the workload of their staff. A clean restaurant creates an inviting atmosphere, safer working conditions, and can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Commercial cleaning services
ADA Compliance For Restaurants
If you’re opening a new restaurant, perfecting the dining room layout is going to be one of the top priorities on your list. As you get your new business going, it is important to keep ADA regulations in mind not only during the building process, but during the hiring process as well. The following
Restaurant Inventory Management
Restaurant inventory management is a procedure to monitor the ingredients and supplies you have for shifts in real time, and it also helps you make more economical food, beverage, and supply orders. Effective inventory management is essential to your day-to-day operations and long-term goals. Below
How to Be a Good Server
Being a server is one of the most rewarding yet difficult jobs in the foodservice industry. To be a good server, you must be hospitable, personable, composed, and a master multi-tasker. Below we take you through several tips to enhance your serving capabilities, so you can feel confident and prepare
How to Become a Restaurant Manager
No matter what kind of eatery you run, having a restaurant manager on your team is a necessity. This essential position keeps all other staff members organized and becomes the face of the brand when speaking to customers. Plus, becoming a restaurant manager can open up job opportunities with leader
Host and Server Interview Questions
When interviewing potential employees for your restaurant, it’s important to ask the right questions to help you identify the strongest candidates. While you can and should always train your employees to further learn and develop, you want to be sure that your employees have the fundamental characte
Everything You Need to Know About Mobile POS Systems
As the years have gone by, paying with cash has become less common, and customers are instead choosing to make purchases with credit cards, mobile payment services, and even cryptocurrency. If you're a business owner or foodservice operator, you'll need to adapt and change your business to keep up w
Front of House vs. Back of House
In order for a successful restaurant to flourish, there are many parts that must work together to create a positive experience and end result for the consumer. Understanding the differences between front of house and back of house functions will significantly help your restaurant flow more effortles
All About Webstaurantstore Auto Reorder
Whether you operate a restaurant, dining hall, or bakery, it is no simple feat to orchestrate the many moving pieces of your food establishment. From eliminating food waste to ensuring you have sufficient ingredients and supplies, managing your inventory is fundamental to the success of your busines
WebstaurantPlus Frequently Asked Questions
Here at WebstaurantStore, we understand that shipping costs can cut into your establishment's bottom line. We created the WebstaurantPlus subscription program to thank our loyal patrons and help them save on order processing time and shipping fees. If you are interested in enrolling for WebstaurantP
The Best Way to Set Restaurant Goals
When it comes to owning a restaurant, every detail is important to ensure the success of your business. On any given day, restaurant owners and restaurant staff work on a wide variety of tasks, from crafting delectable meals and providing impeccable service to updating their inventory regularly and
What Are Group Purchasing Organizations?
Restaurants have a razor-thin margin for profit, partially due to the high price of food shipments. As a result, many restaurant owners are constantly looking to cut their food costs, and one way that owners can reduce food costs is by joining a group purchasing organization. Continue reading to lea
Creating a Kid-Friendly Restaurant
For families with young children, eating at a restaurant that caters to a family-friendly atmosphere can make the difference between a relaxing evening and a stressful situation. When picking a restaurant for the whole family, parents must consider restaurants that can accommodate food allergies, pi
Top 5 Reasons to Join Your State Restaurant Association
Whether you’ve owned a restaurant for a few months or several years, you will have to deal with the ever-present challenges of the foodservice industry, from training new staff on food safety practices to figuring out health care laws. Luckily, your state's restaurant association is there to help yo
Restaurant Hours of Operation
Even with appealing menu items, attractive decor, and inviting signage, it's important to find the right hours of operation in order for your restaurant to be successful. If your establishment is just starting out, it could be challenging for you to balance operational expenses with potential profit
Creating a Restaurant Employee Handbook
Writing your employee handbook is critical when opening a new restaurant. It dictates your workers’ behavior, lets them know how the company operates internally, and provides everyone employed with the benefits of what your business offers. Your employees' understanding of the handbook ensures they
Should Your Restaurant Offer Free WiFi?
Whether you’re new to the hospitality business or you’ve been running a restaurant for years, you may have wondered if there’s value to offering free WiFi to your customers. The short answer is yes, but there are several factors that should be taken into consideration before you run out and buy a ro
Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a Restaurant Franchise
Today, restaurant franchises continue to rank in the top ten of the most popular franchise opportunities on the market, making them great business ventures to cash in on their popularity and revenue-generating possibilities. Although owning a restaurant franchise may seem like a “get rich quick” sch
Protecting Your Recipes: Trade Secrets & Patents
Chefs and bartenders alike spend a lot of time in the kitchen or bar working to perfect their recipes. Sometimes, a truly special, totally unique dish or drink is created, and the first thought is, "I wonder how to get a patent for this recipe?" But is it even possible to patent a recipe? And if not
How to Choose the Best Restaurant Music
Noise is one of the top complaints that restaurant owners receive from unhappy guests. But studies have shown that the right music actually increases sales and induces positive emotions in customers. Imagine arriving at a swanky Italian restaurant only to hear blaring top 40 U.S. hits inside – the j
Restaurant Reservation Systems
From first dates to anniversaries, lunches with friends to dinners with family, and employee interviews to office brunches, the dining table always seems to bring people together! In order for restaurant owners to keep organized, maximize table turnover, and reduce waiting time for customers, it’s i
5 Ways Your Restaurant Can Maximize Table Turnover
In the restaurant industry, table turnover rate is tricky to master: you want to seat as many parties per meal service as possible, but you don't want to make your customers feel rushed or unappreciated. Most casual restaurants aim to turn each table three times throughout a dinner service, or once
Safety & Sanitation
Food Safety Guidelines
Food safety guidelines are put in place to keep customers safe and prevent the risk of a foodborne illness outbreak. Any operation that serves food should establish protocols that meet the legal requirements for safe food handling. In this guide, we'll outline the most important aspects of food safe
Emergency Spill Response Plan
Working with hazardous materials has the potential to be dangerous, making it important that the proper response plans are in place. In the event of an emergency, proper emergency spill response can contain spills from spreading and prevent more damage. If your warehouse works with any type of hazar
Knife Safety Tips
Many types of knives are used in a foodservice kitchen, and most all of them have the potential to cause injuries if they are not used correctly. Proper knife training minimizes the risk of personal injury and keeps your kitchen running smoothly. If you are just beginning to learn or simply need to
Food Allergy Best Practices for Restaurants
If you run a food service business or cafeteria, you must educate yourself on common food allergens and how to prevent allergic reactions. Studies show that roughly 2% of adults and 5% of infants and young children in the United States suffer from food allergies, and around 30,000 consumers require
Restaurant Hand Washing Policy
Hand washing is one of the most important aspects of a restaurant’s food safety program. Without a hand washing policy in place or a strong focus on consistent training, it’s difficult to make sure your staff is following protocols. Keep reading to learn about the basics of hand washing and how to
How to Clean Microfiber Cloth
Microfiber products are excellent for clean countertops, sinks, floors, and everything in between. When your microfiber cloths get dirty, you might find yourself wondering how to clean them so they are usable again. We’ll explain the best way to clean your microfiber cloths and extend their lifespan
Restaurant Fire Safety
Fire safety is a critical concept for any restaurant to grasp because doing so can prevent thousands of dollars of damages and serious injuries. Unfortunately, the majority of commercial fires occur in restaurants due to the variety of flammable objects found in active kitchens. Understanding how t
Brewery Licensing & Safety Regulations
Starting a brewery is an exciting process, allowing you to pursue your passions of making alcoholic beverages while simultaneously providing you with a profitable business opportunity. There is great potential in owning your own brewery and brewing different types of beer, but the industry is heavil
How to Stock a Housekeeping Cart
Clean guest rooms are vital to the success of any hotel, resort, or vacation rental. With limited time to prepare each room for the next guest, your housekeeping staff needs to be organized and efficient. You can help your cleaning staff to perform the best job possible by beginning with a well-stoc
Commercial Kitchen Hood Code Requirements
Every kitchen must adhere to a variety of rules, regulations, and codes to operate legally. When it comes to kitchen hoods, these regulations are essential for preventing hazards and maintaining air quality in a commercial setting. Below we'll investigate what a kitchen hood is, how they work, and t
Restaurant Cleaning Checklist
Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting are incredibly important in the foodservice industry to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of viruses. But, with so many things to clean in a restaurant, it can be difficult to remember all of the individual cleaning tasks that you need to take care of
Concession Stand Food Safety
From baseball to soccer or football to hockey, every sport has one thing in common. Concession stands are a staple at any sporting event, offering anything from popcorn and pretzels to cheesesteaks and corn dogs. But is your concession stand practicing proper food safety? Concession stands can be es
Preparing for a Health Inspection
Health inspections can be a frustrating and stressful experience, but it’s important to remember that health inspectors don’t come looking to shut down your operation. Health inspections are held to make sure food products are handled and prepared according to state and local regulations to protect
Safe Event Planning for Caterers
In order to serve guests in the age of COVID-19, caterers and event planners are adapting traditional methods of serving large groups to promote a safer environment. By changing the way caterers view party planning and through the use of key disposable products, it’s still possible to serve food in
The Danger Zone: Following Food Safety Temperatures
In commercial foodservice, understanding food safety temperatures is crucial to protecting your guests from foodborne illness. All operators and food handlers are responsible for recognizing the importance of the temperature danger zone and should be educated to perform established food safety proce
Common Health Code Violations and How To Avoid Them
Restaurant inspections from your local health department can occur at any time, without any advanced notice. Along with all the other daily stressors of operating a business, worrying about a possible health inspection can be overwhelming. We’ve made a health code violations list to remind you of so
Coronavirus Supplies Checklist for Restaurants
To remain operable during coronavirus quarantines, restaurants have established delivery services and adjusted their business models. As the foodservice industry adapts to the new normal imposed by COVID-19, many restaurant owners are asking, “what supplies do I need for a pandemic?” Workplace h
Food Handling Certification: How to Obtain a Food Handling Certificate
When it comes to keeping your food safe, becoming a certified food handler is just as important as proper storage. Knowing the principles of safe food handling is critical to the success of your business and the health of your customers. Unsanitary handling can lead to food contamination, foodborne
NSF International
When you're shopping for restaurant supplies and equipment, you might notice a round blue NSF certification mark on some products. You know it's a good thing, but what does it mean, and what does NSF International do, exactly? The NSF certification can have a significant impact for your restaurant.
HACCP Plan and Training
Every finished product you serve to your customers goes through a number of steps from growing, harvesting, and shipping to receiving, prepping, and serving. In each one of these steps, potential food safety hazards that might sicken or injure the final consumer are present. However, with a HACCP pl
Restaurant Safety Tips
With sharp equipment, open flames, and tight spaces, there are many safety risks present in a restaurant. To keep your establishment safe for employees as well as customers, it's important to be aware of these hazards and minimize them as much as possible. Keep reading for our guidelines on how to t
OSHA Regulations for Restaurants
Ensuring the health and safety of your employees as they work in your restaurant is essential to running a successful foodservice business. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (abbreviated to "OSHA") is dedicated to protecting employees from workplace injuries and abuses, so it's important for bu
Smallwares
Portion Control Tools For Restaurants
Whether you operate a casual eatery or fine dining restaurant, consistent and accurate food portions are a key part of your business. Thankfully, there are several different portion control tools your establishment can utilize to ensure you control how much food goes on each plate. Portion control t
Cookie Scoop Sizes
Cookies are a common sight on dessert menus and in bakery display cases because they are popular, easy to make, and ship well. You know the drill: mix, scoop, bake, serve. But are all your cookies evenly sized, and do you have trouble scooping out the dough? In a restaurant or bakery, saving prep ti
How to Use Cheese Knives
You may have a cheese knife set in your home but may not exactly know what task each one of those knives was made to perform. Just as a chef will use various types of knives in a day to increase their efficiency, each cheese knife type has a purpose to improve the user experience. We prepared a guid
How to Use a Rice Cooker
Cooking rice in a rice cooker is the easiest way to prepare large quantities of rice at once. Many restaurants choose commercial rice cookers because they're no fuss. You simply add the rice, add the water, and wait! While using a rice cooker is simple, there are some additional steps you can take t
What Is Stoneware?
With so many types of dinnerware to choose from, finding the right one for your restaurant can feel like a daunting task. Aside from patterns, colors, and shapes, there are other important factors to consider including firing temperature, overall durability, price point, and longevity. Stoneware din
Startup Tips
Restaurant Location Analysis
There are many factors to consider when starting a restaurant, and location is one of the most important. Location analysis requires you to investigate potential markets, identifying which market fits your needs. When executed correctly, it can position your restaurant for success. In this article,
How to Start a Bakery
Whether you dream of opening a donut shop or a boulangerie, starting a bakery allows you to serve niche markets and express culinary creativity without taking on the financial burden of opening a restaurant. You can even start your bakery business from home before investing in a commercial space. Wh
How to Start an Ice Cream Truck
An ice cream truck represents a unique opportunity for aspiring business owners. Low startup costs, minimal staffing requirements, and schedule flexibility allow you to design a business model that fits your lifestyle. Below, we’ll walk you through the process of starting an ice cream truck, the cos
Leasing a Restaurant
Once you've received funding to open your restaurant, you need to choose a location. Choosing the right location and space for your restaurant is vital to your restaurant’s success because it can affect your overhead costs. An expensive location will cut into your profit margins, and a cheap space i
How to Start a Snow Cone Business
Starting a snow cone business is an appealing venture because it has the potential to be very profitable. Shaved ice and snow cones have a high markup, which means each sale produces a large profit. Similar to other concession stand businesses, the low startup costs and low overhead make snow cones
Concession Stand Food Ideas
If you develop the right menu, opening a concession stand is a low start-up cost way to join the foodservice industry. Whether you want to revamp your existing concession stand menu or generate one from scratch, we developed a comprehensive concession stand food ideas guide filled with healthy items
How to Bottle and Sell Your Own Sauce
You can elevate any dish from derivative to decadent with a premium sauce. The consumer trends towards healthy ingredients, global flavors, and sustainable practices created niche markets that sauce makers can tap into. Whether you own a BBQ restaurant and want to sell your house-made barbecue sauce
Selling Food Online
As the internet continues to evolve, foodservice businesses are innovating off-premise dining dining solutions and finding new ways to sell products. Through e-commerce, it's possible to interact and complete transactions with customers around the world. However, for many prospective business owners
What Is a Commissary Kitchen?
Commissaries are rentable commercial kitchens where foodservice operators can prepare and store their food. Many commissary kitchens provide food trucks and mobile vendors with overnight parking and equipment storage. While rentable commercial kitchens often provide additional services for food truc
How to Start a Buffet
Buffets are a popular type of restaurant in the United States and can be found across the country in a variety of forms. The amount of food they need to produce presents many unique goals and challenges, differentiating them from other types of restaurants. As a result, there are some differences wh
Restaurant Licenses and Permits
Opening a restaurant takes more than acquiring startup cash, finding a location, and writing a menu. It requires a foundation established with restaurant licenses and permits. Getting the writs and proofs you need for each restaurant license takes time, so it's important to start the process as earl
How to Write a Restaurant Business Plan
A restaurant business plan is the foundation when starting a new restaurant, whether you're opening a franchise or a small family-owned restaurant. Your business plan will act as a roadmap for starting your restaurant: it can help you get loans from financial institutions, and it will be a point of
Grand Opening Ideas for Your Restaurant
A grand opening is a great marketing strategy to create buzz in the local community before you open a new restaurant. This event will serve as your first chance to invite customers into your establishment, showcase your menu offerings, and start building the relationships necessary for repeat busine
Casual Dining vs. Fine Dining
There are two major factors that customers consider when choosing a restaurant: ambiance and price. Those factors are also the key difference between fine dining and casual dining experiences. Knowing what your customer base is looking for can play an important part in your establishment’s success.
Adding a Restaurant to Your Existing Business
Opening a restaurant in your existing business creates the opportunity for you to not only expand your market, but also to engage your current customers more. With increasing interest in online shopping, non-commercial accommodations like Airbnb, and video streaming, businesses like retail stores, h
Buying a Restaurant
While other industries may be experiencing slow growth, the restaurant industry is booming and growing considerably, making buying a restaurant an appealing prospect. One way that you can get into the foodservice industry is to start your own restaurant, which is an excellent option for those with l
Independent Ownership vs. Restaurant Franchising
Whether you're considering investing in a franchise or thinking about starting an independent restaurant, the types of risks and the potential rewards will vary. While one is not proven to be more successful than another, there are a few factors to consider before deciding which type of ownership is
Forecasting Sales and Break-Even Analysis
Your sales forecast sets the standards for your restaurant's expenses, profits, and growth. If you're unable to provide a well-thought-out forecast of your projected revenue of the first three years of operation, few investors are going to put any money into your business. Plus, calculating your fin
Restaurant Startup Loans: What You Need to Know
Few people can finance a restaurant out of pocket, but new restaurants are opening all the time, so where does that money come from? Some particularly gutsy restaurateurs sell everything they have and use personal funds to get their restaurant up and running. Others seek out business partners to inv
Types of Restaurant Ownership Structures
Deciding how your business is going to be structured depends a lot on what type of business you want to open, how many people are already invested in your business idea, and where you're getting your loans from. Choosing the right type of business is important, though, because it will affect you whe
Choosing a Restaurant Concept
What Is a Restaurant Concept? A restaurant concept is the overall idea or theme that defines the restaurant. Concepts include the your menu's design, service style, dining room decor, and — of course — the style of food. Many restaurants are conceived based on a chef’s personal experiences or inter
The Myth of Restaurant Failure
The foodservice industry is an essential part of the American economy. It creates hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the country while bringing in a combined total of $660.5 billion every year, which is approximately 4% of the United States' GDP. That stat makes it sound like opening a restaur
It’s important for foodservice professionals to stay up to date on industry trends, regulations, and marketing tactics. Our in-depth articles provide information on a range of relevant topics for professionals of all levels, including chefs, bar owners, baristas, and restaurant managers. So, if you need help with anything from choosing your dining room layout to food truck marketing, we’ve got the articles you need.