How-Tos
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Restaurant Management
How to Hire a Chef
Hiring a qualified chef for your restaurant is a challenge, but despite the obstacles, it's a vital part of your business's ability to succeed. A chef assists in training new staff , oversees cooking processes, develops menus, and provides input in marketing decisions that affect the restaurant. Bel
Restaurant Manager Duties: Hiring a Manager
Contrary to what their title implies, restaurant owners spend a lot of time away from their business. This kind of structure, known as absentee business, requires managing a restaurant even when the owner is unavailable. That's where a restaurant manager becomes important. But once you have your hir
How to Balance a Cash Register
Balancing a cash register is the method used to accurately account for all daily monetary transactions in a business. Good accounting and bookkeeping procedures begin with a balanced register. Typically, trustworthy employees who prove capable of exchanging cash in an efficient manner will operate t
Guidelines for Training Restaurant Servers
Regardless of a restaurant's size or style, the serving staff represents the face of every dining establishment. These individuals have the most face time with your customers during their visit, and positive interactions can go a long way towards ensuring those same patrons return. Hiring the right
How to Tie a Neckerchief
Neckerchiefs are a classic addition to chefs’ uniforms across all kinds of foodservice settings. Whether you are a line cook in a fast casual restaurant or a Michelin star chef, a neckerchief is a stylish and useful accessory . That being said, neckerchiefs can be tricky to tie, and the last thing y
How to Become a Chef
The foodservice industry is one of the largest and most diverse industries in the United States. It's also one of the fastest growing, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that the restaurant industry would grow by 7% between 2014 and 2024. The restaurant industry has many unique perks that
How to Make A Restaurant Schedule
A functional dining room service relies on a logical staff schedule. Before you spend any time making your employee schedule, it’s important to know some of the basics first. Factors like tipping, weekly hours, time off, overtime, and laws for employing minors all come into play when making a succes
Restaurant Security: How to Keep Your Business Safe
For every branch of the foodservice industry, the top priority is the safety of employees and customers. Restaurant security systems and safety procedures are essential to making sure employees can come and go safely while customers enjoy their time in your business. While alcohol sales and late hou
Bar Management
How to Set Up a Kegerator
After you've deliberated and chosen the best kegerator for your business, it's time to set up your beer dispenser and start serving fresh, cold beer! We've got step-by-step directions and an instructional video to help you through the process. Use our steps as a general guideline, but always refer t
How to Saber Champagne
Sabering a bottle of champagne is a neat trick that is very impressive to your guests. Opening a bottle of champagne with a saber is most typically done for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and New Year's parties, but with our easy step-by-step guide to sabering a bottle of champagne
How to Become a Bartender
The key to becoming a bartender is to position yourself in a role where you can watch, learn from, and assist a working bartender . Through seeking out entry level employment in bars and restaurants, you have the ability to create a learning environment where you can also get paid. You can supplemen
How to Pour the Perfect Pint
When it comes to the world of beer, knowing how to pour specific brews is essential to serving your guests the perfect pint. Whether you are pouring pilsners, stouts, IPAs, or Belgians, proper technique will maximize flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel while also producing the appropriate amount of head an
How to Set Drink Prices In Your Bar or Restaurant
Choosing bar drink prices can be a tricky aspect of running a bar . Too expensive, and you drive away customers. Too cheap, and you won't be in business for much longer. One of the most important aspects of a restaurant, and especially a bar, is to create a profitable and manageable list of cocktail
How to Become a Certified Cicerone®
You may be familiar with Sommeliers, the experts who can help you choose which wine to pair with your food at dinner, but did you know that there is an equivalent position for expertise in beer? A beer expert is called a Cicerone®. Since the 1980s, the craft beer industry has experienced exponential
How to Build a Restaurant Wine List
Not every restaurant has a sommelier on-hand to help curate a wine list. In fact, very few do. That means it’s up to the restaurant owner or manager to find the best wines to complement your dishes and please customers. Follow the tips below to design a wine list that’s both profitable for you and e
How to Become a Sommelier
Although the word sommelier may inspire images of a medieval steward scurrying through dark, damp corridors in a wine cellar with only torchlight to find the perfect bottle of wine for his master, in reality, the established profession of the sommelier, and the organizations that certify those profe
How to Serve Wine & Cocktails On Tap
Imagine a world where every cocktail you served tasted the same no matter which bartender made it, and every glass of wine stayed as fresh as the first. You can stop imagining now because taps aren’t just for beer anymore! Serving wine and cocktails on tap is becoming a popular trend in many restaur
Bakery Management
How to Write a Bakery Business Plan
Starting your own bakery is no easy task . Many people have tried and failed to get their business ideas off the ground, or worse, their business flopped within the first year. So what sets a successful bakery apart from the ones that don't make it? A solid bakery business plan that can help you sta
How to Cut a Cake
Anyone who’s been in charge of cutting a cake knows that it can be a high-pressure situation. From ruining the appearance of your frosting to uneven sized slices, cutting a cake can sometimes be more stressful than actually making and decorating one. Luckily for you, we’ve provided an instructional
Food Trucks & Concessions
How to Start a Food Truck
The popularity of food trucks has grown so rapidly over the past few years that some cities are now known for their food truck scene . What used to be considered a food risk has become foodie trend across the globe. If you are wondering how to start a food truck business of your own and what the cos
How to Buy a Food Truck
Purchasing a kitchen-equipped truck is the most expensive and time-consuming part of starting a food truck business . You’ll need to find a food truck manufacturer you trust, establish clear communication, and customize your food truck to meet both your personal needs and regional requirements. To m
How to Write a Food Truck Business Plan
If you’re trying to figure out how to start a food truck, you'll have a lot of questions. The first step is to make a detailed business plan. A food truck business plan will list important information about your business to help you get funding from investors. Because the business plan is so importa
Everything You Need to Know About Catering Weddings with Your Food Truck
With their unique flavors, made-to-order selections, and ability to be mobile, food trucks are rapidly becoming one of America's newest guilty pleasures. Oddly enough, the popularity of this street food craze has also won over the hearts of many brides and grooms looking to add something unique to t
How to Start A Concession Stand
Compact, accessible, and convenient, a concession stand is a unique foodservice model that has the potential to turn big profits when managed properly. And as the old adage will tell you, the trick to running a good concession stand — like any restaurant — is location, location, location. But, of co
Advertising & Marketing
How to Increase Restaurant Sales
Maintaining your restaurant's 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 dow
How to Customize Products at WebstaurantStore
Boost your brand recognition and customer base by adding customizable supplies throughout your establishment! Whether you’re outfitting your staff in personalized aprons or adding your logo to a custom coffee sleeve, customized products can provide an eye-catching and professional source of marketin
How to Get More Yelp Reviews
One of the most popular sites for finding, rating, and reviewing bars and restaurants is Yelp. And having a favorable score on Yelp can create a free advertising boost that can bring in more customers. That’s because, for many, the search for a new restaurant starts on the Internet, with 90% of cust
How to Capitalize on Sports Bar Marketing
There are a lot of tips out there that can help you run a successful bar , but sports bars present their own unique set of challenges and opportunities. By targeting the sports community, you can create a fun environment and a set of regular customers. But, how can you combat lulls between major spo
How to Make a Restaurant Website
Many customers today research restaurants and businesses before they decide to visit. Your business should not only have a website, but your website should also be optimized to create an excellent first impression and to improve your Google search rankings . While designing your own website can seem
How to Advertise Your Restaurant For Free
Opening a restaurant is an expensive investment, and the last thing many restaurateurs think about are ways in which to advertise and market their new ventures. Many believe that, “if they build it, they will come,” but that isn’t necessarily true in the cut-throat foodservice industry. More times t
Coffee Shop Tips
How to Make Latte Art
When it comes to creating specialty coffee beverages, the delicious taste is only half the appeal. In order to step up your coffee game and really impress your guests, it’s time you learned to make latte art. Not only will this bring a personal touch to each drink your baristas create, but it’s also
How to Use an Espresso Machine
If you’re looking to diversify the beverage options in your cafe or restaurant, then it’s time you invested in an espresso machine . Espresso is a form of coffee that is finely ground and then brewed with a small amount of nearly boiling water. Each shot of espresso contains the same amount of caffe
How to Make French Press Coffee
French press coffee is becoming one of the most popular coffee brewing methods in the foodservice industry. This method of preparation produces strong flavors that guests at any coffee shop, cafe, or restaurant have come to love. Learn more about this style of preparation and follow these profession
How to Clean a Coffee Maker
Running hard water through your coffee equipment can lead to mineral buildup and calcification on your heating elements. If you’re looking to get the most out of your commercial coffee maker , then it’s important to make sure it’s properly cleaned. Cleaning your coffee maker will not only prolong it
How to Clean a Coffee Pot
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, so it only makes sense that restaurants, cafes, catering businesses, hotels, and other establishments want to serve it to their customers and guests. After multiple uses, however, minerals and oil from the coffee builds up and can leave a res
Installation & Maintenance
How to Clean an Ice Machine
Ice machines serve important functions in restaurants, bars, hotels, and a variety of other business settings. Even though ice makers are an important piece of kitchen equipment , many restaurant or business owners neglect to clean them regularly. This article will take you through a detailed, step-
How To Light a Pilot Light
If you're having trouble starting your cooking equipment, it may be due to an extinguished pilot light. A pilot light is a small gas burner that stays lit continuously, so you can ignite a flame for your larger burner. Pilot lights can go out fairly often in busy commercial kitchens. A breeze may ex
How to Clean a Popcorn Machine
Popcorn machines are a major money-maker for concession stands, snack bars, and more around the world. They produce a food that's constantly in demand to make sure your customers can walk away from your business satisfied with their purchase and bringing them back for more later. But when you're fin
How to Season and Care for Your Grill Grate
Season Your Grill Grate in 4 Simple Steps! Nothing quite says "summer" like the smell of barbecue wafting in the air. But before you fire up the grill, be sure to assess the condition of your commercial outdoor grill . Is food sticking to your grill grate? Is rust starting to form due to high-volume
How to Clean a Griddle
One of the best ways you can make your menu more diverse and appealing is by outfitting your kitchen with a commercial griddle . Whether you use it once a week or every day, it's very important to take care of your griddle in order to maintain cooking efficiency and to prevent flavor transfer. Since
How to Install Casters
Work tables are an essential piece of equipment in foodservice establishments, and chefs use them to prepare a variety of recipes or prep ingredients for dishes. While work tables provide an excellent space for food prep, they're not very mobile, and they can be difficult to clean around. Fortunatel
How to Clean Refrigerator Coils
The coils on refrigeration equipment naturally accumulate dust and debris. Over time this buildup will cause your refrigeration system to work harder to maintain temperature and it can potentially lead to failures in other key components. If your refrigerator isn’t getting cold enough, or if it is u
Safety & Sanitation
How to Prevent Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination occurs when harmful bacteria is transferred to foods, which can result in serious health risks like food poisoning or unintended exposure to food allergens. If your kitchen staff members know how to prevent cross-contamination by correctly storing and preparing food, you can save
How to Season a Wood Cutting Board
Wood cutting boards are a staple supply for any kitchen and, with proper maintenance, can last for years. But it’s important to practice proper wood cutting board care and keep your board well-seasoned in order to prevent bacteria growth or unwanted splintering. The wood seasoning process is simple
How to Clean a Cutting Board
Found in almost all commercial kitchens, cutting boards are one of the most commonly used tools for preparing food . Understanding how to properly care for these boards will not only increase their lifespan, but appropriate care also prevents bacteria from spreading and causing dangerous cross-conta
How to Clean & Boil Out a Deep Fryer
Regularly cleaning deep fryers is essential for establishments like Southern kitchens, fast food operations, and diners that rely heavily on their fryer. One of the best ways to clean your fryer is by boiling it out. Keep reading to learn what boiling out a deep fryer means, why you should do it reg
Startup Tips
How to Start a Home Bakery
If you want to start a baking business but owning a storefront isn't for you, operating a home bakery can be a great alternative. Starting a home bakery is also a good option for those looking to get started in the restaurant industry, and bakers at home due to coronavirus. Usually smaller in scale
How To Host A Restaurant Soft Opening
You’ve successfully purchased a location and transformed it into a brand new restaurant. The space is furnished, the kitchen is stocked, and the menu is written. What’s next? How do you get your restaurant in business? If you plan to open a new restaurant, consider hosting a series of soft openings,
How to Start a Meal Prep Business
As people continue to fill their lives with busy work hours, hobbies, and family obligations, the time for creating a weekday dinner starts to dwindle. A meal prep delivery business provides solutions to these problems, and those busy people are quickly grasping at it. Whether you want to start a fo
How to Open a Restaurant
Owning and operating a restaurant is a dream job for many aspiring entrepreneurs. It's a dream that may have been put on hold as the pandemic forced restaurants to halt indoor dining or even close their doors permanently. The effects of the coronavirus are still being felt by restaurant owners acros
How to Start a Brewery
Breweries are popular with a variety of customers, whether they're a casual beer drinker, a craft beer enthusiast, or just looking for a place to spend Friday night. As the demand and popularity of beer continues to rise, so does the interest in new breweries. If you’re considering opening a brewery
How to Start a Donut Shop
Donut shops are a staple of many people’s morning routine and can be found in towns across the world. Whether you’re stopping in for a midday snack or grabbing your morning coffee, donut shops are a quick and convenient way to grab food and drinks on the go. Studies have shown that of all the treats
How to Open a Bar
Have you been dreaming of opening your own bar but you’re not quite sure where to start? You’ve probably thought about your concept and your name, but maybe you’re unsure about some of the finer details, like how to obtain funding and permits. Running a successful bar can be lucrative and rewarding,
How to Start a Catering Business
Catering businesses are often an ideal, flexible alternative to opening and operating a restaurant . Catering businesses allow you the creative freedom of running a foodservice operation without standard hours or a rigid schedule. Plus, they often require less startup capital and financial risk than
How to Open a Pizza Shop
With 93% of Americans consuming pizza at least once a month, it’s no surprise that pizza shops are one of the most popular types of restaurants. Opening a pizzeria can be a great investment, especially when you’ve prepared correctly. If you’re wondering how to open a pizza shop, your first priority
Menu Design
How to Write a Menu Describing Your Food
When it comes to writing a menu, word choice is very important. The words you use to describe food on your menu could entice customers and increase sales if you choose them well, but they could also turn customers off or confuse them if you’re not careful. Below, we break down the key components to
Restaurant Menu Pricing
Menu pricing is the engine behind your company's success, as sales are your restaurant's sole source of revenue. Pricing for food directly impacts your ability to fund essential aspects of your business, including equipment, utilities, labor, ingredients, and more. When creating or updating your men
Kitchen & Cooking Tips
How to Use A Sharpening Stone
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 because kitchen staff must force their way through cutting meat and slicing vegetables. Sharpening stones make requi
Food Presentation Guide
If you own a food service business, you know that food presentation is crucial to marketing your restaurant on Instagram . More than just attracting customers, studies from Oxford have shown quality food presentations allow you to charge up to three times more for your meals. A well thought out food
How to Deep Fry a Ham
Around the holiday season, many people like to serve deep fried turkey to their guests. This year, step up your holiday menu with a deep fried ham instead! Follow our step-by-step guide and make a delicious deep fried ham that will not disappoint those around the dinner table. Shop Outdoor Fryer Kit
How to Deep Fry a Turkey
This fall, impress your guests with a unique take on Thanksgiving’s staple dish. Deep-fried turkey boasts a juicy flavor and crispy texture that your family and friends will remember. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a few, our video and step-by-step instructions will guide you through the
How to Remove Rust
Many people buy metal or stainless steel kitchenware like knives, pans, and utensils, but few people know how to clean and maintain stainless steel . If you’re not careful, metal can rust quickly creating unsightly discoloration. Learn how rust occurs, the best practices to remove rust, and other me
How to Grill Fish
When the weather gets warmer, customers start seeking out the smoky flavors of barbecue meals. Grilled fish and seafood provide a healthy protein alternative for your menu that your customers will love. However, it can be tricky to figure out how to cook fish properly, especially if you’re doing it
How to Cook Steak in a Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron skillets are a popular choice for cooking because they gradually build up seasoning over use, they can be used both on the range and in the oven, and they're easy to clean and maintain. Cooking a steak on a cast iron skillet is ideal because it helps give your steak a flavorful and crisp c
How to Roll Sushi
Whether it’s raw tuna or deep-fried, tempura-battered shrimp, it seems like everyone has a favorite kind of sushi. This delicious Japanese food tradition, which utilizes ingredients like fish, seaweed, rice, and vegetables, has spread all across the world and is now so common that you can you even p
How to Make Gyro Meat Using a Vertical Broiler
Gyros, doner, and shawarma have been enjoyed worldwide for over a thousand years. Not only are gyro sandwiches delicious, but the giant cone of roasted meat helps attract customers and increase impulse buys, which makes them perfect for concession stands and foodservice establishments. In many parts
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
How to Spatchcock a Chicken
Cooking a whole chicken can make for a juicier, more satisfying end product. In order to get the meat to cook evenly, you need to cut the chicken so it lays flat. This is a method called spatchcocking, and it's the best method for grilling or roasting a whole bird. To do this, all you need is your b
Pizza & Sandwich Shop Tips
Types of Pizza Ovens
If you're starting a pizzeria , the most important investment you'll make is your pizza oven. While individual models vary, there are five types of commercial pizza ovens: brick, conveyor, deck, convention, and countertop. These five types categorize models of varying sizes and capabilities. Underst
How to Use a Pizza Stone
There's nothing quite like fresh, homemade pizza, but it can be hard to get the crust to crisp up just right without a pizza oven . One tool you can use to achieve that satisfying, crispy crust is a pizza stone, which is a flat, hard disc that’s usually made of ceramic or stone. The surface is very
Food Prep
Caramel Apple Recipe
Caramel apples are a delightful combination of classic fall flavors . Perfect for autumn festivals, concession stands, and Halloween markets, these goodies satisfy a sweet craving, but they also feature seasonal fruit that’s filled with vitamins. Best of all, caramel apples are easy and inexpensive
How to Use a Meat Grinder
Meat grinders are convenient pieces of equipment that are most commonly used in settings like delis, butcher shops, and grocery stores. But they are also becoming more popular in restaurants because restaurant owners are finding that meat grinders can help them cut their food costs . Keep reading to
How to Make Sausage
Sausage is a popular type of food that is found all around the world. It's an ingredient that is found in a variety of foodservice settings and is often paired with beer . But in recent years, instead of buying sausage from stores, many establishments are choosing to make their own sausage . Keep re
How to Make a Waffle Cone
Ice cream cones are a favorite treat for summertime or any time! But the one thing that makes this classic dessert even better is a house-made waffle cone. We carry all the tools and supplies you need to make your very own cones at your restaurant or ice cream shop. From batter mix to cone form
How to Open a Coconut
The coconut is a puzzling fruit that isn’t exactly the easiest to access. The shell of the coconut is so tough and thick that it seems impenetrable. However, there is a simple tool that’s specifically designed to open coconuts, so you can gain access to the meat of the fruit or even just drain the c
How to Make Cotton Candy
Pink, light, soft, and swirling high on a paper cone. You see it at the stadium, the concession stand, and the amusement park. Everybody has it and you want it. But how is cotton candy made? We're here to tell you how in just a few simple steps. Unsure whether or not your business needs cotton candy
Types of Commercial Juicers
From celebrity endorsements to cleanses, juicing has made its mark as a healthy and creative way to consume fresh produce. This trendy practice has recently grown into a $2 billion industry. This means your customers are hungry and willing to pay for the nutrient-rich, vibrant taste of freshly press
Cooking Equipment
How to Clean a Charbroiler
Maintaining your charbroiler, along with any kitchen equipment, creates both a safer and more sanitary working environment . Regular cleanings reduce residue and grease build-up, which can prevent grease fires. Plus, removing excess particles ensures your fresh foods aren't absorbing unwanted flavor
How to Cure Meat
With the recent increased popularity of charcuterie boards , there come new opportunities to provide your guests with a sophisticated assortment of flavors and textures. By curing your own meats, you can earn the most profits for your business, especially since many charcuterie items include inexpen
How to Clean a Meat Slicer
Meat slicers are used constantly in delis and grocery stores, but cafeterias, buffets, catering businesses, and other foodservice establishments also use them. You can slice and chip meats, cheeses, and produce with your machine, making it extremely versatile. Since slicers are used so often for a v
Even the seasoned chef, bartender, barista, or manager has questions from time to time. No matter what you're looking to do, our how-to guides have detailed information to help you accomplish the task at hand. Many of our how-to guides feature instructional videos and helpful step-by-step photos on a variety of relevant foodservice topics. Whether you’re looking to pour the perfect pint at your bar or need advice on writing a business plan for your food truck, we've got you covered.
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