December 29th QSR Roundup: New Recipes and Restaurant Strategies for Success

QSR news for Dec 29th, 2024. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 21 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 100 minutes. It'll take you only 9 minutes to catch up.

Reviving Kwanzaa: Harris's Cookbook Returns

Dr. Jessica B. Harris has republished her cherished 1995 book, “A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook”, now featuring updates, new recipes, and a heartfelt foreword by Carla Hall. This edition isn't just a cookbook; it's a cultural treasure teaching the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.

• Family Engagement: The book includes pages for families to record personal traditions, making it a true keepsake.
• Diverse Representation: Biographies celebrating figures across the African diaspora, including LGBTQ+ individuals, are highlighted.
• Upcoming Works: Harris is also working on a new book titled “Braided Heritage”.

Source: Salon

Refreshing Restaurant Menus: Strategies and Suggestions

A hoagie QSR owner with two units seeks to revitalize their menu to attract more customers. Despite profitability, they feel the need for new sandwich flavors and concepts.

Community Insights:

• Seasonal Rotations: Introducing seasonal menus can keep customers intrigued while retaining popular staples.
• Customer Engagement: Hosting contests for customer-submitted sandwich ideas can foster loyalty and bring fresh ideas.
• Tech Utilization: Tools like ChatGPT can brainstorm new items using existing ingredients.
• Dietary Options: Incorporating vegetarian or vegan choices, such as falafel or BBQ tofu sandwiches, broadens appeal.
• Maintain Classics: Keeping best-sellers while experimenting with low-performing items is key.

The consensus is clear: refreshing the menu without alienating loyal customers is vital.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Payroll Woes with Heartland: Seeking Alternatives

Restaurant owners share frustrations with Heartland Payroll, citing missed employee checks and prior issues with state filings.

• Shared Experiences: Users recount operational failures and inadequate customer service with Heartland.
• Recommended Alternatives:
  • Homebase
  • Corporate Payroll
  • Baron
  • UKG
• Direct Deposit Emphasis: Switching to direct deposit is highlighted to avoid future check issues.
• Proactive Measures: Conducting a dry run before major payroll changes can mitigate unexpected problems.

The overarching theme is the importance of a reliable payroll service to maintain employee trust.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

To Frost or Not to Frost: Window Visibility Debate

A restaurant owner considers frosting front windows to limit sidewalk visibility and revive dine-in sales after a post-Covid shift toward takeout.

Community Feedback:

• Curtains Over Frosting: Curtains offer flexibility, allowing views when desired.
• Marketing Over Barriers: Enhancing marketing efforts might be more effective than physical changes.
• Visibility Matters: Completely blocking views could make the restaurant seem closed or uninviting.
• Alternative Solutions:
  • Window Tinting
  • Window Clings
  • Lower Half Frosting: Allows light in while providing some privacy.

Balancing privacy and visibility is crucial to attract customers while creating a comfortable dining atmosphere.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Considering Dinner Service: Is It Worth It?

A breakfast/lunch restaurant owner ponders expanding into dinner service on weekends to boost revenue but faces space limitations for to-go and catering.

Community Advice:

• Focus on Catering: Many suggest capitalizing on catering opportunities instead of dinner service.
• Obtain a Liquor License: Adding alcohol sales can increase profits during existing hours.
• Labor Costs: Be mindful of increased labor expenses with extended hours.
• Brand Identity: Transitioning from a breakfast spot to dinner may confuse patrons.
• Alternative Ideas:
  • Ghost Kitchen Operations
  • Themed Dinner Nights

The majority advise enhancing current offerings over expanding hours, emphasizing that quality over quantity can lead to better profitability.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Boosting Pizzeria Appeal: Frontage Enhancements

A Bay Area pizza restaurant seeks ways to improve its storefront to attract more customers, currently lacking clear signage.

Suggestions Include:

• Visible Signage: Adding neon signs with words like 'Pizza' and 'HOT'.
• Curb Appeal:
  • Decorative planter boxes
  • Outdoor seating to draw in passersby
• Branding Elements: Incorporate pizza images or vibrant colors for easy recognition.
• Unique Touches: Use window clings with pizza graphics or fun mascots.

Creating an inviting and recognizable storefront can significantly increase foot traffic and sales.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Innovating a Stale Menu: Fresh Ideas

The owner of a profitable hoagie QSR wants to refresh the menu with new sandwich ideas and flavors.

Community Suggestions:

• Introduce Classics: Add a Reuben sandwich or a BBQ Banh Mi.
• Vegetarian Options: Offer vegetarian wraps or plant-based proteins.
• Customer Participation: Feature customer-inspired specials to test new items.
• Seasonal Specials: Rotate offerings based on seasonal ingredients.

The key is to balance innovation with core favorites, ensuring new items excite without risking current customer satisfaction.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Payroll Troubles with Heartland: Stories and Solutions

Facing delays and issues with Heartland Payroll, a restaurant owner shares their struggles, especially concerning during the holiday season.

Community Responses:

• Negative Experiences: Others echo dissatisfaction with Heartland's service.
• Alternative Payroll Services:
  • Homebase
  • Corporate Payroll
  • Baron
  • Paychex
• Direct Deposit Advocacy: Moving away from paper checks to prevent future problems.
• Testing Changes: Performing a 'dry run' before major payroll overhauls is advised.

Reliability in payroll is essential, especially when employee livelihoods are at stake.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Window Visibility: Enhancing or Hindering Business?

Debate arises over whether frosting restaurant windows will boost dine-in traffic by preventing the appearance of emptiness.

Insights Shared:

• Alternative Window Treatments: Using curtains or partial frosting maintains some visibility.
• Marketing Focus: Investing in promotion might yield better results than altering the windows.
• Customer Perception: Completely obscured windows may deter customers, making the establishment seem closed.
• Industry Trends: Acknowledge the shift toward carryout and adapt accordingly.

Finding the right balance between inviting diners and creating a cozy atmosphere is crucial for success.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Dinner Service Expansion: A Worthwhile Endeavor?

Contemplating adding dinner service, a breakfast/lunch restaurant owner seeks input on feasibility and profitability.

Advice from Peers:

• Catering Over Dinner: Focus on expanding catering services, which may be more lucrative.
• Liquor Sales: Adding alcoholic beverages can boost profits without extending hours.
• Operational Challenges: Dinner service may introduce staffing and cost hurdles.
• Market Demand: Assess if there's a genuine need or desire for dinner options in the area.

Careful consideration and market research are recommended before making significant operational changes.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Curb Appeal: Making Your Pizzeria Stand Out

Seeking to attract more customers, a pizzeria owner looks for ways to enhance the exterior of their establishment.

Community Recommendations:

• Eye-Catching Signage: Install neon or LED signs that are visible from afar.
• Aesthetic Improvements:
  • Add flower boxes or planters.
  • Introduce outdoor seating to create a welcoming ambiance.
• Brand Visibility: Ensure the storefront clearly communicates that it's a pizza restaurant.
• Unique Elements: Consider a distinctive mascot or vintage signage to draw attention.

Investing in the visual appeal of the storefront can lead to increased customer interest and sales.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Ideal Billing System Features for Restaurants

A restaurant manager inquires about desired features in billing systems, including cost considerations.

Key Features Desired:

• Intuitive Dashboard: Easy-to-use interface for quick access to vital information.
• Kitchen Integration: Real-time updates to the kitchen to streamline orders.
• Customer Analytics: Tools to understand customer behavior and preferences.
• Value for Money: Enhanced features must justify any additional costs.

A robust billing system can significantly improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Source: /r/Restaurant_Managers

Top Earning Venues for Servers

After being unexpectedly fired, a server seeks advice on where to maximize earnings in the industry.

Recommendations Include:

• Fine Dining Establishments: Potential to earn $300-$750 per night, especially during holidays.
• High-End Neighborhood Bars: Dive bars or lounges with regular clientele.
• Family-Owned Restaurants: Some servers report significant earnings in buffets or high-traffic eateries.
• Unions and Benefits: Certain restaurants offer better pay and conditions due to union presence.

Key advice is to inquire about average earnings during interviews and seek establishments with high ticket items and busy atmospheres.

Source: /r/restaurant

Billing System Essentials: Restaurant Owners Speak

Restaurant professionals share what they look for in a billing system.

Important Features:

• Food Cost Management: Tracking inventory and linking recipes to sales.
• Integration Capabilities: Seamless connection with payroll, accounting, and delivery platforms.
• Customizable Controls: Ability to adjust inventory, manage recipes, and offer discounts easily.
• Customer Interaction Tools: Integrating reservation systems and tracking VIP preferences.

Many note that existing solutions already offer these features, emphasizing the need for reliable support and comprehensive functionality.

Source: /r/restaurant

Embracing Low Touch Service: A Cultural Preference

A European diner in North America expresses a desire for less frequent server interruptions during meals.

Community Feedback:

• Communication is Key: It's acceptable to request a more relaxed service style.
• Phrasing Suggestions:
  • "We prefer a leisurely meal without too many interruptions."
  • "Could we have some privacy during our dining?"
• Understanding Cultural Norms: Servers often follow regional service expectations.
• Server Perspective: Many servers are open to adjusting their approach when informed.

Expressing preferences politely can enhance the dining experience for both parties.

Source: /r/restaurant

Managing Disruptive Customers: When Firmness is Necessary

A discussion arises about the appropriateness of firmly telling a disruptive customer to stop yelling after polite requests fail.

Opinions Shared:

• Employee Rights: Staff shouldn't have to endure abuse and can assertively address the situation.
• Management's Role: Managers should support employees and intervene promptly.
• Safety First: Ensuring a safe environment for staff and patrons is paramount.
• Legal Backing: Liquor licensing laws often support refusing service to disruptive individuals.

Balancing customer service with firm boundaries is essential in maintaining a respectful atmosphere.

Source: /r/restaurant

Promoting from Within: Challenges of Hiring a GM

A bar owner considers hiring a General Manager from the current staff but faces concerns.

Advice Offered:

• Define Responsibilities: Clearly outline the GM's duties and authority.
• Empowerment: Allow the GM control over operations to be effective.
• Peer Dynamics: The new GM may struggle to gain respect from former peers.
• Support and Training: Provide guidance and resources to ensure success.

Transparency and support are key when promoting internally to higher positions.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Determining Fair Pay for Bar Management

Bar owners discuss what constitutes fair compensation for managers.

Considerations Include:

• Market Variance: Salaries differ based on location and local economies.
• Role Responsibilities: Managers handling more duties warrant higher pay.
• Value of Experience: Paying adequately helps retain competent managers.
• Avoiding Turnover: Underpaying can lead to high staff turnover and operational issues.

Investing in management pay is crucial for a well-run and profitable establishment.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Young Bar Owner Seeks Success: Advice Abounds

A 22-year-old bar owner faces a 10% drop in sales and seeks guidance.

Community Suggestions:

• Quality and Service Focus: Prioritize excellent food and customer service.
• Menu Simplification: Reduce the number of items to focus on best-sellers.
• Understand Operations: Learn all aspects of the business thoroughly.
• Education and Networking: Take courses and connect with other owners for insights.
• Resilience: Accept that hard work and patience are part of the journey.

The consensus emphasizes that hands-on management and continuous learning are essential for success.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Food Trucks as a Solution: Viability for Bars

An individual considers using a food truck to meet food requirements for a new comedy club/bar.

Insights Provided:

• Local Regulations: Check with city authorities about food truck allowances.
• Zoning Challenges: Some areas require a full kitchen for liquor licenses.
• Market Saturation: Evaluate if the area can support another comedy club.
• Ownership Matters: Owning the food truck may impact legal allowances.
• Alternative Solutions:
  • Partner with existing venues that have food options.
  • Utilize pop-up kitchens.

Thorough research into local laws and market conditions is essential before proceeding.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Navigating a NYE Bar Event with No Ticket Sales

A new bar owner faces low interest in a New Year’s Eve event and seeks advice.

Community Recommendations:

• Regular Night Promotion: Treat it as any other night without special tickets.
• Alternate Offers: Consider a minimum spend or special drinks instead of an open bar.
• Marketing Shift: Use social media to promote last-minute specials.
• Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that NYE can be slow for smaller venues.

Flexibility and pragmatic planning can turn the night around, focusing on building customer relationships.

Source: /r/BarOwners

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