January 12th QSR Roundup: Boosting Healthy Eating with Creative Veggie Strategies and Celebrating Inclusivity in Food Entrepreneurship

QSR news for Jan 12th, 2025. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 16 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 65 minutes. It'll take you only 11 minutes to catch up.

Creative Ways to Boost Fruit and Vegetable Intake

Feeling the post-New Year's resolution slump? As Quitter's Day looms, many find themselves struggling to stick to healthier eating habits. Nutrition expert Nichole Dandrea-Russert shares some ingenious tips to effortlessly increase your fruit and veggie consumption, even for the pickiest eaters!

• Soups, blended sauces, and smoothies are fantastic methods to incorporate vegetables into your diet without compromising on taste.
• Incorporating fruits with their skin can significantly boost your intake of essential nutrients.
• Did you know? Cooking certain veggies can enhance their antioxidant levels, though it might reduce some vitamins.
• For adults, aiming for 1.5-2 cups of fruit daily and 5 servings of fruits and vegetables overall promotes optimal health.
• Fun strategies like DIY food stations not only make meals more engaging but also encourage kids to develop healthy eating habits.
• Emphasizing plant-based foods can improve gut health and potentially increase longevity.
• Try delicious recipes like stuffed peppers or hearty vegetable soups to make the most of your produce!

Let's make healthy eating both fun and flavorful!

Source: Salon

Celebrating Five Years of Inclusivity in Food Entrepreneurship

:INCLUDED has reached a significant milestone—five years of empowering BIPOC entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry. Since 2020, this incredible organization has generated over $5 million in value through strategic partnerships with trade shows and media outlets.

• With over 500 members, they've facilitated sponsorships and retail connections, showcasing more than 150 brands at major expos.
• Their members have achieved remarkable accolades, including 22 regional pitch slam winners and 15 NEXTY awards!
• By promoting diversity, :INCLUDED is fostering innovation and enhancing community representation within the industry.
• Looking ahead, they aim to bolster support for supply chain optimization and funding strategies, continuing to make a profound impact for BIPOC founders.

Founders like Jomaree Pinkard highlight the transformative journey for members, striving to create a more inclusive and expansive space in the food sector.

Source: Food Industry Executive

Organic Produce Summit 2025: Registration Now Open!

Attention all organic produce enthusiasts! The Organic Produce Summit (OPS) is set to take place on July 9-10, 2025, in beautiful Monterey, CA. This premier event focuses exclusively on the organic fresh produce industry, offering a unique opportunity to connect with growers, shippers, and retailers.

What's in store at OPS 2025?

• Exclusive Access for Retailers: Qualified retailers receive complimentary registration and hotel accommodations, along with innovative field tours.
• Over 200 Exhibitors: Discover the latest products and solutions from organic growers, shippers, and processors.
• Expert Insights: Engage with thought-provoking keynotes and educational sessions covering trends, research, and strategies in the organic market.
• Networking Opportunities: Retailers play a crucial role in connecting fresh produce to consumers; their participation enhances the event's impact.

Don't miss out! Retailer registration is now open at www.organicproducesummit.com, with general registration opening on February 4, 2025.

About OPS: Founded in 2016, OPS is a hub for networking and education, connecting organic producers and buyers worldwide. It's a proud partner of the New Hope Network, dedicated to the natural and organic products community.

Source: Food Industry Executive

Navigating POS and Card Processing Choices for Your Restaurant

Selecting the perfect POS system and card processor can be a daunting task for new restaurant owners. Recent discussions among restaurant professionals shed light on the complexities and considerations to keep in mind.

Key Insights:

• Cost Analysis: Detailed comparisons reveal significant variations in costs among providers like Helcim, Payment Depot, Finix, Clover, and Toast.
• Many restaurateurs emphasize balancing upfront costs with long-term fee structures. For instance, while some systems like Toast may offer lower per-transaction fees, they may require higher initial investments.
• User Experiences: Some owners praise Clover for its performance, while others caution about contractual obligations with systems like Shopify POS.
• One contributor shared extensive research, offering to provide more details on reliable processors, highlighting the importance of thorough investigation.

Considerations:

• POS Costs vs. Merchant Fees: It's crucial to evaluate both aspects to determine overall expenses.
• Staff Training and Support: Ensure that the chosen system is user-friendly and offers adequate support.
• Future Scalability: Consider whether the system can accommodate your business growth.

Making an informed decision on POS and card processing systems is essential for operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Essential Tips for New Restaurant Owners Facing Opening Day

Embarking on the journey of opening a new restaurant can be both exciting and overwhelming. Recent discussions among restaurant owners highlight common challenges and practical advice to navigate the crucial initial phase.

Key Challenges:

• Overwhelming Workload: Owners often find themselves juggling multiple roles, leading to stress and potential burnout.
• Staffing Concerns: Operating with minimal staff, such as just one person front-of-house and a chef in the kitchen, may not be sustainable during busy periods.

Valuable Advice:

• Soft Opening: Conducting a soft opening with friends and family can help identify and troubleshoot operational issues in a low-pressure setting.
• Adequate Staffing: Consider hiring additional staff to assist with cleanliness, service, and overall operations to ensure a smooth customer experience.
• Licensing and Compliance: Verify that all necessary permits, licenses, and health regulations are in order before opening.
• Operational Readiness: Thoroughly test equipment, POS systems, and software to prevent unforeseen problems during peak hours.
• Deep Cleaning: Prioritize cleaning all areas and equipment, including less visible spots, to meet health standards and make a good first impression.

Community Support:

• Engage with other restaurateurs and seek mentorship or advice from experienced professionals.
• Remember that preparation and attention to detail can significantly reduce stress and contribute to a successful launch.

Opening a restaurant is a monumental task, but with careful planning and support, you can set the stage for success!

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Mixed Reactions to QR Code Menu Solutions in Restaurants

A recent proposal for a dedicated QR code generator service for cafes and restaurants has sparked conversation among industry professionals. The service aims to offer customizable QR codes for menus, promotional offers, and even crypto payments.

Community Feedback:

• Overwhelming Skepticism: Many restaurateurs find the idea unnecessary, emphasizing that traditional printed menus are simpler and more customer-friendly.
• Ease of Use: Commenters point out that QR codes can be easily created without additional services, reducing the need for such a solution.
• Customer Experience: Some express a strong preference for physical menus, with one noting a reluctance to patronize establishments that rely solely on QR code menus.
• Practicality Concerns: The consensus is that traditional methods are more effective and less cumbersome, especially for customers who may not be tech-savvy.

While innovation is valuable, it's essential to consider both the operational benefits and the customer experience when implementing new technologies in hospitality.

Source: /r/Restaurant_Managers

Navigating Management Dynamics: A Young Female Manager's Perspective

A young female manager shares her challenges in overseeing male staff and feeling excluded from male-dominated social groups within the workplace. She seeks advice on asserting her authority and fostering a more inclusive environment.

Insights from the Community:

• Establishing Authority: Many suggest setting clear expectations and being consistent with rules and disciplinary actions to earn respect.
• Balancing Leadership Styles: The importance of combining firmness with support is highlighted, ensuring that staff feel both guided and valued.
• Building Relationships: Investing time in getting to know team members personally can help break down barriers and build trust.
• Leading by Example: Demonstrating strong work ethic and professionalism can inspire staff to follow suit.
• Addressing Gender Dynamics: Acknowledging the challenges of being a young female in a leadership role, some recommend seeking mentorship and developing strategies tailored to her specific situation.

By harnessing these strategies, she can enhance her managerial effectiveness and create a more cohesive team environment.

Source: /r/Restaurant_Managers

Injecting Fun into the Workplace: Strategies for Restaurant Managers

Creating a lively and enjoyable work environment can significantly boost team morale and enhance customer experiences. Restaurant managers share their favorite strategies to make work more fun for everyone.

Effective Approaches:

• Positive Check-Ins: Starting shifts by asking staff about their highlights encourages a positive mindset and strengthens team bonds.
• Lead by Example: Managers who actively participate in daily tasks foster a collaborative atmosphere.
• Sales Contests: Implementing friendly competitions, like rewarding the highest sales with a prize, motivates staff and adds excitement.
• Engagement Activities: Encouraging team members to assist in different roles promotes learning and teamwork.
• Creative Competitions: Hosting themed activities or contests can break down cliques and build camaraderie.
• Energy Boosts: Offering quick motivational drinks or snacks before shifts can elevate energy levels.
• Interactive Elements: Incorporating fun polls or engaging with customers in light-hearted ways enhances the dining experience.
• Themed Nights and Events: Organizing karaoke nights, trivia, or daily fun quotes keeps the atmosphere vibrant.

Impact on Business:

• Engaged and happy staff are more likely to provide excellent service, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Fun workplace initiatives can differentiate your establishment and create memorable experiences for guests.

By integrating these strategies, managers can cultivate a positive work culture that benefits both employees and patrons.

Source: /r/Restaurant_Managers

Subway's New Meal Deal Draws Mixed Reactions

Subway recently launched a Meal of the Day deal starting at $6.99, aiming to offer value to customers. However, Reddit users have expressed a range of opinions about this promotion.

Community Sentiments:

• Value Concerns: Many commenters feel that the deal doesn't offer sufficient value, especially when compared to past promotions like the $5 footlong.
• Quantity and Quality: Some users highlight that the portion sizes are too small, with one joking it's just "three bites" and a few chips.
• Comparisons to Competitors: A few find the $7 price point reasonable but prefer to spend their money at alternative eateries that offer better satisfaction.
• Nostalgia for Old Deals: There's a shared nostalgia for the discontinued $5 footlong, suggesting that current offerings don't meet former expectations.
• Quality Perceptions: Personal experiences of dissatisfaction with Subway's quality and pricing contribute to the lukewarm reception.

Overall, the new meal deal seems to fall short of reigniting enthusiasm among Subway's customer base, indicating a potential need for the brand to reassess its value propositions.

Source: /r/fastfood

Making Surprise Payments for Loved Ones at Restaurants

A Reddit user seeks advice on discreetly paying for their daughter's dinner as a surprise gesture. The community responds with enthusiasm, sharing experiences and practical tips.

Key Advice:

• Contact the Restaurant Directly: Reach out ahead of time to inform them of your plan; most establishments are happy to accommodate.
• Set a Spending Limit: To prevent unexpected high charges, specify a maximum amount you're willing to cover.
• Payment Logistics: Be prepared to provide credit card information over the phone or fill out a credit card authorization form to avoid fraud concerns.
• Alternative Options: Some suggest giving a gift card or cash to the daughter beforehand if logistical challenges arise.

Community Experiences:

• Many share positive stories where restaurants facilitated similar surprises smoothly.

Key Takeaway:

• Clear communication with the restaurant is essential to ensure the surprise goes off without a hitch and adheres to their policies.

Source: /r/restaurant

Digital Menu Systems: Are They Right for Your Restaurant?

A college student explores the feasibility of a new Digital Menu System designed to enhance ordering efficiency in restaurants and cafes. Seeking feedback from industry professionals, the concept receives critical scrutiny.

Community Feedback:

• Preference for Human Interaction: Many restaurateurs and diners value the personal touch that servers provide, fearing that digital systems detract from the dining experience.
• Limited Effectiveness: Examples of existing digital kiosks underperforming or being underutilized suggest potential challenges in adoption.
• Customer Alienation: Concerns arise that relying heavily on technology may alienate less tech-savvy customers or those who prefer traditional service.
• Possible Integrations: Some suggest that blending digital systems with human service might offer a balanced solution.

Consensus:

• While technology can streamline certain processes, the hospitality industry heavily relies on personal interaction. Any digital solutions must enhance, not replace, the human element to be successful.

Source: /r/restaurant

Debating Phone Order Surcharges in the Era of Online Ordering

A restaurant owner considers implementing surcharges for phone orders due to high call volumes and staffing constraints since adopting online ordering. The idea sparks a robust discussion among professionals.

Community Consensus:

• Against Surcharges: The majority advise against charging extra for phone orders, warning it could alienate customers and harm business.
• Customer Convenience: Emphasizing customer loyalty and convenience is crucial; adding fees might push patrons away.
• Alternative Solutions:
  • Hire Additional Staff: To manage call volumes more effectively.
  • Automated Systems: Use voicemail or automated messages to gently direct customers to online ordering without penalizing them.
  • Clear Communication: Encourage online orders through positive reinforcement rather than financial disincentives.

Key Takeaway:

• Prioritizing customer experience and finding operational efficiencies without imposing extra costs is recommended to maintain satisfaction and loyalty.

Source: /r/restaurant

Revitalizing a Dive Bar: Balancing Tradition and Modern Appeal

Seeking to improve an older dive bar, an owner asks for help with creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to attract new clients while keeping regulars happy.

Suggestions from the Community:

• Cleanliness is Key: Regular deep cleaning, including tap lines and bar surfaces, is essential.
• Engaging Staff: Friendly and attentive bartenders can greatly enhance the customer experience.
• Expanded Drink Menu: Introducing a variety of drinks, including house cocktails and signature specials, can attract a younger crowd.
• Community Events:
  • Trivia Nights
  • Live Music
  • Themed Events
• Such activities can liven up the atmosphere and draw in diverse patrons without losing the dive bar charm.

Balancing Act:

• Maintain the authentic feel that regulars love while making subtle improvements that appeal to new customers.
• Small changes can have a big impact without alienating the existing customer base.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Uniforms in Small Bars: To Wear or Not to Wear?

A bar owner considers implementing uniforms in a small neighborhood bar and seeks input on whether it's beneficial.

Community Insights:

• Maintaining the Vibe: Many believe that uniforms can disrupt the casual, welcoming atmosphere of a small bar, making it feel too corporate.
• Casual Coordination:
  • Some suggest a relaxed dress code, such as staff wearing their own clothes in specific colors (e.g., black) or branded apparel.
  • This approach allows for personal expression while maintaining some consistency.
• Merchandising Opportunities: Providing staff with shirts featuring the bar's logo can double as a way to promote merchandise sales.
• Staff Comfort:
  • Allowing bartenders to dress comfortably can enhance their performance and the overall customer experience.

Consensus:

• Uniforms are generally seen as unnecessary in small bar settings. A focus on personal style and comfort aligns better with the neighborhood vibe.

Source: /r/BarOwners

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