November 17th QSR Roundup: Red Lobster's Menu Overhaul, Charitable Marketing Strategies, and The Importance of Clear Communication in Restaurant Management

QSR news for Nov 17th, 2024. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 16 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 62 minutes. It'll take you only 6 minutes to catch up.

Red Lobster Revives Classics and Drops Famed Endless Shrimp

Red Lobster is shaking things up! Under new CEO Damola Adamolekun, they're saying goodbye to the Ultimate Endless Shrimp deal that led to bankruptcy woes. Instead, they're revamping their menu with seven new items and bringing back fan favorites like hush puppies and popcorn shrimp. They even tweaked their tartar sauce based on customer feedback.

• Flavor Flav's Big Order: In a humorous twist, rapper Flavor Flav tried to "save" Red Lobster by ordering the entire menu!
• Lobsterfest Lives On: Despite changes, Lobsterfest isn't going anywhere and will get even more promotional love.

Source: Salon

Innovative Marketing Meets Charity: Ideas for Restaurant Owners

Restaurant owners are exploring ways to boost sales while supporting local charities without breaking the bank. Here are some creative strategies:

• Sincere Support Over Marketing Stunts: Authenticity matters. Customers appreciate genuine charitable efforts.
• 'Points for Peace' Rewards Program: Let customers earn points they can donate to charities.
• Partner with Relevant Charities: Build long-term relationships with organizations that resonate with your demographic.
• Host Charity Events: Use downtime to host events like tap takeovers, with proceeds going to charity.

Highlight: Balancing business goals with heartfelt charity can boost sales and community goodwill.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Navigating Unpleasant Situations: Dealing with Odorous Guests

An Assistant General Manager faced a tricky situation when guests with strong odors bothered other diners. Here's how it unfolded:

• Corporate Policy Moves: Their regional manager advised moving other guests instead of confronting the smelly patrons.
• Community Insights:
  • Discretion is Key: Many agree on handling such matters politely to maintain a pleasant environment.
  • Varied Approaches: Some suggest direct eviction, especially if other customers are affected.
  • Reputation Matters: Allowing disturbances can lead to negative associations with the restaurant.

Takeaway: Striking the right balance between compassion and maintaining a comfortable atmosphere is crucial.

Source: /r/Restaurant_Managers

Kitchen Chaos: Allergies and Miscommunication

A gluten-free order gone wrong sparked tension between a supervisor and kitchen manager:

• Order Mishap: A server failed to note a severe gluten allergy, leading to a potential health hazard.
• Kitchen vs. Server: The kitchen blamed the server instead of addressing the immediate issue.
• Lack of Allergen Protocols: The kitchen manager showed unfamiliarity with gluten-free practices.

Community Advice:

• Clear Communication: Essential between front-of-house and kitchen staff.
• Accountability: Both sides need to take responsibility to ensure customer safety.
• Training Needed: Emphasize allergen awareness and proper protocols.

Source: /r/Restaurant_Managers

Fair Tip Distribution: A Manager's Dilemma

In California, a new manager strives to distribute cash tips fairly among bartenders but faces challenges:

• Conflict with Supervisor: The supervisor resists changes due to favoritism.
• Legal Concerns: Mismanaged tips can lead to wage theft claims.
• Solutions Suggested:
  • Implement a transparent system for tip distribution.
  • Use digital tools for accuracy.
  • Document meetings and policies.

Highlight: Fairness and transparency in tip handling boost staff morale and protect against legal issues.

Source: /r/Restaurant_Managers

National Fast Food Day: Deals You Don't Want to Miss! 🍔🎉

November 16th marks National Fast Food Day, and chains are rolling out exciting promotions:

• Jack in the Box: Offering a free ultimate cheeseburger with a drink purchase via their app.
• Customer Excitement: Fast food fans are eagerly planning to indulge in their favorites.
• Fun Fact: Some brag about eating 20 sliders in one sitting!

Enjoy the Deals: It's the perfect excuse to treat yourself to some guilty pleasures.

Source: /r/fastfood

Mystery Fees: California's Tourism Assessment Confusion

A small restaurant owner in North Hollywood is puzzled over a mandatory 'Tourism Assessment' fee:

• Unexpected Notice: The fee is based on gross revenue and tourism percentage for 'Visit California'.
• Skepticism Arises: Other local owners haven't heard of this fee.
• Possible Scam: Community suggests it might be illegitimate.

Advice:

• Verify with Authorities: Contact the Secretary of State and local officials.
• Check Exemptions: Businesses under a certain revenue might be exempt.

Source: /r/restaurant

Tipping Etiquette: Who Brings Back the Change?

A diner shares a confusing experience about tipping after paying in cash:

• The Incident: The server didn't return after taking the payment, leaving the customer unsure about leaving a tip.
• Community Consensus:
  • Communication is Key: Customers should indicate if they're waiting for change.
  • Standard Practice: Typically, the tip is left with the payment.

Remember: Clear interaction can prevent misunderstandings in hospitality settings.

Source: /r/restaurant

Calculating Labor Costs: Finding the True Percentage

A bar GM seeks accurate methods to calculate labor costs amid disagreements with owners:

• Owners Claim: 25% labor cost is too high.
• Calculation Methods:
  • Labor dollars divided by sales.
  • Adding approximately 5% to account for additional labor costs.
• Industry Standards:
  • Some suggest 30% is common for all-inclusive labor costs.

Insight: Understanding and tracking labor percentages is crucial for profitability.

Source: /r/BarOwners

The Hands-Off Approach: Managing Bars from Afar

Bar owners discuss the feasibility of minimal involvement:

• Various Experiences:
  • Some work as little as 5 hours a week.
  • Others emphasize the mental stress despite fewer physical hours.
• Key Strategies:
  • Trustworthy Managers: Hiring reliable staff is essential.
  • Delegation: Effective delegation helps avoid burnout.
  • Promotion from Within: Build a team that understands your business.

Tip: Balancing delegation with oversight can lead to successful hands-off management.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Celebrating Milestones: A 30-Day Anniversary Triumph 🎊

An excited bar owner shares their success story:

• Location: Atlanta, GA.
• Achievement: Opened a bar with a dining room and a full kitchen set to launch.
• Community Support: Grateful for the advice and assistance from fellow bar owners.

Congratulations: Building a business from the ground up is no small feat!

Source: /r/BarOwners

Workplace Harassment: Taking Immediate Action

A bar owner faces a serious issue when a bartender reports inappropriate behavior from a barback:

• Allegation: The barback tried to touch her but stopped when she said no.
• No Video Evidence: It's a matter of he said, she said.
• Community Recommendations:
  • Zero Tolerance: Many suggest terminating the barback to ensure safety.
  • Policy Importance: Have clear sexual harassment policies in place.
  • Documentation: Keep detailed records of incidents.

Priority: Safety and comfort of employees must come first to maintain a healthy work environment.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Compensating Bar Managers: Beyond the Basic Salary

Seeking ways to motivate a new bar manager, owners consider profit-based compensation:

• Community Advice:
  • Caution with Profit Sharing: May complicate things, especially with inexperienced managers.
  • Alternative Incentives:
    • Salary plus bonuses tied to specific metrics (labor costs, sales targets).
    • Bonuses ranging from 20-25% of the manager's salary.
    • Percentage of bar sales (typically 1-3%) based on performance.

Recommendation: Clear, measurable goals with attainable rewards can effectively motivate managers.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Broadcasting Big Fights: The Tyson vs. Paul Dilemma 🥊

Bar owners discuss the challenges of hosting pay-per-view fights:

• Cost Confusion: Fees vary widely, with some paying between $300 to $5,000.
• Provider Issues: Complaints about long waits and poor service from Joe Hand Productions.
• Legal Risks: Unauthorized streaming can lead to hefty fines.

Advice:

• Plan Ahead: Purchase PPV events early to avoid last-minute stress.
• Verify Costs: Ensure you have accurate pricing based on your capacity.
• Avoid Illegal Streams: The risks outweigh the benefits.

Source: /r/BarOwners

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