💸 Can restaurants afford to pay mandated wage hikes?
Will higher wages in California improve restaurant employee satisfaction and retention? And what does it all mean for the rest of the country? Pull up a chair for today's edition of The Prep.
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Will higher wages in California improve restaurant employee satisfaction and retention? And what does it all mean for the rest of the country? Pull up a chair for today's edition of The Prep.
On the menu:
🍽️ Columbus, Ohio steals foodie scene
🤝 Tips to boost employee trust
💻 Transforming AI into an asset
👨👩👧👦 Embracing family-friendly menus
Will raise hikes help retain restaurant employees?
Starting April 1st, the minimum wage for most quick-serve restaurant workers in California increased to $20 per hour. Industry reports anticipated this change and suggested adaptation options for restaurants. These included adjusting menu prices, modifying operational hours, and exploring automation for managing labor costs. California's move highlights the potential for similar minimum wage increases nationwide. By staying informed and planning ahead, restaurants can navigate such changes more effectively.
Learn more at Nation’s Restaurant News.
Demystifying AI in food service
🎧 The Restaurant Technology Guys, Episode 222
Matt Wampler of Clear Cogs, a company offering AI-powered solutions to the restaurant industry, shares his insights into how AI revolutionizes restaurant operations. He says that modern technology helps leverage data to improve restaurant efficiency in three crucial areas:
Food cost management
Labor optimization
Food quality
Listen to the full episode.
Turning slow weeknights into revenue wins
A recent study found that 68% of families with children dine out at least once a week. Restaurants can attract more customers and increase revenue by creating a welcoming atmosphere with kid-friendly menus and amenities. Advertise special offers on slower weeknights dedicated to families, such as discounted kids' meals, family platters, or free coloring supplies. By catering to the needs of this loyal demographic, restaurants can attract more families and enjoy an increase in sales.
Learn more at Modern Restaurant Management.
Taking a bite out of TikTok
TikTok is THE platform to consider if you want to reach a younger audience and boost your restaurant's social media presence. To succeed on TikTok, showcase your menu visually, create interactive challenges, partner with local influencers, and embrace humor and lightheartedness. Incorporating these strategies can help your restaurant become a viral sensation on the platform, attracting new customers and boosting brand awareness.
Get more tips at QSRweb.
How to cultivate trust with your restaurant staff
Employee trust and team spirit are essential for a healthy work environment. A recent study shows that various forms of "clutter" within a restaurant can hinder communication and create a chaotic work environment, leading to low employee morale. To address this issue, prioritize clarity in communication, empower your employees through development, streamline workloads, and prioritize goals. Following these strategies can foster trust, communication, and collaboration and promote employee growth and well-being.
Learn more at Fast Company.
Reimagining Southern comfort food
Columbus, Ohio, has recently emerged as a top destination for food travel in 2024. This unexpected gem boasts a vibrant restaurant scene that offers diverse flavors to satisfy your cravings. If you're in the mood for bold, try Chef BJ Lieberman's jerk guinea hen with yuca hash at Hiraeth. And if you're looking for comforting Southern classics with a twist, Modern Southern Table offers a fresh take on familiar favorites like fried chicken and gumbo. Columbus promises to redefine your expectations of Midwestern cuisine.
A pinch of this and that
💥 Texas leads U.S. food-tech boom
🥒 BJ's gambles BIG on dessert pickles?
🍩 Now serving Krispy Kreme (@ McDonald's!)
🎡 London sets towering tiramisu world record
👑 Shake Shack shakes up leadership
From consumer trends to emerging technology that will improve your operations -- The Prep offers weekly insight into what is driving the bar and restaurant industries.
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We’re looking forward to connecting with you each week – thanks for coming to the table for The Prep.
