How to Open Champagne Pouring some bubbly champagne is a great way to help your customers and guests celebrate momentous occasions. But how do you open a bottle of champagne without sending the cork flying and the contents pouring out? Though it provides an eye-catching effect, it is not the proper way to open bottles… read more

History will show that COVID was the line of demarcation for the hospitality industry in the 21st century. In almost every conversation I have with other industry professionals, someone will say “before COVID….” or “since COVID….” As a matter of fact, in many of my articles I make the same comparison. Since COVID, technology in… read more

The mayor called it ‘the right thing for wage fairness.’ Seattle will no longer use the tip credit come 2025, becoming one of the latest markets to opt for full minimum wage pay for tipped employees. Washington State doesn’t have a tip credit—a policy that allows employers to pay tipped employees less than the regular… read more

Attracting and retaining top talent is a widespread restaurant industry challenge. What can operators do to address this problem? In this Q&A, Travis Larrier, Solutions and Strategy Director at InStride, provides insights on how investing in employee education can give a boost to talent acquisition and retention strategies. Drawing from his experience working with organizations… read more

“We will be the number one restaurant in the world.” That’s what restauranteur Will Guidara wrote on a cocktail napkin whilst sitting in a hotel bar after the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony in 2010. That year, Guidara’s Eleven Madison Park in New York had placed last on the list. There was nothing… read more

The viral egg flight trend on TikTok is bringing attention once again to the idea of tempting diners with a variety of small, themed tastes. Trios of mini martinis, wine pours and craft beer samples have long been popular in restaurants and bars as a way for guests to explore a variety of tastes in… read more

In the competitive restaurant industry, creating a memorable and immersive experience for your patrons is key to building a loyal customer base. One method that builds brand loyalty in a way that appeals to our customers’ longing for sensory-rich experiences is through scent marketing. What Is Scent Marketing? Orange slices with a bottle of fragrance…. read more

More people are sober curious so what should restaurants do to meet this customer desire? According to a 2024 report from NCSolutions, 41 percent of Americans are trying to drink less alcohol – a trend driven by Gen Z (61 percent) and Millennials (49 percent) who say it’s for both physical and mental wellness reasons…. read more

Lead more effectively by embracing self-compassion as an opportunity for growth and connection, writes Massimo Backus. In a world that often equates leadership with relentless drive and perfectionism, it’s time for a new approach. As someone who has spent over 15 years in leadership development, I’ve witnessed the immense pressure that leaders place on themselves… read more