Prior to 1993, the Federal Tax deduction rate for business meals was set at a reasonable 80% of the total cost. Since then, the rate has been set at a lowly 50%, creating a vast distinction between all other business expenses which are set at 100%. Many small business owners and restaurateurs see this disparity as a cause for complaint.  
 
The National [...]

If you have dined out at any major restaurant chain in the last several months (think T.G.I.Friday’s, P.F. Chang’s, The Cheesecake Factory, or California Pizza Kitchen just to name a few), you might have noticed a significant addition to their menus; the implementation of healthier options for which to choose. Coincidence? Not hardly. As part of the new Healthcare Reform Package just [...]

The current law pertaining to the usage of gift cards can vary depending on the store or restaurant’s policy where the gift card is being redeemed or purchased.  However, this freedom on behalf of the retailer and/or restaurateur in creating their own rules  is dangerously close to being revoked.  With the recent proposal for legislation by Senator Ellen Corbett, she hopes to mandate that restaurants be [...]

The Holiday season means many things to many people, but for restaurateurs it is all about hosting the Holiday Party!  Hosting Holiday parties at your restaurant can be a fantastic way to boost both your brand and your cash flow.  However, in order to reap the financial rewards you must be sure to manage these [...]

With the current economic conditions, the restaurant industry has been struggling with declining check averages and high commodity prices, especially the fine dining business. So how can a restaurateur balance the desire to serve the best cuisine while also maintaining a tightly run restaurant? The most important thing to remember as a restaurat owner, is that you are first and foremost a buisness operation that is in need of strong financial management.

Many times restaurants have fantastic food and high guest counts, but suffer because of poor financial oversight. Operators have found that there are many accounting services specifically dedicated to the restaurant industry which help to efficiently manage the financial aspects of their restaurant so they can put their focus back on the food and guest experience.

 
Restaurants are always looking for new ways to offset the rising costs of operations.  However, one of the best ways, and many times overlooked, is to provide a catering option for your restaurant.  Catering can be a profitable venture if done correctly.  You have a confirmed head count and confirmed dollars spent, a sort of [...]

You may have thought it was just a fad, but the fact is that Twitter seems to be a new media source that is going to be around for awhile.  However, for the restaurant business, this may be a good thing.  Twitter has found a new way to provide customer interaction and has provided a [...]

With the upcoming flu season and the potential spread of the H1N1, ‘Swine’ Flu this fall, restaurants need to start acting now to prevent any potential spread of the illness to your establishment. Are you prepared?

Restaurants of today cannot rely on foot traffic alone to sustain the clientele needed for a successful business. Now may be the ideal time to look into creating a Member Rewards Program to gain a strong repeat client base while also rewarding those customers who may soon become your ‘regulars.’