Restaurant Idea Factory: Recent Episodes
Restaurant Idea Factory
Restaurant Idea Factory is a new media company that brings together three of the top minds and content creators in modern hospitality to help break down ways to improve the restaurant industry.
Tip of the spear is a weekly news, tech, innovation, education and entertainment series, Co-Hosted by Shawn Walchef of Restaurant Influencers & Digital Hospitality; Kyle Inserra, The National Restaurant Owners Podcast; and Jensen Cummings, Best Served Podcast.
The three hosts come together from across the country (San Diego, Denver, New York City)
RIF027: Rick Bayless On The Bear, Alternative Meats In Restaurants, NextBite Acquisition
📸 ENTERTAINMENT FEED
Rick Bayless Rips ‘The Bear’ for Glorifying the Ugliness of Restaurants by Ashok Selvam - Eater
READ HERE
📣 GUEST EXPERIENCE presented by Ovation
Alternative Meats
Yo Egg: The Plant-Based Egg That Can Actually Be Poached by David Tran - Daily Meal
READ HERE
Meet Land Lovers: A Startup Looking to Disrupt the US Meat Market With the “Most Realistic Plant-Based Steak” by Vegconomist
READ HERE
Cell-cultivated meat has been approved for sale for the first time in the United States by Joanna Fantozzi - Restaurant Hospitality
READ HERE
💰MARKET WATCH
Sam Nazarian buys food tech company Nextbite by Isabella Farr - The Real Deal
READ HERE
⭐️ READING REVIEWS presented by Marqii
Reviewing the Restaurant Idea Factory Podcast
📲 TECH STACK
Toast adds 99-cent customer online ordering fee by Julie Littman - Restaurant Dive
Why DoorDash & CloudKitchens Are Building POS Systems by Matt Newberg - HNGRY TV READ HERE
Thank you to our segment partners Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
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@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
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@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
RIF026: Keith Lee Feud, Netflix Bites In LA, Restaurant Uses Priest To Scam Employees
🤖 ROBOTIC REVELATION
“Austin” by Serve Robotics gets knocked over and looted on a delivery run
WATCH
Nala Robotics Introduces Autonomous Bowl Bot and Sandwich Bot
Sandwich Bot can prepare nearly any type of sandwich from 48 choices of meats, vegetables and cheeses – all within a 16’ x 12’ space.
Within a 10’x10’ footprint, Bowl Bot can prepare Bowls from 28 ingredients of bases, proteins and toppings.
READ HERE
📸 ENTERTAINMENT FEED
Netflix plans to serve up food to eat, not just watch
On June 30, Netflix Bites will open in Los Angeles and will feature food from the chefs you’ve come to love on the smaller screen from shows like “Chef’s Table,” “Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend,” and “Is It Cake?”
From Iron Chef, Curtis Stone, Dominique Crenn, Ming Tsai and Andrew Zimmern. From “Chef’s Table,” Rodney Scott and Ann Kim will contribute. Nadiya Hussain of “Nadiya Bakes,” is involved, as is Jacques Torres of “Nailed It!”
Drinks will be created by Frankie Solarik, Julie Reiner, LP O’Brien and Kate Gerwin of “Drink Masters.”
READ HERE
MrBeast says he's 'moving on' from MrBeast Burger
In now-deleted tweets, the YouTube star said quality-control problems with the virtual band are hurting his image. But shutting it down entirely may be out of his hands.
Jimmy Donaldson wrote that he wanted to shut down MrBeast Burger, “but the company I partnered with won’t let me stop even though it’s terrible for my brand.
READ HERE
📣 GUEST EXPERIENCE presented by Ovation
The one word, the secret ingredient to a phenomenal guest experience, “Caring”! Caring, not “Karen”!!
💰MARKET WATCH
Olo lays off 81 people as part of reorganization by Joe Guszkowski
The company is ironing out complexities that resulted from acquiring Wisely and launching a payments product. It’s also hiring a COO.
The company’s existing “Business Units” will be narrowed down to three core segments: Order, Pay and Engage.
As part of the restructuring, Olo is hiring a chief operating officer. Joanna “Jo” Lambert, who was most recently a strategic advisor to Yahoo and has held senior executive roles at PayPal, Venmo and American Express
READ HERE
💡 EMPHASIZING TEAMS
Calif. restaurants used a bogus priest to learn of worker 'sins' like stealing
Taqueria Garibaldi used the ruse to learn of such confessed infractions as fudging hours, according to a Department of Labor investigation.
“Under oath, an employee of Taqueria Garibaldi explained how the restaurant offered a supposed priest to hear their workplace ‘sins’ while other employees reported that a manager falsely claimed that immigration issues would be raised”… by the Department of Labor
READ HERE
🎬 TALK TIK TOK
Keith Lee has beef with Chicken Fire after owner goes on offensive with attacks on social media of Lee’s review of the restaurant
WATCH HERE
Does using “Keith Lee’s” name on your restaurant order help you get better food? Keith explores this suggested approach.
WATCH HERE
⭐️ READING REVIEWS presented by Marqii
Thank you to our segment partners Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
/Restaurant Idea Factory on LinkedIn
@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
RIF025: Pizza Robot Fails, ChatGPT Menu Testing, Remote Work Effects On Restaurants
🎬 TALK TIK TOK
Is Zukku Sushi using ChatGPT for menu development or just for quality content?
🤖 ROBOTIC REVELATION
Four Lessons From the Demise of Zume by Michael Wolf - The Spoon
Zume, the company famous mostly for raising a whole bunch of money for its pizza robot & cook-on-the-road food trucks concept, has shut down.
This comes after burning through $450 million to build a food automation and delivery tech business, the company pivoted to a completely different business in sustainable packaging.
READ HERE
📣 GUEST EXPERIENCE presented by Ovation
Valid vs Fake Customer Complaints - Out of 100 guests that complain, how many are trying to screw you over?
💰MARKET WATCH
Flipdish eyes profitability as it makes acquisition by CHARLIE TAYLOR - Business Post
Irish tech unicorn has acquired point-of-sales firm Jinoby and is rolling out what it calls a complete restaurant management system
READ HERE
Bill is introduced to bring down restaurants' swipe fees By Peter Romeo - Restaurant Business Online
The Credit Card Competition Act of 2023, aims to bring down what are now restaurants’ third-highest cost by fostering competition for the two dominant processors, the networks of MasterCard and Visa.
The finance giants’ cards are used in an estimated 80% of all transactions within the U.S. that involve a credit card.
READ HERE
💤 SLEEP AT NIGHT presented by Davo
What is a restaurant accountant's job? And what is not?
📍GET REAL
How remote work has changed the restaurant business By Joe Guszkowski - Restaurant Business Online
Big city downtowns may never be the same. But smaller communities are booming, creating new opportunities for operators.
According to data from pedestrian traffic researcher MRI Springboard, foot traffic in U.S. city downtowns was down 23% during January through May compared to the same period in 2019.
READ HERE
Thank you to our segment partners Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
/Restaurant Idea Factory on LinkedIn
@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
RIF024: Leading Food Poisoning Cause, Gunman In Restaurant, UberEats Robots
🚗 DELIVERY DIARIES
Robert Earl’s virtual restaurants grow as others fall by the wayside READ HERE
📣 GUEST EXPERIENCE presented by Ovation
David v Goliath - Independent operations can slay the giant (corporations) with speed and agility
🤖 ROBOTIC REVELATION
Uber Eats to expand use of delivery robots By Joe Guszkowski - Restaurant Business Online READ HERE
💤 SLEEP AT NIGHT presented by Davo
Equipment Maintenance - It's built to last, until it doesn’t. And it’s always on a Friday night. These are the horrors of equipment failures. So what do we need to do to ensure we have the proper equipment and care maintenance?
💡 EMPHASIZING TEAMS
NYC SHOOTING
GUNMAN OPENS FIRE IN RESTAURANT ...
Patrons Duck, Run for Cover - TMZ WATCH HERE
When disaster hits, restaurant families have a new place to turn By Peter Romeo - Restaurant Business Online READ HERE
Sick workers tied to 40% of restaurant food poisoning outbreaks, CDC says By JONEL ALECCIA - AP News READ HERE
⭐️ READING REVIEWS presented by Marqii
How do you respond to reviews that mention your competitors? Dave’s Hot Chicken has to compete with Nashville hot chicken legends, Hattie B’s, Bolton’s and Prince’s
🤝 EATER ETIQUETTE
Want a higher average check? Get diners to stay longer By Rich Shank - Restaurant Business Online READ HERE
Thank you to our segment partners Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
/Restaurant Idea Factory on LinkedIn
@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
RIF023: QR Code Menus, Kevin Hart Vegan Restaurant, Is Tipping Out Of Control
📸 ENTERTAINMENT FEED
Kevin Hart’s Plant-Based Chain Is Coming Straight for Hollywood’s Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out by Mona Holmes - Eater LA READ HERE
⭐️ READING REVIEWS presented by Marqii
Should you edit your review responses
💡 EMPHASIZING TEAMS
This Classic San Francisco Steakhouse Will Pay $200K to Workers After Wage Theft Allegations By Paolo Bicchieri - Eater SF READ HERE
📲 TECH STACK
ChatGPT's first restaurant job could be in HR By Joe Guszkowski - Restaurant Business Online READ HERE
💤 SLEEP AT NIGHT presented by Davo
Handling Employee Turnover
🤖 ROBOTIC REVELATION
Miso Robotics Announces Ecolab Partnership And Investment by PR Newswire - AI thority READ HERE
📣 GUEST EXPERIENCE presented by Ovation
Best Use of AI at National Restaurant Association Show
🤝 EATER ETIQUETTE
The Murky Future of QR Code Menus By Angela L. Pagán - The Takeout READ HERE
The Tipping Economy: Is Tipping Out Of Control? by Shep Hyken - Forbes READ HERE
Thank you to our segment partners Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
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@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
RIF022: Tik Tok Ban, 2023 National Restaurant Association Show, Bottle Rocket Digital Accelerator
2023 National Restaurant Association Show Special Report
Nation’s Restaurant News parent company Informa acquires Winsight, owner of National Restaurant Association Show READ HERE
Top Stories from 2023 National Restaurant Association Show - Kyle & Shawn freestyle about their experience at the show
📣 GUEST EXPERIENCE presented by Ovation
A.I. suggestions for guest feedback
🎬 TALK TIK TOK
Montana becomes the first state to ban TikTok By Ayana Archie - NPR READ HERE
💰MARKET WATCH
Bottle Rocket launches a digital accelerator for restaurants that streamlines the development processes and cost by up to 40% - PR Newswire READ HERE
Yahoo Finance - Mediterranean restaurant chain Cava files for IPO READ HERE
💤 SLEEP AT NIGHT presented by Davo
The Importance of permits and licenses for a restaurant
💡 EMPHASIZING TEAMS
Beard Awards disqualify an Alabama chef over ethics rules by Tim Carman - Washington Post READ HERE
🤖 ROBOTIC REVELATION
Wendy's to test an underground robot delivery system by Dan Eaton - Austin Business Journal READ HERE
Thank you to our segment partners Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
/Restaurant Idea Factory on LinkedIn
@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
RIF021: Plato Robot vs Restaurant Short Staffing, Iowa Child Labor Bill, Getting Featured In Movies
🚗 DELIVERY DIARIES
DoorDash pushes back against inflated delivery prices READ HERE
Deliverect acquires ChatFood to enable orders via social media By Joe Guszkowski - Restaurant Business Online READ HERE
💤 SLEEP AT NIGHT
Original Quiznos closes for non-payment of taxes by Denver Gazette
📸 ENTERTAINMENT FEED
Americans want to see their favorite brands in movies, research finds. READ HERE
💡 EMPHASIZING TEAMS
Senate passes bill loosening child labor laws to let Iowa teens work longer hours by Stephen Gruber-Miller - Des Moines Register READ HERE
⭐️ READING REVIEWS
A restaurant review that will leave you speechless
🤖 ROBOTIC REVELATION
United Robotics Group’s New Plato ‘Cobiot’ Promises Efficient and Productive Solutions to Short-Staffed US Restaurants By Total Food Service READ HERE
Sweetgreen's robotic Infinite Kitchen is finally open By Lisa Jennings - Restaurant Business Online READ HERE
Thank you to our segment partners Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
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@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
📲 TECH STACK
He Started Resy: Now He Wants You to Take Restaurant NFTs Seriously by @lucasfortney - Eater New York. Blackbird, a new loyalty platform backed by Resy co-founder Ben Leventhal, is coming for New York restaurants
Inside fast casual innovator Sweetgreen’s efforts to rebuild its loyalty program by Sam Oches - Nation’s Restaurant News
📣 GUEST EXPERIENCE
Zack asks how you feel about a certain four letter F-word?
🏆 GAME TIME
Have you been to an athlete endorsed spot that you would recommend?
Pro Bowl Linebacker and NFL Vet Jaylon Smith Partnering With JINYA Ramen Bar - RestaurantNews.com
Big Chicken team includes Shaq, JRS Hospitality, an accomplished Las Vegas-based ownership group; Authentic Brands Group, a multi-national, multi-billion-dollar brand development, marketing and entertainment company who has over 9000 units in 150 countries, $24 billion in sales.
Cupcake Guys - Gigi’s Cupcakes - Former Tennessee Titans teammates Michael Griffin, Brian Orakpo - Michael bakes, Brian decorates
💤 SLEEP AT NIGHT
David says having restaurant insurance is the cost of doing business, just in case you need to pay for lawyers
💡EMPHASIZING TEAMS
Employees Allege Rampant Workplace Harassment From Boston Restaurant Icon Barbara Lynch by Erika Adams - Eater Boston
Two separate reports published by the New York Times and the Boston Globe include accusations of explosive outbursts and inappropriate physical contact from Lynch
⭐️ READING REVIEWS
Avi wants to know if we can spot the bot in restaurant review responses?
🚫 SEND IT BACK
Man Arrested After $3M Worth Of Drugs Shipped To Restaurant by The Associated Press
Michelin star chef inspired to add ‘fish semen’ to the menu at high-end restaurant
🍕 PIZZA PRESS
Google game - “Pizza delivery driver….” - kinda like starting a google search with “A Florida Man”
Family raises over $250,000 for a Domino’s driver who fell while delivering pizza
Brookhaven, PA Pizza delivery driver trips suspect, ending high speed police chase - Cocco’s Pizza
Pizza Delivery Driver Faces Steep Bills, Long Recovery After Being Shot In West Humboldt Park
Thank you to our segment partners Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
/Restaurant Idea Factory on LinkedIn
@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
Welcome into the Restaurant Idea Factory, your source for all the latest and greatest restaurant industry news, trends, and topics.
This week, we discuss
Darden completes acquisition of Ruth's Chris Steak House in a move that expands its portfolio and strengthens its position in the casual dining sector READ HERE
Crumbs Bake Shop, which was once valued at $66 million, is bought back by its founders for just $300, marking a surprising turn of events for the popular bakery chain READ HERE
How big of a missed opportunity is not responding to glowing reviews
Fast food chains Carl's Jr. and Hardee's are set to introduce AI-powered drive-thru ordering systems nationwide, with the aim of improving speed and efficiency for customers READ HERE
A major Hardee's franchisee files for bankruptcy and closes 39 restaurants due to financial difficulties and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic READ HERE
The importance of budgeting for fluctuating utilities when you own a restaurant
Reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump is accused of lying about a rent increase at her restaurant, PUMP, by the landlord who claims she actually failed to pay rent for several months READ HERE
What ChatGPT thinks the most important aspect of the guest experience is
Pizza Forno, an automated and robotic pizzeria vending machine, opens in Atlanta offering customers a convenient and contactless way to order fresh and hot pizza READ HERE
Thank you to our segment partners Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
/Restaurant Idea Factory on LinkedIn
@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
RIF018: Emerging Restaurant Robots, Survivorship Bias, Legality of Dual Jobs
Welcome into the Restaurant Idea Factory, your source for all the latest and greatest restaurant industry news, trends, and topics.
This week, we discuss
The biggest mistake to avoid when creating a new restaurant brand featuring advice from industry professionals on what pitfalls to avoid when developing a successful restaurant concept READ HERE
Ways that restaurant owners and managers can reduce the disconnect between online reviews and in person experiences
The robotic revelation that is currently sweeping the hospitality industry READ HERE
Things to look out for when singing a restaurant lease, including Common Area Maintenance charges
How people have worse experiences when getting delivery and how you can own that relationship
How restaurants are adapting their marketing strategies to appeal to the unique preferences of the younger generation READ HERE
For videos of each segment head over to Restaurant Idea Factory‘s YouTube page!
Thank you to our segment partners Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
/Restaurant Idea Factory on LinkedIn
@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
RIF017: All-Electric Chipotle, Restaurant Loans, When To Send A Dish Back
Welcome into the Restaurant Idea Factory, your source for all the latest and greatest restaurant industry news, trends, and topics.
This week, we discuss
Baseball concessionaires adapting to shorter games, a brief look at how food and beverage vendors at baseball stadiums are adjusting to the trend of shorter games. READ HERE
Get a taste of the 2023 Masters: food, beverage, and package prices READ HERE
How you can create forever fans of your restaurant with something as easy as responding to feedback
How Chipotle is introducing a new all-electric restaurant design to reduce emissions to become more sustainable READ HERE
Prioritizing Second Gen over other key metrics for restaurant real estate
Where and how to get capital or loans to help start your restaurant
How a restaurant review has driven your dining decision
11 signs it’s okay to send a dish back at a restaurant READ HERE
How tipping affects your service at a bar or restaurant WATCH
The different type of people you see as a host at a restaurant WATCH
For videos of each segment head over to Restaurant Idea Factory‘s YouTube page!
Thank you to our segment partners Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
/Restaurant Idea Factory on LinkedIn
@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
Welcome into the Restaurant Idea Factory, your source for all the latest and greatest restaurant industry news, trends, and topics.
This week, we discuss
How CloudChef uses AI technology to digitize cooking and create machine-readable recipe files, with the potential to revolutionize the restaurant industry by allowing anyone to create restaurant-quality dishes at home. READ HERE
The importance of publicly responding to a negative 1-star review about your restaurant as it shows your commitment to customer satisfaction and allows you to address any issues and improve your business
A Tik Tok that shows how most chain restaurants are just a different cuisine Applebee’s
How the little things go a long way both in life and in the restaurant industry
Olo partnering with DeliverThat, allowing customers to take catering to new heights READ HERE
The importance of the landlord and tenant relationship in the restaurant industry
How more than 50% of the $2.9 trillion in commercial mortgages will need to be renegotiated in the next 24 months when new lending rates are likely to be up by 350 to 450 basis points
For videos of each segment head over to Restaurant Idea Factory‘s YouTube page!
Thank you to our segment partners Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
/Restaurant Idea Factory on LinkedIn
@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
Tik Tok seems to be taking over our restaurant news feed, and guess what we have to say about it?
RIF015: James Beard and Google Food Hall, Julia Roberts at Your Restaurant, Bartaco 5-Star Review
Welcome into the Restaurant Idea Factory, your source for all the latest and greatest restaurant industry news, trends, and topics.
This week, we discuss
The James Beard Foundation and Google have teamed up to open a massive food hall in NYC's Pier 57, called Market 57, featuring a diverse array of culinary offerings from both established and up-and-coming chefs. READ HERE
How understanding the lifetime value of a guest in your restaurant can help you improve customer retention, increase revenue and drive long-term success.
Panera Bread tests Amazon palm scanning technology as a payment method in select stores for customer convenience and experience. READ HERE
By taking a proactive approach to sales tax compliance and staying up-to-date with regulations, businesses can avoid costly penalties and interest charges in the future.
Starbucks barista's strategy of locking the doors before closing time to avoid last-minute orders from large groups has sparked debate among customers and employees alike. READ HERE
How to respond to a review 5-star review featuring a review on bartaco
For videos of each segment head over to Restaurant Idea Factory‘s YouTube page!
Thank you to our segment partners Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
/Restaurant Idea Factory on LinkedIn
@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
Basically an episode about pizza and sports. You’re welcome!!
RIF014: International Pizza Expo, Aaron Judge Yankees Burger, Uber Eats Removes Thousands of Virtual Restaurants
Welcome into the Restaurant Idea Factory, your source for all the latest and greatest restaurant industry news, trends, and topics.
This week, we discuss
The New York Yankees unveil their new stadium food menu, featuring the 99 burger and other unique food offerings to enhance the fan experience READ HERE
The controversial issue of restaurant worker tips and tip pooling, including the benefits and drawbacks of these practices and how they affect restaurant workers and customers alike
How Uber Eats is taking action against redundant and poorly rated virtual brands on its platform in an effort to improve the quality and variety of offerings available to customers. READ HERE
How customers are more likely to share negative experiences and outstanding experiences more than they would if they get what they expect
The anatomy of a great review response
And a round-up of pizza-related news stories from various regions of the United States
For videos of each segment head over to Restaurant Idea Factory‘s YouTube page!
Thank you to our segment partners Jordan at 7Shifts, Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
/Restaurant Idea Factory on LinkedIn
@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
If you’re interested in the words “future”, “transparency”, and “dynamic pricing” within the hospitality industry, this episode is for you.
RIF013: Restaurant of the Future, Open-Book Management, Dynamic Pricing
This week we discuss
Noodles & Company plans to test a dynamic menu pricing model in select markets, aiming to boost sales and attract customers in a fiercely competitive restaurant industry. READ
The increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in restaurant technology highlights the importance of balancing technology with the human element to deliver exceptional customer experiences
How Olo is envisioning the restaurant of the future featuring innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and personalized dining experiences
Cyrus, a restaurant in Geyserville, California, has reopened after 10 years with a fresh approach to fine dining, placing employee satisfaction at the forefront and prioritizing quality of life and work over achieving Michelin stars, resulting in the business becoming leaner and more streamlined, while increasing employee salaries and benefits READ
How transparency in the workplace can create a stronger team culture, increase employee buy-in and satisfaction, and improve financial literacy in this discussion on the benefits of transparency in the restaurant industry
The service recovery paradox, the phenomenon where unhappy customers who receive good service recovery are more likely to become loyal to the business than those who were never dissatisfied in the first place
How out of stocks are still a major issue for major food houses causing restaurant owners who have contracts with US Foods to resort to price shopping from multiple suppliers to meet their needs
For videos of each segment head over to Restaurant Idea Factory‘s YouTube page!
Thank you to our segment partners Jordan at 7Shifts, Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
/Restaurant Idea Factory on LinkedIn
@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
What do speculative banking, sales tax, robots in LA, and thank you notes have in common? Tune in.
RIF012: SVB Causes Restaurant Chain To Miss Payroll, Food Delivery Robot, Brand Loyalty
In this week’s episode we discuss
11:05 - Failing to pay your sales tax could lead to a state tax auditor estimating the amount owed by counting guests on a Saturday night
19:54 - The biggest obstacles that keep restaurateurs from engaging with their guest online and responding to reviews
32:57 - How Sweetfin, Stellar Pizza, and Curbivore are utilizing cost-saving robotics strategies to improve their restaurant operations and enhance the customer experience READ HERE
40:12 - how to build brand loyalty by consistently delivering quality products or services, providing excellent customer service, and engaging with your audience through social media and other marketing channels
50:33 - the ongoing staffing challenges that restaurants face and the critical role of building a positive team culture in attracting and retaining talented employees in this insightful article
1:00:19 - How Fry the Coop restaurant workers in Chicago were impacted by the recent failure of Silicon Valley Bank to process payroll, leading to financial strain and concerns about the banking system's reliability for small businesses READ HERE
Thank you to our segment partners Jordan at 7Shifts, Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
/Restaurant Idea Factory on LinkedIn
@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
Have You Seen How The Past, Present, and Future Of The Restaurant Industry Seem To Be Colliding In 2023?
RIF011: 2023 State Of Hospitality Staffing, Renewing Liquor License, Restaurant Legacy
In this week’s episode we discuss
6:00 - the latest insights and trends on the state of hospitality staffing in 2023 from Instawork's comprehensive report HERE
12:27 - The embarrassing situations of having to pay your sales tax late in order to renew your liquor license to stay in business
23:47 - How you should build authenticity into your brand all the way down to the packaging
35:30 - How restaurants can utilize technology to implement flexible and predetermined schedules to make their teams lives easier
44:18 - How extremely good customer service can lead to fiver star reviews even from someone you didn’t allow into the bar
56:18 - YouTube sensation MrBeast's recent request to his fans to clean up Feastables chocolate bar displays at Walmart highlights the power of influencer marketing and its impact on corporate social responsibility READ HERE
Thank you to our segment partners Jordan at 7Shifts, Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
@RestaurantIdeafactory on Tik Tok
/Restaurant Idea Factory on LinkedIn
@RestaurantIdeaFactory on YouTube
Where Is The Investment and Attention In The Future Of The Hospitality Industry?
RIF010: Meet ADAM The Boba Tea Barista Robot, Restaurants Need To Answer The Damn Phone, What Level In Hospitality Did 9/10 Owners Start Out At?
Welcome into the Restaurant Idea Factory, your source for all the latest and greatest restaurant industry news, trends, and topics.
This week, we discuss
11:02 How sales tax payments keep restaurant owners up at night
18:22 The most outlandish restaurant reviews on the internet
24:01 A robot named 'Adam' that can create customizable Boba tea drinks, and be programmed to be a bartender or sous chef READ HERE
37:06 How 9/10 restaurant owners started their career at entry level positions in the restaurant industry
48:59 Actor Jay Harrington talks about his journey from Hollywood to becoming the owner of Santa Monica's popular pizza spot, Rock'n Pies, and his plans for expanding the restaurant's franchise, as featured in a Los Angeles Eater article READ HERE
56:09 How answering the phone is an Achilles heel for restaurants and hurts the guest experience
Thank you to our segment partners Jordan at 7Shifts, Zack at Ovation, Avi at Marqii and David at DAVO
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
/RestaurantIdeaFactory
@Restaurant Idea Factory
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It’s Not Celebrity Chefs That Make The Restaurant Industry What It Is, Unsung Hospitality Heroes Do, Acknowledge Them
RIF009: James Beard Nominee Wants To Share Spotlight, Hispanic Food Vendor Bullied Over $7 Hot Dog, What Does Restaurant Tech “Integration” Actually Mean
Welcome into the Restaurant Idea Factory, your source for all the latest and greatest restaurant industry news, trends, and topics.
This week, we discuss
12:50 - Restaurants across the US are experimenting with subscription programs, allowing customers to pay a fixed fee for a certain number of meals, as a new way to incentivize customer loyalty and increase revenue READ HERE
19:19- How restaurants can better connect with the guests online and in person
30:30 - How a San Diego food vendor was bullied by a group of foul-mouthed women who made racist remarks, touched his food without permission, and refused to pay the $7 price for his hot dogs SEE HERE
38:54 - How a well thought out review response strategy can help in the long term for your brand.
47:34 - The meaning of restaurant tech integration and its benefits for improving operational efficiency and enhancing customer experience
57:32 - Why James Beard Award Semifinalist, Chef Junior Borges, believes in sharing the spotlight with his team and community as a way to create a more inclusive and sustainable restaurant industry READ HERE
Thank you to our segment partners Jordan at 7Shifts, Zack at Ovation, and Avi at Marqii
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
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Learn How Culinary Legends And Rookies Alike Are Needing To ReImagine The Industry
RIF008: Why Don’t Restaurants Change, Ruth Reichl’s Documentary at South by Southwest, NYC Restaurant Workers Unionize
Welcome into the Restaurant Idea Factory, your source for all the latest and greatest restaurant industry news, trends, and topics.
This week, we discuss
8:25 -New Jersey spaghetti restaurant bans children under 10, citing customer complaints and aiming to provide a more peaceful dining experience for their adult patrons, according to Fox Business Small Business. READ HERE
17:00 - By utilizing pre-written responses, prioritizing urgent feedback, and leveraging AI-powered review management tools, restaurant owners can save time and improve their overall response rate to customer reviews but how does that affect the customers?
27:50 - How Workers at the restaurant Lodi in Rockefeller Center have decided to unionize, reflecting a broader trend of unionization among restaurant employees across the United States WATCH HERE
39:50 - Despite growing awareness and efforts towards improving workplace culture in the restaurant industry, many establishments continue to resist meaningful change, perpetuating a toxic and abusive environment for employees.
50:55 - How Third-party delivery apps have revolutionized the food delivery industry, but their controversial business practices and high fees have led to growing concerns among restaurant owners and policymakers, and ways you can turn customers into first party
1:01:45 - The highly anticipated documentary "Food and Country," featuring legendary food writer Ruth Reichl, is set to premiere at SXSW 2023, offering a unique perspective on how food systems and independent farmers were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic READ HERE
Thank you to our segment partners Jordan at 7Shifts, Zack at Ovation, and Avi at Marqii
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
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At What Cost (or Reward)? Tech and Social Media Continue To Drive The Restaurant Industry Towards Innovation.
RIF007: Tik Tok Food Reviews, Wendy’s and DoorDash Roku TV Ads, Toast and Google Team-Up To Meet Restaurant Customers Where They Are
Welcome into the Restaurant Idea Factory, your source for all the latest and greatest restaurant industry news, trends, and topics.
This week, we discuss
9:20 - The consequences of our obsession with hacking restaurant menus and cost-saving app tricks, which put immense pressure on restaurant workers and compromise their work experience. READ HERE
16:51 - How potential customers are Discovering the latest food trends and find new restaurant recommendations through TikTok's vibrant community of foodies and influencers sharing their dining experiences in creative and entertaining ways
29:05 - Toast integrating with Google to allow customers to place their restaurant orders directly from Google search, maps and assistant for a seamless ordering experience. READ HERE
38:23 - How to create a loyal customer base and increase brand awareness by fostering a sense of community and delivering exceptional experiences that turn diners into superfans of your restaurant
48:05 - How you can Improve workplace morale, productivity, and retention by regularly seeking and acting on employee feedback to create a positive and supportive work environment
57:20 - Wendy's partnering with Roku and DoorDash to launch shoppable TV ads, offering a seamless ordering experience for customers. READ HERE
Thank you to our segment partners Jordan at 7Shifts, Zack at Ovation, and Avi at Marqii
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
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Big Names, Celebrity Chefs and Mom & Pops are Realizing the Need to Reinvent the Restaurant Business Model
RIF006: Dine-In vs Dine-Out Customer Satisfaction, Cake Boss Vending Machines, 27 Years Without Missing A Day At Burger King, Gets You….
Welcome into the Restaurant Idea Factory, your source for all the latest and greatest restaurant industry news, trends, and topics.
This week, we discuss
7:00 -The growing trend of "tipping fatigue" among consumers and businesses, as society re-evaluates the tradition of tipping in the service industry. READ HERE
19:00 -How a positive and supportive workplace culture in restaurants can improve employee satisfaction, enhance customer experience, and drive business success through increased productivity, reduced turnover, and better brand reputation
29:05 -How "Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro, leveraged vending machines to expand the reach of his famous baked goods, showcasing the potential for this technology to revolutionize the retail industry. Watch Here
38:40 - The differences in customer satisfaction between Dine-In vs Dine-Out
46:45 - The story of Kevin Ford, a 27-year employee at Burger King, receives a movie ticket and candy as a reward for his unparalleled attendance record, sparking discussion about the importance of acknowledging and appreciating long-term employee contributions. Post HERE
55:42 - And finally the importance of sharing customer reviews with your employees
Thank you to our segment partners Jordan at 7Shifts, Zack at Ovation, and Avi at Marqii
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
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Are restaurants prepared for more major shifts on the horizon with hospitality tech, AI chat, automated restaurants, supply chain issues, labor force challenges, and more?!?!
RIF005: Egg Shortage, WTF Is Going On?!, Stop Hanging “Now Hiring” Signs, How To Earn That 5th Star Review
Welcome into the Restaurant Idea Factory, your source for all the latest and greatest restaurant industry news, trends, and topics.
This week, we discuss
12:23 - How TikTok Food Reviewer Keith Lee uses his platform to help struggling family owned restaurants
20:03 - How restaurants are urged to find alternative recruitment methods as traditional "Now Hiring" signs prove ineffective in attracting and retaining employees.
28:42 - The egg shortage currently being experienced is a result of supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased demand and higher prices for eggs.
34:25 - How can restaurants implement augmented reality into the guest experience
43:37 - McDonald's has opened its first fully automated restaurant in Texas with no human employees, showcasing the future of fast-food service as the industry continues to adapt to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
51:55 - And finally what does it take for a restaurant to earn a 5 star review
Thank you to our segment partners Jordan at 7Shifts, Zack at Ovation, and Avi at Marqii
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
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Are Restaurant Workers Paying For The Other NRA To Lobby For Keeping Their Wages Low?
RIF004: David Dobrik’s New Pizza Place, The Other NRA Keeps Restaurant Workers Wages Low, Whose Fault Is Bad Delivery Food
Welcome into the Restaurant Idea Factory, your source for all the latest and greatest restaurant industry news, trends, and topics.
This week, we discuss
10:25 - How ClearCogs has introduced a ChatGPT AI Operations Manager to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of restaurant operations READ HERE
17:00 - How collecting employee feedback is crucial for organizations as it helps in identifying areas for improvement, fostering a positive work culture, and ultimately leading to increased productivity and employee satisfaction
28:33 - YouTuber David Dobrik’s new pizza place, Doughbrik's READ HERE
36:23 - Why simplicity in menu offerings, customer service, and overall operations is essential for success in the restaurant industry as it allows for efficient service, reduced costs, and improved customer satisfaction
46:04 - How the other NRA is using funding to lobby to keep restaurant workers pay low READ HERE
52:15 - And finally who is at fault for bad delivery food: the restaurant or the delivery service?
Thank you to our segment partners Jordan at 7Shifts, Zack at Ovation, and Avi at Marqii
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
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Does Hollywood Producing Restaurant Movies and TV Amplify or Diminish the Industry?
RIF003: Yes Chef! ‘The Bear’ Actor Wins Golden Globe, Are 3-Star Reviews The Worst, World’s Best Restaurant Noma Is Closing
Welcome in to the Restaurant Idea Factory, your source for all the latest and greatest restaurant industry news, trends, and topics.
This week, we discuss Actor Jeremey Allen White winning a Golden Globe for his role in FX’s The Bear, a dramedy about a young chef from the fine dining world returning to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop
How 3-star reviews are the worst for restaurants
The closing of renowned Danish restaurant Noma, known for its innovative Nordic cuisine and farm-to-table approach READ HERE
The Edible Beats Restaurant Group, a Denver-based restaurant group, converting to 100% employee ownership, a move that allows its workers to share in the company's success and make decisions about its future READ HERE
In-N-Out Burger is opening its first East Coast territory office in Tennessee to help expand its presence in the region READ HERE
and finally how the future of carryout food is expected to see an increase in demand for convenient, healthy and sustainable options, as well as an emphasis on technology-enabled ordering and delivery services.
Thank you to our segment partners Jordan at 7Shifts, Zack at Ovation, and Avi at Marqii
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
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Which 2023 Restaurant trends need to get 86’d?!
RIF002: Flipping 1-Star Reviews, Andrew Tate Thanks Chef, 2023 Trends
Welcome in to the Restaurant Idea Factory, your source for all the latest and greatest restaurant industry news, trends, and topics.
This week, we discuss how restaurants can flip a 1-star review into a 5-star experience by addressing the issue promptly and professionally and going the extra mile.
The controversial Andrew Tate's video where he talks about thanking a chef and goes on a rant about men and hard work.
Are foodservice trade shows worth the time to improve your guest's experience?
How a customer's aggressive behavior led to an altercation with a Waffle House employee involving a chair being thrown, resulting in police intervention and charges being brought against the customer. Read HERE
And finally we take a look at what’s in store for the restaurant scene in 2023. Read the article here!
Thank you to our segment partners Jordan at 7Shifts, Zack at Ovation, and Avi at Marqii
Have a topic or want to become a RIFter? Head to Restaurant Idea Factory for more info!
Make sure to follow us!
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Today on Restaurant Idea Factory, Shawn, Kyle and Jensen rif on the ongoing labor shortage that the restaurant industry is currently experiencing, Jon Taffer's new restaurant, Taffer's Tavern, opening and how that doesn't lend to a sustainable business model, & MrBeast opening his first brick & mortar BeastBurger.