Managing a restaurant offers numerous challenges and something is always going to pop up to demand your attention, so it is important to have as many policies and procedures in place as possible. With your slim margins, controlling cost is a key to success. As food and labor are typically your largest expense, it is
Building Your Business with the Better Business Bureau
FYI. ASAP. LOL. We live in a world full of acronyms, but there’s one in particular that small business owners should become better acquainted with: BBB, the Better Business Bureau. Most of us are familiar with the BBB as a nonprofit dedicated to building marketplace trust by handling consumer complaints and notifying the public of
Google Analytics for Restaurants and How You Can Use It
Did you know that 90% of the data on Earth was generated in the last 2 years alone? No wonder business owners get overwhelmed at the thought of analyzing their website — especially on top of the hustle and bustle of everyday service. But if you have a plan for how to use that data
7 Foods That Sound Like One Thing (But Are Actually Another)
Ever have one of those days where it seems like up is down, left is right, and there’s a surprise waiting around every corner? Well, if you’re an active or aspiring foodie, that could actually be the perfect recipe for adventure. Today’s culinary landscape features quite a few menu items that sound like they could be one
What You Need to Know about the Restaurant Industry
Understanding and keeping an eye on the economic landscape of the restaurant industry can be an integral part of managing your business. As a provider of financial and marketing services to the restaurant industry, Rewards Network has unique insights into the industry through the data we receive from over 10,000 restaurants. We also monitor the
9 Unlikely Taste Combinations That Just Work
In 1976, Herb Hudson opened a small Los Angeles restaurant that exclusively served chicken and waffles. At first, many people were surprised to see an entire menu dedicated to this uncommon pairing — but all it took was one visit to get them hooked. Now, 40 years later, the unlikely, but delicious, combo at Roscoe’s
5 Smart Email Marketing Tips
Over 100 billion emails circulate around the world every day. Yes, you read that correctly — that number is on a daily basis. The average consumer is continuously bombarded with emails, so how do you break through the clutter? In 2014 alone, Rewards Network sent over 155 million* promotional emails, yet our open rates ranged
December and January Marketing Ideas
Marketing during the holidays might seem easy: decorate the restaurant, add some snowflakes to your flyers, or recruit Santa for a meet-and-greet. By opting only for the Yuletide standards, though, your restaurant risks getting lost in the same Christmahanukwanzaaka marketing from other businesses – including your competitors! Adding unique ideas like these to your marketing
Do You Trust Your Vendors Too Much?
Watching your business requires diligence in all areas, even with your vendors. According to a report from the University of Florida, 5.96% of shrink can be contributed to vendor theft. I had a hard lesson during my first days as a manager at TGIFriday’s regarding vendor theft. I have never forgotten what my mentor Ken
Rewards Network® Ranks #29 in Built In Chicago’s Top 100 Technology Companies
Rewards Network, the leading provider of card-linked marketing and rewards programs in the dining industry, was ranked #29 in the 2014 Top 100 Digital Companies in Chicago report published this week by Built In Chicago. The annual report, announced by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, ranks the top digital technology companies in Chicago based on workforce.
