Boulder, Colo.: Epicenter of food innovation

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

One of the ways Naturally Boulder Products contributes to the food innovation culture is by forcing participants to pitch new ideas every other year to proven…

You want to franchise your restaurant: Now what?

by Harold Kestenbaum — Partner, Gordon & Rees, LLP

In my last blog, we discussed why your restaurant should be franchised. I will assume that you have listened to what I said and you have now made the decision…

Three organizational challenges that hinder innovation (and the solutions to resolve them)

by Rob Connelly

There are three main challenges that hinder innovation: Playing catch up, ambiguity and underdevelopment of employees.

The one left off the list: hourly employees' influence on consumer decisions

by Amanda Richardson — Senior Vice President of Product and Marketing, Snagajob

While trend lists may not identify employees as a critical factor, the quality of a restaurant's front-line staff has a significant influence on the features…

The concept of 'Reverse Innovation' in the food industry

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

Multinational corporations have forecasted that developing countries will account for 70 percent of their growth a decade from now.

Want to Facebook? What are you waiting for

by Janet Eden-Harris — CMO & SVP Strategy, Market Force

Ninety five percent. That’s right, 95% of all consumers are on Facebook, according to our latest research findings across both North America and the UK. We…

Top 5 things we didn't know we should be afraid of - part I

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

A study found that only 8 to 12 percent of gluten-free consumers said they bought gluten-free products because they or a member of their household has celiac…

If it's Monday, this must be meatless

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

While diners can see some personal benefits — like weight loss — from a Meatless Monday regime, restaurants can see some real bottom-line benefits.

Top 5 all-time 'contrasting' food flavor pairings

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

When you think about flavor pairings, do you think first about 'compatible flavors' or do you think first about 'contrasting flavors?'

Bistro offerings complement hospital's mission of health and wellness

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

The Colorado Center's mission is to promote health and prevent disease by reducing obesity and the rates of weight-related chronic diseases, and this new…

Could be deadly, but essential for restaurant operations

If you have CO(2) fill ports or storage tanks in tight enclosed quarters, lower levels, or have older systems or systems that have not been inspected by…

Three things you need to know about Facebook Timeline for brands

by Lisa DiVirgilio

The new layout allows brands to interact privately with customers and stay updated on page data.

Clothes can make the employee

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

Earlier this month I ran across an article in Freakonomics referencing a study that showed "wearing a white lab coat — a piece of clothing associated with care…

Culinary Tide's 2012 top trends

by Suzy Badaracco — President, Culinary Tides Inc

Culinary Tides, Inc. released the report: "Top 10 Trends Analysis - Shifting Sands 2012: A cross analysis of predictions across Government, Technology, Health…

Social media: A necessary evil?

by Janet Eden-Harris — CMO & SVP Strategy, Market Force

Market Force just completed a consumer study of social media usage. Not surprisingly, every year we've looked at usage we've seen the numbers going up. About…

Do you really offer gluten-free dishes?

by Betsy Craig — pres, menutrinfo.com

Identifying and avoiding potential contamination starts with the very basics in the kitchen.

Pop-ups threaten food trucks

by Darrel Suderman — President, Food Technical Consulting

Pop-ups are morphing into a multipurpose tool, used to test concepts, market new brands, engage with a younger audience, or prove to landlords, lenders and…

Four tips for a successful Facebook page

by Lisa DiVirgilio

Always respond to fans - whether they post a positive or negative comment about your brand.

Is your restaurant stuck in a monkey trap?

by Nate DaPore — President and CEO, PeopleMatter

From switching out the décor to updating technology, restaurateurs must take chances to keep their business fresh.

Would YOU resist a robber?

The young manager knelt in front of the safe, a thousand thoughts cluttering his head. His fingers were nearly frozen with fear as he fumbled with the…