News & Media From Brenda Rick Smith

Fans showed up for free ice cream, were challenged to 'pay it forward'

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Cold Stone Creamery is sending its Random Acts of Cold Stone team around the country giving away free ice cream. In return, the team is challenging fans to…

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State of the Union puts minimum wage, 30-hour work week, joint employer issues in the spotlight

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

It's been a busy week in Washington. From the State of the Union address to the Supreme Court to more on the minimum wage, here's a round-up of hot public…

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Competition for talent among hot trends for employers in 2015

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

The upswing in the economy means competition for talent will heat up in 2015. That means employers need to up their game when it comes to attracting and…

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'Black Friday' a boon to restaurants, too

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Mall-based restaurants can see a significant spike in sales around the holiday season, bolstered by high traffic volumes and consumers' desire for indulgence.

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8 tips for heading off holiday scheduling stress

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Increased traffic coupled with more requests for time off can add up to scheduling stress. Check out these tips for reducing the stress.

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'Hidden compliance cost:' Restaurants with 50+ full-time employees must start ACA reporting in 2015

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Though not mandated to offer health care coverage to employees until 2016, restaurants with 50 or more full-time employees are still required to track data…

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Arby's Halloween meat promo scares up a reaction

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Arby's embraced the whole meat trend in an interesting new way on Halloween by offering to add bacon to any order if the customer said the magic words: "Trick…

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Four reasons digital screens are more than menu boards

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Engaging digital signage can be a key differentiator in the customer experience by educating guests about menu items, driving craving, reducing perceived wait…

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Who's the boss? Tips for avoiding joint employer liability

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Franchisors must clearly define their roles to exclude control over the terms and/or conditions of franchisee's employees.

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5 steps for keeping your restaurant from getting ICE'd

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

The US government has stepped up its immigration enforcement efforts in recent years, and all employers -- not just large ones, or ones that employ…

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Nine keys for driving speed of service

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

Restaurants can become victims of their own success when high volume slows down service. Check out these tips for satisfying the need for speed.

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Reducing food waste can improve the bottom line and the environment

by Brenda Rick Smith — Editor, Networld Media Group

A study commissioned by the Food Waste Reduction Alliance found that approximately 80 billion pounds of food are discarded into US landfills every year, with…

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