Latest News on Virtual Restaurant Consulting and Industry Trends

The Art of Mixology – How Competitive is It, Really?

Mixology, the science and art behind concocting gorgeous and delicious cocktails, has become more on an art form that an act of bartending. It no longer matters if you head to a hole-in-the-wall or a high-end bar you are bound to find mixologists crafting the most beautiful or slightly outrageous cocktails around. That’s because it’s not just a show they’re putting on for the customer but also for each other. The Modern Day Mixology Trend Bartenders are hard at work, pouring, blending, shaking and garnishing innovative cocktails to please the senses. The truth is, he or she makes it look ... Read More

Sous Vide Cooking

Who said cooking had to be time consuming? Sous vide cooking creates tender, juicy steaks, pork chops or poultry. Sous vide cooking provides flexibility, skill and perfect timing—making anyone a trained and experienced chef. Sous What?A French cooking method that translates to “under vacuum,” this style of cooking is popular with both amateur and professionals alike. Food, most commonly meat, is placed in an airtight bag and sealed or “vacuumed.” The bag is then placed in a temperature controlled water bath, and cooked for a longer period of time and with a lower temperature than you would when cooking on ... Read More

Modern Chefs More Scientist Than Cook

If you’re a chef, then the chance that you’re ever really satisfied—creatively, intellectually and emotionally—is few and far between. To be a chef means that you’re always on a quest to create something new, different or cutting edge. Putting your best foot forward is not enough—putting your heart and soul into each dish—is more like it. These days, chefs aren’t just practicing an experimental way of cooking. They’re bringing in science! Let’s take a look at the modern day chef, and the new types of ingredients he or she is incorporating into their plated artwork. Consider Chefs the New Chemists ... Read More

Le Cordon Bleu Closes

In December 2015, the notably popular Le Cordon Bleu culinary school announced that it would begin to gradually shut down all of its U.S. schools. The process has begun, with the discontinuation of enrollment for any new students (while remaining open until 2017 for students who are already enrolled and underway with their education). Le Cordon Bleu in Paris became well known for teaching Julia Child how to cook, and since then it’s been responsible for turning aspiring chefs around the world into true professionals. So after all these years, why are the 16 U.S. branches closing, and what does ... Read More

Is the Recent Pop Up Trend Fading in Popularity?

Are you a foodie on the hunt for a great restaurant with a unique blend of cuisine and ambiance? Do you have an experiential take on dining out? If so, the pop up trend in fine dining may be just what you’ve been asking for—and luckily, it continues to be on the rise. In fact, a recent study shows that now more than ever, people everywhere (not just foodies) are embracing eclectic menus, unique environments and creative locations to wine and dine in. Here’s what the pop up movement is all about—and what the trend tells us.A New Twist on ... Read More

Impact of Wine/Beer List as Part of Menu Instead of Separate Menu

Are you feeling like your profits have reached a plateau? Do your customers seem excited to dine at your restaurant, or complacent? According to restaurant marketing research, a redesigned menu—one in which incorporates both your food and drinks on one menu—can boost your profits by ten percent. Why not embrace the New Year with a new menu? Here’s the potential impact it can offer you.Sell More With Food and Drink Pairings As a successful restauranteur, think about the greatest selling tool you have at your disposal: the menu. Is your menu visually appealing? Is it up-to-date? Is it easy to ... Read More

Trend of Restaurants That Include a Kid Free Zone: Hurting or Helping Business?

More restaurant owners are noticing an emerging trend: patrons with children have stopped dining as frequently as they used to, and with good enough reason. Dining with children isn’t relaxing—it’s a job! Because of that, 2016 will be the year you’ll find your patrons with children flocking to restaurants that offer a kid-friendly play zone. Here’s why the new, up-and-coming, in-house babysitting trend is all the rage—and why it will diversify your clientele, raise your profits and boost your competitive edge.It’ll Diversify Your ClienteleDistractions are everywhere, so why not minimize it for each and every customer of yours—in order to ... Read More

Should You Offer Valet? Perks of This Value Added Service

The worst way to sit down for a relaxing meal at your favorite restaurant is by being in a state of frustration because it took you three times longer to find a parking spot than you thought it would. The best way to start your meal? By pulling up, and having a superior valet service do all the work for you. Here are some perks as to why it’ll add value for your guests, and a few reasons why you won’t ever regret it.You’re Adding a Premium Service to a Premium Dining Experience You already have an amazing, beautiful restaurant ... Read More

Popular Brunch Beverages That Aren’t a Blood Mary or Mimosa

While it’s perfectly acceptable to order a variation of your favorite mimosa or bloody mary at your favorite Sunday morning brunch spot, why not make 2016 the year you try an exciting variation to the old? New Year, new brunch beverage! Here’s a guide to some of the best, tastiest and greatest compliment to your eggs benedict you’ve ever tried.A Breakfast Margarita One of the recently growing trends of 2015 (which we know will continue on in 2016) is the breakfast margarita. Since part of the beauty about brunch is the ‘in between meal’ in which you can have a ... Read More

All Day Breakfast

2015 has come and gone, but one thing is here to stay: the all-day breakfast menu. A rapidly growing trend with both franchise style and neighborhood restaurants alike, it just may be here to stay. Here’s why it may be such a profitable choice for your business, and a convenient option for your customers.Breakfast is a 50 Billion Dollar Opportunity Denny’s, Pinkberry and McDonalds have all jumped on the all-day breakfast bandwagon. Subway rolled out their ‘breakfast sandwiches’ a few years ago, which was recently followed up with the all-day breakfast.They want convenience and choice—which is one of the biggest ... Read More