Latest News on Virtual Restaurant Consulting and Industry Trends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your restaurant should be an oasis and a breath of fresh air (with incredible food) from the usual and ordinary restaurant experience your customers are used to. That being said, the interior should be a direct reflection of your effort, hard work and dedication to make it a unique dining experience for all. This year, utilize the emerging interior design trends—sleek lines, mid-century modern influences and mixed metal motifs—all which attract the masses, and create customer loyalty.Change It Up With Mixed Metals The London based interior designer, Kelly Hoppen believes that mixed metals are all the rage, and will continue ... Read More

Vivo 53 is a modern interpretation of an upbeat, urban pizzeria that you may find in Manhattan or LA. The vibrant, warm environment gives a nod to Italian tradition wrapped in an industrial chic style. The name, Vivo 53 was inspired by the 53 times it took to get the dough recipe just right before finding the perfect combination of ingredients.The menu at Vivo 53 is focused on handcrafted, artisan pizza that is cooked in a precision-wood fired oven. Beginning with proprietary artisan crust made from high quality ingredients and exclusive baking methods, this well-structured, flavorful crust serves as the ... Read More