SUPERIOR INTERIORS: Guests feel more comfortable when they can figure out what your operation is all about from the entrance area. For instance, Echo in Palm Beach, Fla., offers executive chef Dieu Ho's "Resounding Asian Cuisine," and an...
WHERE CREDIT IS DUE: The back page of menus at Piatti locations talks about the sources of some locally obtained ingredients. EMPTY FREEZERS: "Our walk-ins are almost empty," says Bradley Ogden (center) of his namesake restaurant at...
Internet access at home is now a reality for 75 percent of Americans, reports Nielsen/NetRatings. Many are using the web to find restaurants: 40 percent of consumers surveyed by the National Restaurant Association say they've searched the Internet...
BALANCING ACT: Shrewd operators know the importance of keeping their menu pirces in line with inflation. STICKER SHOCK: That $100 produce bill from 1983 would run about $183 right now. Chances are that you haven't been giving much, if any...
CHAIN REACTION: Happy staffers help create happy customers - and sweeter profits. At O'Charley's, it's a matter of keeping "The Promise." At Panda Inn, it's as simple as a server remembering that a customer had visited the month before to...
Mother's Bistro and Bar Opened: January 2000, Portland, OR Owners: Lisa Schroeder and Rob SampleConcept: Home-style food using recipes from mothers around the world, made from scratch with the best ingredients. Each month a different real...
Periodically, all family businesses need to make an objective evaluation of their key financial metrics and the person who is responsible for them. Typically, a controller's responsibilities with a family owned business cannot be found in any...
RELATING: Buffalo Wild Wings' "Get it to go" program speaks to the customer's need for convenience. Most restaurant names have one thing in common:They don't tell the truth...
At a Glance Headquarters: Houston Years in business: founded in 1980; went public in 1993 Founder and CEO: Tilman Fertitta Units: approx. 300 2003 Sales: over $1.1 billion Projected growth: 20 units to open in 2004 Everything about Houston-based...