Spring 2012

 Consumer Trends Lean Toward Technology

The latest NRA Industry Forecast Technology is mostly positive, predicting both sales and job growth for restaurants.  

Across the nation, technology is finding its place at the restaurant table. Although high-tech items such as wireless payment and iPad menus aren't commonplace just yet, there is strong consumer interest in such options. 

What's more is that in today's highly connected society, email and text messaging are proving to be a popular way for restaurant operators to reach their consumers to convey information about menu specials and upcoming events. And, if a restaurant's specials were available on Facebook or Twitter, nearly one-third of consumers say they'd be likely to sign up, indicating that social media continues to be a powerful marketing tool.   

To read the report highlights, click here.

How Social Media is Revolutionizing the Restaurant Industry

 

 

 

It's apparent that social media is a huge influence on the restaurant industry. Restaurant operators are most interested in marketing on Facebook, online review sites, Twitter and blogging websites. 

 

Studies show that online reviews have both a positive and negative influence on restaurant revenue and good or bad reviews both spread more quickly online than by traditional word of mouth.  

 

To read the entire article, click here.

 

 RESTAURANT SECURITY SAVES MONEY AND LIVES  

It's very important for every restaurant to have a security plan in place. Reviewing the plan with staff is equally important as the plan itself.  The plan should include keeping the premises, money and employees all safe.  

Staff should be trained to cooperate with criminals.  Give them the money (it's insured) because nothing is worth risking the safety of your employees or customers.  

Keeping your restaurant exterior well lit will deter most criminals.  So will interior and exterior surveillance cameras.  An alarm system is also very important.  

 ARE YOU SET UP TO PROTECT AGAINST THE 

"WAGON WHEEL" SCAM?

One of the most common problems across the hospitality industry is employee theft of time, food and cash.  The "Wagon Wheel" Scam is used by servers to profit from self-serve items such as beverages and salads.  The scam works with checks paid by cash and goes like this:

1. The guest check is printed, presented to the guest, and cash payment received.

2. Prior to closing out the guest check, the server utilizes the separate check functionality built into the POS and splits off common menu items such as self service beverages and salads to a separate check.

3.  The original check (less the self serve menu items) is closed out to cash.

4. This leaves the second check available to use the common menu items on another check.

5. This cycle is repeated throughout the shift, with the common self-serve menu times circulating on and off checks like a "Wagon Wheel". 

This scam increases the server's cash take and deprives the restaurant of revenue from its most profitable menu items.  With the correct POS configuration along with monitoring reports, this scam is easily defeated.

Here are a few key actions to prevent the "Wagon Wheel" scam.

A.  Your POS system should be set up to limit the number of times a check can be reprinted.  If a check needs to be reprinted multiple times, a manager's authorization should be required.

B.  The split check functionality can be made to require a manager authorization as well.  A competent manager will recognize the fraud possibilities of moving only the self-serve items to their own check.

C.  Your POS system should be set up to only allow one check per table.  This eliminates the possibility of starting a new check prior to closing out the check that was left with the self-serve menu items.

D.  Watch your reports.  Checks closed to cash that have been open for an unusually long time should be a red flag and watched closely.