
Blog

Celebrating Slow Food: Highlighting Your Menu’s Alignment
As the calendar flips to January, we’re welcomed by a fresh start and a slower pace. It’s Slow Food Month—a time to celebrate an international movement dedicated to preserving local food cultures, encouraging sustainable farming, and slowing down to savor each bite. For restaurateurs, it’s an ideal moment to reflect on how this philosophy can enrich your menu and resonate with your customers.
Tips From Our Longest Serving Mystery Shopper
New on the blog: Tips From Our Longest Serving Mystery Shopper. We asked one of our mystery shoppers with 20 years (!) of experience for practical advice that restaurant operators can apply directly to enhance service quality and guest satisfaction, especially during the busiest time of year.

Where to Dine On Your Adventures
Pictured Here: Roasted Maitake Mushrooms featuring scallion pesto, mushroom chimichurri, and arugula, available at El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen in Sonoma. As you pack your bags and set your sights on Southern California, plan a day trip through Northern California, or venture beyond, let’s talk about some must-visit eateries that

How to Show Your Restaurant Team You Care During the Holidays
The holidays in the restaurant industry are a whirlwind. The kitchen’s in overdrive, servers are juggling packed dining rooms, and managers are trying to keep everything running smoothly. Through it all, your team powers through the busiest time of the year, often sacrificing their own holidays. Showing your team that

Educational & Inspiring Restaurant Team Holiday Parties
Here are some creative holiday party ideas that incorporate culinary inspiration and industry learning while keeping the focus on thanking your team for their hard work. December is a super busy time and we recommend planning these celebrations for January when everyone can enjoy.

Unwrapping the Magic of Gift Card Marketing
Gift cards are a powerful marketing tool for restaurants. As the holidays approach, they present an opportunity to drive revenue, attract new customers, and deepen loyalty with your existing guests.