Blog
New Restaurant Playbook Part 4: How to How To Open Your First Restaurant
Opening a restaurant is an exciting venture, but without the right team in place, it can quickly become overwhelming. One of the most critical hires? A General Contractor (GC). Our CEO, Mistie Boulton, sat down with Sam Carlson, owner and founder of Carlson Construction, to discuss how restaurant owners can choose the best GC for their project. With years of experience handling commercial tenant improvements and restaurant build-outs, Sam shares valuable insights on what to look for, what to avoid, and how to set your project up for success.
Highlights from the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show
There’s something about walking the floor of the National Restaurant Association Show that makes you feel like you’ve time-traveled five years into the future of hospitality. This year was no exception. From Cubs games and cocktail counters to THCs and tech, our EyeSpy crew had an unforgettable trip to Chicago. Here are a few of the innovations, connections, and memorable moments I couldn’t wait to share.
Why Continuous Team Development is the Real Secret Sauce in Hospitality
In an industry where one off night can tank a Yelp rating, and one great shift can win a regular for life, your team will likely make or break your success. That’s why continuous team development in hospitality is essential.
Freshen Up Your Menu: Spring Herb Ideas for National Herb Day
Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes one of our favorite culinary excuses to get creative, National Herb Day. We view this as an opportunity for restaurants to highlight the fresh, aromatic herbs that thrive this season and bring vibrancy, flavor, and freshness to any dish.
Marketing Your Restaurant’s Wedding Catering Services
Weddings bring beautiful memories AND meaningful revenue. If your restaurant offers catering, weddings can be a profitable addition to your business. And the time is NOW! But to land the booking, you need to market your services with intention, creativity, and clarity. Here’s how to position your restaurant as the go-to caterer for weddings in your area.
How to Use a Featured Menu to Test Recipes Before Going All In
At EyeSpy, we’re always looking for smart, low-risk ways for restaurants to innovate without blowing the budget. One of our favorite tricks? The featured menu.