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EyeSpy’s Restaurant & Hospitality Business 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,...
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...
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.
Inspiring Guests to Celebrate at Your Bar or Restaurant
New Year’s Eve is one of the most exciting nights of the year, and it’s a golden opportunity to fill your seats, delight your guests, and ring in the new year with a bang. The challenge? Standing out in a sea of competing events and celebrations. With a little creativity and strategic planning, you can make your bar or restaurant the go-to destination for NYE revelers.
Elixir’s 21st Anniversary: A Toast to 166 Years of San Francisco History
Gem of the Mission District, Elixir is a cornerstone of San Francisco history, with 166 years of stories literally distilled into its walls. I recently had the honor of attending Elixir’s 21st anniversary celebration under its current ownership. As I sipped on their famed Celery Cup No. 1 (yummmm), I couldn’t help but marvel at the tales shared by H. Joseph Ehrmann, Elixir’s owner, about the bar’s incredible journey. Here’s what I learned.
Set the Winter Mood: How to Create the Perfect Holiday Playlist for Your Restaurant
Winter is here, and diners want more than just a meal—they’re looking for an experience. Your menu and decor matter, of course, but the right playlist pulls everything together. Music sets the mood, whether you want a cozy retreat, an elegant dinner spot, or a lively...
Important Update: Corporate Transparency Act & BOIR Compliance
As we approach new reporting mandates under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting (BOIR) regulations, we’re here to help you be prepared and in full compliance.