Barry Shuster

Executive Editor
RestaurantOwner Insights

Article

High-Touch Hospitality: Relationship Marketing Best Practices

The James Beard Foundation in collaboration with Deloitte recently released the 2025 Independent Restaurant Industry Report, which drew on survey data from more than 350 restaurant leaders, including 50 chefs. Among the trends identified in the report is shrinking customer loyalty. Creating guest loyalty ...

Success Story

Lessons in Growth and Resilience: Padrino’s Cuban Cuisine Restaurants

Restaurant business growth is not just about expanding locations. It is also about evolving the business, fostering a strong team culture, and adapting to a rapidly changing industry. Padrino’s Cuban Cuisine, a third-generation family-owned restaurant group in South Florida, exemplifies how thoughtful ...

Article

Data-Driven Marketing: Using data to attract and retain guests without losing the human touch

Marketing is creative work. Yes, some folks seem blessed with an innate talent for promoting their restaurants. However, effective marketing is not all selling and soft skills. A great deal of marketing success hinges on analyzing data to understand what motivates existing and prospective customers ...

Article

D-I-Y-Not?: How to promote your concept on a budget with a do-it-yourself strategy

For the operator who is willing to invest their time in promoting their restaurant, an effective do-it-yourself (D-I-Y) marketing strategy combines digital and real-world channels, uses storytelling to define the restaurant brand and its values, and increasingly seeks ways to bring users who find the ...

Article

Adapting for Off-Premises: Eight Effective and Inexpensive Pointers for Supporting Takeout and Delivery Business from Your Dine-In Concept

Restaurant customers today expect takeout and delivery service from all but upscale concepts. Off-premises dining is a significant source of sales. However, it also poses significant logistical challenges for concepts designed primarily for on-premises dining. In this article, we ...

Article

How to Utilize the Custom Learning System “Training Module Set up - Planning Worksheet”

The purpose of this article is to introduce you to the "Training Module Setup – Planning Worksheet," which is an important tool to use during Step 2 of the “Custom Training Modules - Planning and Setup” in the Restaurant Owner Learning System (ROLS). This valuable tool will help you plan and structure ...

Training Video

Mystery Shopping: Discover Your “Real” Culture

How do you know your restaurant's true culture? Regardless of which manager is running the shift, what are your team’s prevailing behaviors and attitudes? ...

Training Video

Mystery Shopping: Next Steps with Your Finished Report

The power of mystery shopping reports lies in identifying opportunities for growth and taking action. With one or more completed reports, it’s now time ...

Training Video

Daily Prep Sheets: Prep the RIGHT Amount and Control Costs

A daily prep sheet is a fundamental tool in controlling food cost and ensuring that there's always enough fresh food for the day's service. When kitchen ...

Training Video

Five Simple, But Powerful Steps To Seating Guests

Seating guests is a pivotal touchpoint in the restaurant experience. It's where first impressions are made, and dining expectations are set. Implement ...