Are restaurant labor shortages affecting your business? These restaurant management tips can help you better navigate hiring challenges so your business can thrive! Raise Wages The COVID-19 pandemic pointed out just how financially vulnerable restaurant employees were. That’s why one of the best and most obvious ways to battle restaurant labor shortages is to offer …
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While entrees tend to get the bulk of the attention, having a great appetizer menu can entice diners during happy hour and beyond. If your menu could use a revamp, it may be time to check out some of the best appetizer recipes from our beloved food vendors. Hot Artichoke Alaskan Salmon and Parmesan Dip …
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If your restaurant isn’t using TikTok, you’re missing out on the opportunity to reach a huge demographic of potential diners on a platform that isn’t completely bogged down by other advertisers. Here’s what you need to know about TikTok marketing for restaurants, so you can get ahead of the game. What is TikTok? TikTok is …
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If you don’t have a seasonal menu, you’re missing out on the opportunity to wow your guests, lower costs, experiment, and increase profits. In today’s blog, the foodservice experts at McDonald Wholesale discuss 5 fun winter menu ideas that can take your restaurant to the next level. Capitalize on Comfort Foods As the weather gets …
Restaurant gift cards can do a lot to help your bottom line, and the holiday season is the perfect time to get serious about selling gift cards. In today’s blog, the foodservice experts at McDonald Wholesale discuss how to sell more gift cards for your restaurant. Start Selling Gift Cards Online If your gift cards …
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It’s easy to dwell on the challenges that face the restaurant industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. But along with these challenges came plenty of innovations that have made life easier for restaurants and customers alike. The QR code restaurant menu is one of these restaurant tech innovations that blew up because of the pandemic but …
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With the NCAA and the NFL season underway, many people’s weekends are focused on football. As family meal deals grow in popularity, it might be time for your restaurant to considering offering a takeout tailgaters menu people won’t be able to resist. What is a Tailgaters Menu? Like family meal deals, a tailgaters menu focuses …
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In 2021, there’s no excuse not to have a website for your restaurant. But just because you have a website doesn’t mean you’re doing everything you can to build your customer base. When it comes to SEO for restaurants, you can’t afford to ignore these restaurant website tips that can make it easier for customers …
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Increasing your average order size can increase your profits. In today’s blog, the foodservice experts at McDonald Wholesale discuss what the average order size is and provide some restaurant menu ideas that can help increase your average order size. What is Average Order Size? Your restaurant’s average order size refers to the average dollar amount …
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Even if you think of dinner as your restaurant’s bread and butter, focusing some attention on lunch service can make a big difference to your bottom line. These daily lunch special ideas and promotions can help you take your lunch business to the next level. Lunch Punch Card When it comes to lunch promotions for …
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New menu items can be exciting for chefs and customers alike. In today’s blog, we discuss how to promote new menu items on a budget. Step Up Your Social Media & Email Marketing Whether your restaurant already has a strong social media presence or you’re still figuring out how to use social media for small …
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Whether you’re running a mom and pop restaurant or a local chain, there are plenty of unique restaurant promotion ideas to help you attract customers throughout the year. Spring & Summer Restaurant Promotion Ideas Heatwave Specials When that summer heatwave hits, your restaurant numbers could take a nosedive. That’s why one of our favorite summer …
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As an independently owned and operated wholesale food distributor, we understand the importance of attending food industry trade shows. Not only do they provide the opportunity to sample food vendors and learn about new restaurant technology and equipment, but they also allow you to come together with people facing the same challenges you are in …
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Long days, time off from work, and warm weather means more business at your restaurant. These summer menu ideas for restaurants can help you drum up new business and keep regular customers coming back for more. Construct Some Cold Sides Seasonal menus are great because they offer you a chance to take advantage of in-season …
It’s been a rough year for restaurants, and labor shortages are creating a new challenge for businesses reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic. In today’s blog, the foodservice experts at McDonald Wholesale discuss some helpful hiring tips to overcome labor shortages in the restaurant industry. Don’t Get Cutesy with the Job Description While it can be …
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For restaurants, having a strong social media presence is more important than ever. Not only do some millennials say that they actively avoid restaurants without an Instagram presence, social media is a great way to communicate with and entice diners to choose your restaurant among the many options available to them. These restaurant marketing tips …
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The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the restaurant industry hard, but with the vaccine rollout, things are starting to return to normalcy. If you’re looking to create a better menu for 2021, check out some of our favorite restaurant menu trends to help you get your business back on track. More Specialized Menus The pandemic taught …
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The restaurant industry is the nation’s second largest private sector employer and one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the $21.5 million Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, restaurant and hotels received over $70 billion in PPP loans and $15.7 billion in PPP tax deductions. Many states even loosened restrictions on cocktails-to-go …
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The pandemic has completely changed the restaurant industry, and while the vaccine rollout means restaurants will likely return to some semblance of normal by the end of summer, there are still lessons to be learned and innovations to be made. Here are some of favorite creative takeout ideas to try during the pandemic and beyond! …
Across the country, restaurants are struggling due the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only do they have to adjust to constantly changing capacity restrictions and safety precautions, but restaurant servers are essentially working on the front lines, potentially exposing themselves to the virus. In addition to doing everything in their power to keep their servers safe, one …
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Almost one year into the pandemic, one thing is clear: pandemic fatigue is real. Rather than focusing on the challenges associated with coronavirus, we wanted to highlight some positive ways to attract diners to your restaurant during COVID-19. Contact Tracing Raffles If you live in a state with strict contact-tracing guidelines, or if you’re offering …
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The pandemic has been a struggle for many industries, but the restaurant industry has been one of the hardest hit. Now that we’re approaching the one-year mark, we thought we’d focus on the positive and offer a list of TV food shows and docuseries that restaurant owners, restaurant workers, and chefs can watch to help …
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Wondering how to take advantage of the hottest restaurant trends for 2021? McDonald Wholesale can help. Technology in the restaurant industry keeps evolving, especially as the coronavirus pandemic continues, and it’s important for all restaurant owners and executive chefs to stay on top of some of the technology trends we’re seeing across the industry. Here …
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One of the great truths of the restaurant industry is that it costs much more to acquire new customers than it does to retain current customers. That’s why one of our favorite restaurant marketing ideas is building a loyalty program that keeps your customers coming back for more! Here’s how to do it the right …
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Why is food getting more expensive? While disruptions to the supply chain due to coronavirus are partially to blame, rising food costs have been a problem for restaurant owners for years. Here’s how to fight rising food prices with clever, affordable substitutions. Substitute Cheaper Cuts of Meat With meat prices so high, it can be …
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If you want your restaurant to succeed during the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re likely going to need to come up with creative ideas for no-contact curbside pickup and food delivery. In today’s blog, we discuss how your mom-and-pop restaurant can use family meal deals as a way to thrive during the shutdown and beyond. What is …
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It’s no secret that restaurants are struggling during the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean your restaurant is destined to fail. In fact, by getting creative and following restaurant trends, you can help improve your restaurant profit margin, even as COVID continues to spread. Embrace Online Ordering & Food Delivery In just eight months, COVID-19 has …
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Because of COVID-19 transmission risks, many consumers are embracing outdoor dining as a way to safely gather with friends, eat a delicious meal, and support their local restaurants during the pandemic. But as the weather gets colder, many restaurants are looking for new ways to facilitate outdoor dining. Here are some of the best restaurant …
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Whether they read it online or after being seated, your menu is often a guests’ first impression of your restaurant. As a restaurant owner or executive chef, you can’t sit down with every customer to make suggestions, but the design of your menu can do a lot of that work for you! Learn how to …
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Competing with chain restaurants has always been a struggle, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made it even harder for local, independent restaurants to compete with chain restaurant behemoths. But that doesn’t mean all mom-and-pop restaurants are doomed to fail. In fact, the best way to fight chain restaurants isn’t to try to mimic them, but …
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According to Upserve, online ordering and delivery have grown 300% faster than dine-in traffic since 2014. And the COVID-19 pandemic has only increased this growth. If your restaurant is considering moving to food delivery, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll build your own in-house delivery fleet, utilize third-party services, or some combination of the two. …
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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change the landscape of the restaurant industry, restaurant marketing is more important than ever. In today’s blog, we discuss how to attract customers to your restaurant through email marketing. What is Email Marketing? Email marketing is any direct marketing effort that uses email to promote a business’s products or …
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Back in October 2019, a survey from the National Restaurant Association showed that off-premise orders (i.e. drive-thru, takeout, and delivery) made up nearly 60% of restaurant business. Since then, the COVID-19 pandemic has driven these numbers even higher, making it functionally impossible for restaurants to survive without developing strong takeout and food delivery options. In …
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According to Google Trends, in the months since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there has been a huge increase in the amount of people searching for “restaurants with outdoor seating near me.” While restaurant patios have always had the potential to grow your restaurant business, outdoor restaurant seating, in addition to a strong takeout and delivery …
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For many people, happy hour calls to mind elaborate cocktails and discounted beer and wine options, but appetizers are an equally important part of the happy hour experience. As restaurants continue to reopen for dine-in, it’s the perfect time to rethink your happy hour food menu. In today’s blog, we answer this important menu development …
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At McDonald Wholesale, we understand that running a successful restaurant can be difficult. From rising food costs and high overhead costs to the unique challenges of the coronavirus epidemic, it’s becoming tougher and tougher to make ends meet in the restaurant industry. In today’s blog, we provide tips for how to reduce labor costs in …
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Restaurants and breweries across the country are struggling as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. That said, innovation and promotion is key to survival, and if you’re a brewery looking for creative ways to grow your customer base during and after the threat of the coronavirus is over, you’ll want to consider this list …
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After weeks of closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurant dining rooms across the country are beginning to reopen. While the details of reopening rely heavily on state and local mandates, at some point in the future, these safety restrictions will be lifted, and restaurants will attempt to return to some semblance of normalcy. However, …
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After weeks of mandatory shutdowns and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurateurs and diners alike are anxious for restaurants to re-open for dine-in services. But re-opening your restaurant to diners doesn’t necessarily mean returning to business as normal. These restaurant management tips for reopening after coronavirus can help you succeed in the aftermath of …
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It’s no secret that the COVID-19 world health crisis is having an especially large impact on the restaurant industry. As an independently owned and operated company, we take the success (and challenges!) of our clients personally, and we’re working harder than ever to help your restaurant thrive in the face of these uncertain times. In …
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With the COVID-19 global pandemic and the ensuing Stay at Home orders across the US, delivery and takeout are the only options for many restaurants if they want to continue to serve their local communities. Check out our guide to no-contact curbside pickup and delivery to find out how your restaurant can implement these processes …
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When it comes to food, it’s hard to find something more popular than pizza. In fact, a Technomicstudy showed that 43% of consumers eat pizza at least once per week. If you own a mom and pop pizza shop, you may think your traditional pie is where it’s at but incorporating these pizza trends into …
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We’ve all be there. You’re out and about, wondering where to eat dinner. You don’t want to go far, but you also don’t know what restaurants are nearby. So, you pull out your smartphone, type in “restaurants near me” and wait to see what pops up. If you’ve ever found yourself in this exact scenario, …
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Opening a new restaurant is challenging. In fact, while the commonly cited statistic that 90% of new restaurants fail in the first year appears to be a myth, there is still a high risk (and high reward!) involved. That’s why every business decision you make needs to be thoroughly considered. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss …
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According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food prices are expected to increase between 1.5% and 2.5% in 2020. That can be scary news for restaurants who are already struggling, but by following these four tips for dealing with rising food prices, you can help your restaurant thrive! Reduce Food Waste One of the best …
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While brunch used to be reserved for special occasions like Mother’s Day and Easter, more and more diners are regularly spending money on weekend brunch. Here’s why your restaurant should consider offering weekend brunch service. Lower Food Costs Managing rising food costs is one of the biggest challenges that restaurants face today. While paying staff …
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Overhead costs got you down? These overhead cost reduction strategies can help you increase your restaurant’s profitability! What is Overhead Cost? In general, overhead cost refers to any ongoing expenses that come with running a business, including everything from rent and utilities to advertising costs and your employees’ salaries. Overhead costs do not include any …
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Takeout business is becoming an incredibly important part of a restaurant’s success or failure. According to the National Restaurant Association, one-third of consumers say that purchasing restaurant takeout is an essential part of their lifestyle. In fact, nearly half of all adults and over 60-percent of millennials use the availability of takeout or delivery as …
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When you own a restaurant, it’s important to keep up-to-date on the different restaurant trends that are dominating the market. Whether it’s food trends, dessert trends, or more general restaurant trends, incorporating what’s popular can help your business thrive. That said, not every trend will make sense for your restaurant. Wondering how mom and pop …
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Thinking about starting a food truck business? In the early stages of getting your truck up and running? These tips for starting a food truck business could mean the difference between failing and succeeding!
From Thanksgiving and Christmas to Hanukkah and New Year’s, there are plenty of opportunities to capitalize on some delicious holiday menu ideas for your restaurant. These holiday recipes could help you round out your seasonal menu and entice customers during the holiday season! Holiday Appetizers Restaurant appetizers are great for large groups and happy hour …
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Restaurant saturation continues to be a problem in the industry, so it’s more important than ever to make your restaurant stand out from the crowd. These restaurant marketing ideas and trends will help keep your restaurant profitable for years to come! WiFi Marketing While email marketing has been around for decades, WiFi marketing has made …
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Even if you haven’t heard the term ghost kitchen, you may have heard the concept referred to by one of its alternative names. Otherwise known as virtual restaurants or cloud kitchens, ghost kitchens are an evolution of the restaurant model that is designed primarily for delivery or catering rather than on-site dining. What is a …
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Does your menu take advantage of popular restaurant trends? If not, you may be missing out on opportunities to keep your diners happy and coming back for more. Here’s what you need to know about adding all-day breakfast items to your restaurant menu. The All-Day Breakfast Menu Trend You Can’t Afford to Ignore Restaurants across …
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Wondering how to improve school lunches so students are happier, healthier, and more adventurous eaters? Try these ideas! Install a Salad Bar One low-stress way to improve school lunches is to install salad bars in school cafeterias. Not only do salad bars increase consumption of fruits and vegetables in schools, but they also offer variety …
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Reducing food waste isn’t just great for your bottom line, it can also help with your reputation. In fact, a recent study showed that over 72% of U.S. diners care about how food waste is handled at the restaurants they frequent. Here’s how to reduce food waste in your restaurant.
Even if your restaurant is thriving, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should leave your menu the same. In fact, updating your restaurant menu every year can help reduce food waste, cut costs, and keep customers coming back for more. Heres why you should update your restaurant menu every year. Food Costs Fluctuate The price of …
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The organic food movement has gained popularity in recent years, which has many restauranteurs wondering whether they should start buying organic food from their wholesale food distributors. This organic food shopping guide covers the main reasons people choose to buy organic and can help your restaurant decide what foods to buy organic, what foods you …
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Childcare is expensive, so rather than paying a babysitter, many parents are opting to eat at restaurants with their kids. While it doesn’t make sense for every type of restaurant to be kid-friendly, restaurants that aren’t accessible to kids can isolate a huge group of potential customers: parents with kids under the age of 12. …
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Looking to boost sales at your restaurant? Try creating a late night and happy hour menu. Not only do these programs increase foot traffic and revenue during non-peak hours, but for many restaurants, these hours account for up to one-third of alcohol sales. These late night and happy hour menu ideas could help your restaurant …
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From Toro Bravo and Pok Pok to Kachka and Tasty, plenty of Portland restaurants feature their own restaurant cookbooks. Whether you’ve been approached by a publisher or are considering reaching out for a cookbook deal, you’ll want to carefully weigh your decision before creating your own restaurant cookbook. Things to Consider Before Creating a Restaurant …
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Looking for a way to grow your restaurant, increase profits, and inspire your staff? Seasonal menus might be just the ticket. Here are the four biggest ways seasonal menus can benefit your restaurant. Lowering Costs When food is in season, it tends to be less expensive because it costs less to grow and ship. Seasonally …
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Unfortunately, food recalls are a fact of life. While recent recalls have included foods like romaine lettuce and ground beef, a wide range of produce, meats, prepackaged meals, and processed foods have the potential to be contaminated in one or way another. In fact, CDC food recalls can protect against anything from foodborne illnesses to …
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Whether it’s veganism, lactose intolerance, or other health concerns, there are many reasons your customers might not want to consume cow’s milk. In fact, consumption of cow’s milk has dropped dramatically since 1970, and dairy alternatives are quickly becoming one of the hottest food trends to watch out for in 2019. Many non-dairy milk substitutes …
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Regardless of what type of food you sell, including a food and wine pairings menu can be a great way to upsell customers, create a memorable dining experience, and increase restaurant revenue. While you could recommend a wine for every entrée on the menu, it might make more sense to start with a small plate …
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Especially if you’re located in an area dense with competing restaurants, restaurant marketing can make or break your business. There are plenty of ways to promote your restaurant, ranging anywhere from TV commercials and billboards to loyalty programs and coupon marketing. One new and exciting trend in restaurant marketing is branded merchandise. What is Branded …
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The West Coast is no stranger to vegan restaurants, and while some spots thrive selling exclusively vegan fare, simply adding some well-crafted vegan-friendly menu items can help your restaurant satisfy a more diverse clientele. While you can certainly experiment with fun recipes utilizing trendy meat substitutes like jackfruit, one easy way to accommodate vegan diners …
Continue reading “5 Best Vegan Burgers to Make Your Menu More Vegan-Friendly”
It’s no secret that the restaurant business has high turnover, but just because it’s an industry-wide problem doesn’t mean it’s not something you can work to improve. Here’s how to reduce turnover in your restaurant. Practice Smart Hiring One of the best ways to prevent turnover is by hiring the right people for the job. …
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Running a successful restaurant isn’t easy, and in order to stay relevant, it’s important to track and incorporate different food trends into your menu. While dessert isn’t the main event, having a solid dessert menu can contribute to the success and longevity of your restaurant. Before updating your menu, consider these exciting dessert trends for …
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Running a successful restaurant is hard, and choosing a foodservice distributor isn’t a decision you should take lightly. Here’s what you need to consider before signing any supplier contracts. Price Restaurants need to make money and finding the right price point is incredibly important when choosing a wholesale foodservice distributor. But saving money upfront isn’t …
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When you think of restaurant marketing, coupons might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but if used thoughtfully, coupons and special offers can be a great marketing strategy to help promote your restaurant. Here’s what you need to know about coupon marketing. When Should You Use Coupon Marketing? Coupons can help restaurants …
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Turnover is a major problem for restaurant managers. According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual turnover rate in the restaurant industry is 73%. That’s a startling statistic especially when you think about how difficult it can be to fill those positions when staff quits. One of the ways restaurant managers are addressing this …
Continue reading “3 Important Reasons to Cross-Train Your Restaurant Staff”
Being successful in the restaurant business means keeping up with the latest food trends. It’s just not enough to serve quality food at competitive pricing. Staying relevant requires updating your menu to include ingredients that are trendy and popular with diners. By making this effort, you’ll draw new customers and keep your regulars coming back …
2018 General Election Recap After the results of this year’s General Election, 2019 has the potential to be a challenging year for the business community in Oregon. Governor Kate Brown (D) beat her opponent, State Representative and physician Knute Beuhler (R), giving her the opportunity to serve four more years in the office. With final …
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Secret menus are all over Portland. Dutch Bros has one. Pip’s Original Donuts has one. Kenny and Zukes Delicatessen has one. And, here’s why you should have one: No news spreads faster than a secret. People love sharing a good secret with their friends and everyone loves feeling like they are in-the-know on something exclusive. …
Did you know that the placement of items on your menu has an impact on how frequently they are chosen by your customers? With a few changes to your menu design, you can get customers to purchase what you want them to purchase and increase your profits without raising prices. It’s called menu engineering, and …
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Even for successful restaurants in Portland, filling tables in the late afternoon, early evening, and from nine to close can be a real challenge. The key to building your business during those hours is understanding what your customers are seeking. According to the National Restaurant Association, 77% of adults say they would likely go to …
Continue reading “How to Grow Your Profits with a Happy Hour and Late-Night Menu”
Fast-casual diners demand high-quality food fast and with so much competition in the market segment, it’s critical to keep wait time to a minimum so that your customers keep coming back. Use these shortcuts to cut down on kitchen time and get food out faster. Buy peeled garlic. Garlic is a fantastic way to add …
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For many years, delivery has been synonymous with pizza. That’s not the case anymore. With the increase in demand over the last 10 years for more delievery options, restaurants around the country have been entering the delivery market at an incredible rate. Third-party food delivery services like GrubHub, Postmates, and Uber Eats, have made it …
Pickled or fermented vegetables are a staple element in many cuisines and can bring a delightful pop of acid to a dish. If you’d like to start making your own house-pickled vegetables, there are Oregon food safety guidelines for restaurants you should know before getting started. We’ll go over the state food safety policies for …
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School food procurement can be a complicated process with the various state and federal procurement regulations and requirements. McDonald Wholesale has been providing schools throughout Oregon with healthy and nutritious food options for nearly a century and our experienced bid team knows the ins and outs of navigating the bid process. To help you with …
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You only get one chance to open your new restaurant, so it’s important to do it right. The impression you make during the grand opening event will last, whether it’s good or bad. To help make sure it’s a good first impression, read these grand opening ideas for restaurants before you plan the event. 5 …
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Have you tried the chicken wings at Pok Pok? You’ve got to go to Ox and try the clam chowder! Save room for the chocolate chip cookie when you go to Coquine. These signature dishes have a reputation around Portland and it’s no surprise why. One of the most effective (and least expensive) ways to …
Dining customers are beginning to care more and more about the ingredients they are being served and rightfully so. “Is it organic?” “Is it gluten-free?” “Is it antibiotic-free?” These are probably questions you’ve heard before. This year, you’re bound to hear questions about Keto Diet menu options. The Keto Diet has actually been around for …
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In Portland and beyond, food trucks have become cultural icons for grabbing quick and easy, high quality bites. Some of the most well-known local restaurants started out as mobile food trucks, testing the market with innovative eats and finding loyal customers along the way. When you’re feeling the itch to move from food truck to …
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We are teaming up with Papa’s Pizza in Eugene and Springfield to host a Memorial Fundraiser on February 1st, benefitting the wife and three children of our driver and valued team member, Brian Brunscher. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Brian. According to the GoFundMe campaign set up by a friend …
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All good chefs know that diners eat with their eyes first and serving up dishes that look delicious is as important as how the food tastes. But did you know that how your food looks could affect your business even before customers enter your restaurant? Ask any food blogger or Instagram foodie and they’ll tell …
Portland locals and visitors rely on Yelp to help them choose their next place to eat out. In 2017, a local consumer review survey found that 97% of consumers read online reviews of local businesses and 85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation. An optimized Yelp profile can make your …
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The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) is the hospitality industry’s watchdog and advocate on issues and legislation affecting our industry. On the national, statewide and local levels, ORLA provides a voice for our industry. You can count on the ongoing efforts of ORLA’s government affairs team to advocate for favorable laws and fair regulations, …
Continue reading “Highlights from the 2017 Legislative Session and Other News”
Like fresh ingredients, frozen foods are picked at their peak. Flash freezing preserves the quality of these foods and maximizes nutrient content for several months. With an extended shelf life, your chefs can thaw them as needed in the kitchen, giving you more control to meet demand without creating excess waste. Let’s take a look …
Is seaweed the new millennial food trend? Trend predictors say yes. While seaweed has been known as a superfood for the last few years, food trend experts say its popularity will really take off in late 2017, replacing kale as the clean eating item to have on your menu. This superfood is loaded with vitamins …
McDonald Wholesale Company, Oregon’s premiere food and restaurant supply distributor, has been recognized by the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA) as associate member of the year. This award is given to one company annually to recognize outstanding performance, service and commitment to the hospitality industry in Oregon. McDonald Wholesale is a long-time sponsor and …
The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) is the hospitality industry’s watchdog and advocate on issues and legislation affecting our industry. On the national, statewide and local levels, ORLA provides a voice for our industry. You can count on the ongoing efforts of ORLA’s government affairs team to advocate for favorable laws and fair regulations, …
Burgers are a summer staple, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. There are many ways you can jazz up a burger to make it a new, exciting, must-have menu item. Let’s take a look at some current trends on menus around Portland and some fun, new ideas to help you create the …
Continue reading “5 Burger Trends to Try on Your Menu This Summer”
Have you noticed your monthly food costs rising even though your menu and supply list hasn’t changed? The problem of rising food costs can be particularly challenging and difficult to identify. Whether it’s due to inconsistent portions, employee theft, or food waste, there are ways to detect where the problem is occurring so you can …
Portland has a reputation for being one of the top vegan-friendly cities in the country. With dozens of vegan restaurants and nearly every other restaurant in the area offering at least a few vegan options on the menu, it’s no surprise Portland makes PETA’s list of Top Ten Vegan-Friendly Cities each year. Food trend experts …
Continue reading “Get to Know the Jackfruit – The Latest Vegan Meat Substitute”
The sous vide method of cooking is wildly popular among chefs in Portland and chefs all over the world. With benefits including even cooking, faster fire times, fewer orders returned to the kitchen and overall reduced waste, it’s easy to see why the sous vide has become one of our favorite cooking gadgets. In this …
Continue reading “Sous Vide: Oregon Food Safety Rules You Need to Know”
Do often find yourself spending all of your spare time searching for the perfect bread recipe or tweaking your grandmother’s already legendary chocolate cake? If so, you may have at one point or another considered turning your baking hobby into a business. So what’s stopping you? If you think you’ve got all the right ingredients …
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Valentine’s Day is a special time for romantics, as well as restaurateurs. In fact, according to two decades of research from the National Restaurant Association (NRA), Valentine’s Day is the second most popular holiday for dining out surpassed only by Mother’s Day. These high-traffic dining days present restaurant owners with unique opportunities to seize new business, strengthen …
Continue reading “3 Ideas to Maximize Profits on Valentine’s Day”
As part of one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing industries, businesses in the foodservice industry have a ton on their plate (pun intended). Menu development, supply orders, employee training, food-cost plans, marketing and promotional materials — the list goes on. Whether you’re a local school with strict nutrition and cost requirements, or a multi-unit …
Continue reading “5 Reasons Why a Wholesale Supplier Is Better Than Restaurant Depot”
Your lights are on, your grill is fired up, and your staff is ready. Your restaurant is positioned in what you thought was the perfect location, yet day in and day out you find your tables standing empty as they beg for customers to put them to use. You’re not alone. With so many restaurants …
Restaurants usually see an increase in profits during the holiday season as people celebrate during time off and enjoy the seasonal festivities and food. While the increase in business is definitely a positive, the holidays are also the most hectic time of the year. Seasonal inventory and holiday menu changes can throw off the daily or weekly rhythm …
Continue reading “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year for Your Restaurant”
As National Dessert Month comes around this October, you might consider what sweets are on your menu and how you can follow the latest dessert trends of 2016. Customers will be looking for popular desserts after a good meal at your establishment, and staying on top of the latest trends will assure that you’re offering …
Continue reading “How Analyzing 2016 Dessert Trends Can Make You Money”
Either you’ve been waiting all year for pumpkin spice everything, or you’re deeply offended by the very notion. Whether you like it or not, the Pumpkin Spice Latte is back again this fall and it’s sure to be as profitable as ever. As you come up with menu ideas throughout the year, consider how you …
Continue reading “Switching It Up For Fall: How Pumpkin Spice Lattes Can Boost Sales”
Getting customers in the door is one challenge. Getting them to come back is another. The truth is that repeat customers are vital to the success of your business. According to Restaurant Engine, a minimum of 1/3 of a restaurants revenue comes from repeat customers, and they cite a Harvard study that suggests an increase …
Continue reading “Why Your Customers Aren’t Coming Back and How to Fix It”
Food safety should be the number one priority for all restaurants. Food poisoning can severely hurt, and in some cases, kill individuals who’ve been affected by it. Beside the personal cost to individual customers, even one case of food poisoning reported in your restaurant can destroy your business over night. People are very weary of …
Continue reading “8 Easy Ways to Maintain Food Safety in Your Restaurant”
As one of the premier wholesale distributors in Portland we have worked closely with many successful restaurants. Portland, after all, is known for being a city of foodies, and we see that enthusiasm as a restaurant supply company with the volume of demand. Despite Portland’s love affair with food, the restaurant business can be fickle and risky at times. One of …
Continue reading “The Best Inventory Management Tips for Restaurants”
Unless you operate a high-end restaurant with a limited or specialized menu, chances are your kitchen could benefit from the addition of some pre-made or frozen components. Scratch ingredients have the advantage of freshness, but carry some notable drawbacks. Fresh, raw goods can be very time consuming to prepare, especially for a small staff. Furthermore, …
Continue reading “Improve Your Kitchen Efficiency and Reduce Food Waste”
When it comes to protein options in Portland, Oregon, beef has been a longtime favorite. Yes, we have a weird bacon obsession, and sure, restaurants are often expected to have veggie burgers on the menu, but beef in all its varieties will always have its place as an essential menu item. That being said, prime …
Continue reading “Which Cuts of Beef Have the Most Profit Potential?”
A menu might seem like a pretty straightforward concept, but it can make or break a restaurant. There is a lot more to it than selecting menu items that are tasty. Below we’ll break down the five most important things to consider when strategizing a new menu. Who is your Target Customer? When thinking about …
Sandwiches. Salad dressings. Your great grandmother’s prized macaroni salad recipe. All of these delicious food choices require a central ingredient to make the dish come alive–Mayonnaise. Although it sounds simple enough to grab any mayo off the shelf to create your masterpiece, one key ingredient can become the difference between wow-ing your guests and… not …
Continue reading “The Cadillac of Mayonnaise, or How to Pick the Right Ingredient”
Cheesy pizza. Rich, creamy pasta. Crusty bread. Italian food is a staple in American dining – it’s one of those food groups that is always a safe bet for your audience. Everyone loves spaghetti and meatballs, just as everyone delights in a big slice of pizza. As your Italian food distributor, McDonald Wholesale Co. understand …
Continue reading “A Taste of Italy – McDonald Wholesale Brings Flavor with Northwest Flair”
For most children, most of the calories they consume are within school walls. Some kids rely on cafeteria food as their number one source of nutrition. McDonald Wholesale Co. takes the role of campus food offers seriously. As your food distributor, we’ve created a few simple steps you can take to elevate your kid-friendly meal: …
Continue reading “6 Tips for a Healthy and Tasty Kid-friendly Menu for Your School District”
