Takeout Proves to be Strong Source of Revenue

Providing your consumers with the option for takeout could bring increased sales to your restaurant. A recent Technomic survey indicates that 57% of consumers recently surveyed say they purchase takeout once a week or more. Of those consumers who purchased takeout, 60% said that if they had not done so on that occasion they would most likely have made food at home and not purchased from a foodservice operator.

Takeout provides an effortless dining option for consumers focused primarily on convenience.

Happy Holiday Sales Predicted for Restaurants

The holiday season is upon us, and it would appear that restaurant sales for the new few months are looking up. Sales in November were up and according to a recent survey, consumers’ restaurant spending plans over then next 90 days jumped by about 7%. This is the largest increase in expectation to spend in over a year, according to an article published by Nation’s Restaurant News.

Restaurants are expected to see the highest increase among consumer sectors, with a projected growth of around 4 percent. Analysts are optimistic that the growth trends will carry over into the first quarter of 2012.

The Cost of Starting Up a Restaurant

Did you know that it can coast anywhere from $450,000 to $525,000 to start-up a restaurant?

John Kunkel has worked in the restaurant industry since he was a teenager. He learned the ropes of the service industry from the front-of-the-house. By the time he was 29, he was ready to go out on his own. His first venture was to open a bakery in South Beach Miami, FL. The bakery was slow to take off, but eventually found a successful footing.

However, a year after opening the bakery, John decided it was time to move on. He saw a need for a value-driven place that South Beach residents could return to on a daily basis. That’s when he opened Lime, a healthy Mexican eatery that had lines out the door from its first day in business – and has remained popular ever since.

Check out John’s article featured on www.inc.com. John gives an overview of what he has learned about start-up costs for a restaurant, in the years he scraped together funds for his first place to working with a franchise heavyweight.

7 Trends for 2012

Technomic, the leading foodservice research and consulting firm, recently published an article containing the seven leading US restaurant trends for 2012. Some of the trends include an increased use of social networking by restaurants, continued focus on local sourcing, consumers wanting more information, and resistance to discounting by operators.

Be sure to check out the link to the article for more information on their research.

Creating Healthy Kid’s Meals

Healthy children’s faire seems to be on everyone’s minds these days, from meals prepared at home to school cafeterias to restaurants. Kids are notorious for being picky eaters, making it difficult to tempt their tiny palates with simply a plate of vegetables. However with a little creativity many meals can be made-over to be lower in calories and fat, without skimping too much on the tastes kids crave.

Did you know that Serv-U has an entire department on their website dedicated to school supplies? Visit our school supplies department to find everything you need to create healthy, fresh and flavorful meals in your school’s cafeteria.

What is your school or restaurant doing to ensure that children receive meals that encourage dietary variety and balance?

Stock-up for Fall

The fall season is upon us and to me that means cool, crisp weather, trees with beautifully colored leaves, trips to the local orchard for apples and pumpkins, tailgates and football games and evenings outside by the fire.

Make sure you are ready for this season by stocking up on a few restaurant equipment and restaurant supply items from Serv-U. Serv-U’s concession equipment and concession supply department has everything you need to stock the concession stand at your local school or park district. From popcorn poppers, to hot dog cookers, to nacho chip warmers – Serv-U can help you find the right concession equipment for you needs.

Don’t forget to pick up an insulated beverage warmer for seasonal beverages like hot apple cider or pumpkin spice coffee. Serv-U also has bakeware and pastry supplies for baking apple and pumpkin pies. 

Lessons Learned from the Health Inspection

September is National Food Safety Education Month, and this year’s theme is “Lessons Learned from the Health Inspection”. The National Restaurant Association is kicking off a month-long initiative to encourage restaurant and foodservice operators to renew their commitment to food safety by raising awareness of the importance of education and training.

National Food Safety Education Month was created in 1994 to heighten awareness about the importance of food safety education. Each year a new theme and free training activities and posters are created for the restaurant and foodservice industry to help reinforce proper food safety practices and procedures. Visit the NFSEM website for more information on how you can implement this year’s activities and materials in your foodservice establishment.

Save 10% with Summer Savings

Looking for a way to save money this summer? Shop our limited time Summer Saving event. From now through August 15, 2011, save up to 10% on qualifying purchases from Servu-Online. Save big on restaurant supplies and bar supplies when you shop servu-online.

Join our e-mailing list to receive additional special offers via email from Servu-Online.

Food Trucks Proving They Are Not Just a Fad

Food trucks continue to become an increasingly popular trend for both chain and independent restaurants. Industry experts note that many businesses are to the point of launching their third or fourth vehicle, suggesting that the food truck industry is way past the idea of being a fad.

Some of the notable advantages to operating a food truck include their appeal to social-network-savvy consumers, they can serve as a test outlet for brick-and-mortar restaurants and they serve as a moving billboard for the brand.

If you are interested in venturing in to the industry of food trucks, experts state that most food trucks can be purchased for around $100,000, or leased from between $3,000 to $4,000 per month. The average cost for wrapping a truck in a brand image alone can run from $24,000 to $75,000. However choosing to purchase a remodeled used truck can be a money saver.

New Smartphone App for 2011 NRA Show

The National Restaurant Association launched a new smartphone app for 2011 NRA Show attendees. The new mobile app is available for iPhone and Android platforms, and allows restaurant industry professionals to get the most our of their 2011 trade show experience.

The mobile app allows trade show attendees to browse the exhibitors by category or locations, view interactive maps of the exhibit floor and see event and education session schedules and speakers. The app also provides public transportation information and schedules to and from the show.

Visit the NRA’s website for more information on where to download the app. The 2011 NRA show is scheduled to take place May 21-24 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.