The Main Course

In today's world of fast-paced culinary innovations, there's a classic treat that remains timeless and universally loved: the cookie. Recent trends have shown a surge in gourmet cookie shops, with a particular emphasis on unique flavors and high-quality ingredients. Studies by the National Bakers Association help show how popular gourmet cookie shops continue to be among all generation of consumer...

In an age where convenience is king, the drive-thru model has become an integral part of the food and beverage industry. With the rise of on-the-go lifestyles and the need for quick service, drive-thrus have evolved from mere transactional points to hubs of customer interaction. Recent data suggests that over 60% to 70% of all fast-food sales in the U.S. are made at drive-thrus, emphasizing their...

When people go to a restaurant, personalizing the dining experience is a critical factor in making an impact that keeps customers returning. What better way to capitalize on that experience than through music? In recent years, the restaurant industry has seen a significant shift towards personalizing the dining experience for guests. As the industry transitioned through 2020 and welcomed guests ba...

In recent years, there’s been a vibrant resurgence in celebrating and preserving cultural heritage. As the world becomes more interconnected, there's a wonderful opportunity to share and relish the diverse traditions that make each culture unique. One such tradition is the rich tapestry of Jewish culinary traditions, which, much like the Rosh Hashanah celebrations, is a blend of stories, memories,...

Creating generational wealth is a goal for many, yet it seems increasingly unobtainable in recent years. One path still open to make those goals a reality is in the world of franchising. Contrary to expectations, the pandemic did not deter individuals from seeing the potential of owning and operating a restaurant franchise. The desire to establish a sustainable business and create generational wea...

The Main Course host, Barbara Castiglia, sat down with Frank E. Olivieri, the owner of the iconic Pat’s King of Steaks in Philadelphia. Olivieri serves up the rich history of the cheesesteak, emphasizing the importance of fresh ingredients and the unique taste of their signature cheese. He also shares personal anecdotes from his early days in the restaurant, highlighting the challenges and rewards...

The restaurant industry, already grappling with the challenges of the pandemic, now faces another menace: sophisticated restaurant scams. As eateries worldwide strive to recover, many of them fall prey to scammers. QR codes, which gained popularity in restaurants during the pandemic, are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The National Restaurant Association puts restaurant losses due to fraud as much as...

On The Main Course, hosted by Barbara Castiglia, Ray Chung, the Director of Design at The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry, delves into the intricate art of restaurant design. From the importance of lighting and acoustics to the essence of storytelling in creating an ambiance, Chung emphasizes the need for a holistic approach. Drawing from his rich experience in architecture and interior design, he...

As dining preferences shift towards healthier options, the restaurant industry is evolving to keep pace, particularly in franchise operations. Quality can sometimes fall by the wayside in a food culture dominated by convenience and speed. However, restaurant franchises realize that the key to customer loyalty and long-term success lies in maintaining quality while expanding the business. According...

Digital Restaurants aren’t literally digital. Technology hasn’t evolved to the point where digital food is a thing. And if it were a thing, are people ready to eat it? Probably not. But whether it’s a QSR with online ordering apps, a popular sit-down restaurant chain using online ordering and delivery, or even the favorite local establishment utilizing tabletop QR codes to display menus and integr...

The restaurant industry, having weathered the storm of a global pandemic, staffing shortages, and inflation, finds itself at an interesting juncture. While showing signs of resilience, with 2023 projected to be the most typical year for the sector since 2019 and sales forecast to reach an astounding $997 billion, the industry continues to grapple with a host of challenges that have fundamentally r...

The restaurant industry, having weathered the storm of a global pandemic, staffing shortages, and inflation, finds itself at an interesting juncture. While showing signs of resilience, with 2023 projected to be the most typical year for the sector since 2019 and sales forecast to reach an astounding $997 billion, the industry continues to grapple with a host of challenges that have fundamentally r...

Restaurant expansion in 2023? While that may sound hard to believe, the restaurant industry has seen a 4.9% increase in sales in 2023. While increased prices due to inflation may be driving some of those increases, indicators show now is the best time since the pandemic’s beginning to consider a restaurant expansion. But what does it take to expand a restaurant chain successfully, and how does a b...

There is no industry that is immune to surprises and shocks. However, the restaurant industry has been facing its own unique blend of challenges recently, forcing owners to question the adequacy of their restaurant insurance coverage. For many, insurance is perceived as a necessary yet complicated evil, something begrudgingly purchased and then promptly forgotten, only remembered when a crisis str...

As trends shift and evolve in the food industry, a notable new phenomenon has taken center stage: beverage only concepts. Over the past few years, we have witnessed an explosion in the number of businesses that focus solely on drinks, offering everything from coffee to milkshakes and now, iced tea. This intriguing move away from traditional food-focused establishments showcases a fresh approach to...

The world was forever changed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the customer experience industry, especially in the restaurant sector, has faced unprecedented challenges and transformation. The role of technology has been amplified, not only as a survival tool during a time of social distancing and lockdowns, but also as a driving force for long-term, meaningful change in how businesses interact with...

Not every restaurant makes an effort to fully integrate its customer into the experience of eating and enjoying their food. But for those looking for a unique dining experience, plenty of such establishments present unique restaurant narratives. What sort of restaurants emphasize storytelling in their dining, and how do they handle staffing? On this episode of The Main Course, host Barbara Ca...

Franchising is a common part of the restaurant business, as it allows more people to access the establishment worldwide. Some restaurants stay in specific markets while others grow to become part of a landscape featuring other ubiquitous household names. But franchising is not always easy; it takes careful planning and work. What do some restaurants do to ensure a successful transition from small...