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First Watch

A more casual Il Fornaio serves as lab for the future

 By Alaina Lancaster on Nov. 12, 2015

Il Fornaio hadn’t expanded its classic Italian concept for eight years. The economic downturn stalled growth, delayed further by a change in equity partners.

8 hiring tips

 By Restaurant Business Staff on Nov. 12, 2006

Here's the first tip: Don't be quick on the draw. Take your time and set a realistic time frame for making hires.

Food

Shrimp gets skewered

By Patricia Cobe on May 28, 2013

When it came to developing a summer LTO for Little Greek, the 14-unit Tampa, Florida-based franchisor, president Nick Vojnovic thought “shrimp.” “It’s healthy, quick-cooking and few of our competitors offer shrimp,” he notes.

RB goes to the movies

By Alaina Lancaster on May 03, 2016

Want to procrastinate, but still feel like you’re adding a feather to your industry cap? Check out these must-see documentaries that bring you inside some of the world’s most groundbreaking kitchens.

John Merlino, Claim Jumper's R&D genius

By Restaurant Business Staff on Mar. 11, 2007

If John Merlino were a gymnast, his event would be the balance beam. At 42, the corporate executive chef and R&D director for Claim Jumper walks a fine line between tradition and trend.

Making money off the books

By Sara Rush Wirth on Feb. 10, 2014

The San Francisco Chronicle reported an 8 percent increase in cookbook sales in 2011, and the trend has continued.

Food

5 retro comfort foods making waves on menus

By Patricia Cobe and Lizzy Freier on Dec. 09, 2016

Chain restaurants are discovering that nostalgia sells.

How to be happy

By Restaurant Business Staff on May 12, 2007

Maybe it’s a char-grilled steak and a bone-dry martini. Or being in love, playing with the dog or perhaps a new pair of Jimmy Choos. It could also be that warm glow you get looking over a full dining room on those rare nights when everything hums along perfectly.

Nashville's Bread & Company bought by Florida-based restaurant group

Dec. 05, 2014

The local favorite has only two stores, but the deal extends to recipes, the brand name and all intellectual property. First Watch has indicated that it intends to maintain the brand.

Operations

7 remedies for restaurant problems arriving tomorrow

By Lizzy Freier, Peter Romeo and Sara Rush Wirth on Apr. 12, 2017

Potholes, dead ahead! The first two days of the Restaurant Leadership Conference brought to light a number of looming problems--as well as some possible solutions.

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