Running a restaurant has always been a juggling act — balancing guest experience, back-of-house efficiency, costs, staffing, ambiance, and now rapidly changing consumer habits and technology.

If you’ve ever wandered through Denver’s City Park neighborhood on a sunny day, chances are you’ve passed by the vibrant energy of Vine Street Pub & Brewery. Known for its friendly vibes, fresh house-brewed beer, and some of the best veggie burgers and nachos this side of the Rockies, Vine Street is more than just a pub—it’s a community cornerstone.

Twice a year, the clocks shift—and so do your operations. While most people just lose (or gain) an hour of sleep, for shift-based businesses, daylight saving time (DST) brings extra challenges: schedule confusion, fatigue, and even dips in productivity.

Every shift carries vital information—what went right, what went wrong, what needs follow-up. For restaurant managers, shift notes are the linchpin in connecting one shift to the next. Done right, they keep your operation smooth, your team aligned, and your service consistent.

Stepping into a management role for the first time is both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re leading a restaurant team, hotel staff, or shift-based crew, those first few weeks set the tone for your success. 

In the fast-paced world of shift work—whether you're managing a bustling kitchen, a busy hotel lobby, or a production floor—success doesn’t just come from showing up and ticking boxes. It comes from leadership. And great shift managers? They lead differently.

Employee engagement is more than just a buzzword in the restaurant industry; it’s the secret sauce that can turn a good restaurant into a great one. Engaged employees are more productive, provide better customer service, and are more likely to stay with your restaurant long-term. For restaurant managers, fostering a culture of engagement can be a game-changer, leading to higher profits, smoother operations, and a more cohesive team. 

Every restaurant needs to have a great menu. But for great restaurant marketing, restaurants need to offer their guests more than just great food to be able to compete. Added value, genuine storytelling, and engaging marketing strategies are also essential for your restaurant to succeed. We’ll take a look at how you can add some magic to your restaurant’s marketing mix; creating a loyal base of customers that keep returning.

It’s back to school season yet again, which means families are busier than ever. Here comes the fall activities and parents turning into taxi cabs. And don’t forget about all the busy teachers grading homework and coaching football. How does this relate to your restaurant, you ask? Well, you can take advantage of the back to school season and increase your restaurant sales if you adjust your marketing! Keep reading to find out what works to increase sales during these busy bee back to school days.