December 2024

Monthly News & Updates

Step Into the Spotlight & Shine at Hawaii’s Must-Attend Food Service Expo!

Reserve Your Booth Today

The Hawaii Restaurant Association Food Service Expo is your ultimate gateway to discovering the latest innovations, solutions, and trends in the restaurant and food service industry. As Hawaii’s premier event for restaurateurs and food service professionals, the Expo offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and explore cutting-edge products and services tailored to the unique needs of Hawaii’s dining scene. Whether you’re looking to network, grow your business, or stay ahead of the curve, this is the event you can’t miss.

An Owner's Perspective: 7 Reasons Why You Should Attend Trade Conferences or Expos

As a restaurant owner, attending bar and restaurant expos, food shows, and other hospitality events can be highly beneficial for your business. The opportunities to network with industry professionals, discover new trends, and gain insights into the latest technologies and products available in the market can exponentially improve your views about how to operate your own restaurant. By attending these shows, you can stay ahead of the competition, enhance your business operations, and find inspiration for improving your restaurant.

Future Proofing your Restaurant

Uncertainty is always on the menu for the restaurant industry, but that doesn’t mean operators are powerless.



Watch a brief message from Restaurant365 CEO and Co-founder Tony Smith to learn more about how restaurant leaders can leverage visibility, agility, and preparedness to support their success.

Restaurant Workforce Research:

Reflecting on 2024 and Optimizing for 2025

Long after the restaurant industry felt the most significant impacts of the pandemic, echoes still reverberate in the form of workforce realities and operational challenges. After millions left the industry in 2020, restaurants responded by increasing wages and leaning into incentives to attract employees back. This adaptability allowed the industry to come back even stronger, but to this day, the struggle to attract and retain a stable workforce remains. 

Stay Ahead of the Danger:

Proactive Food Safety Strategies for Restaurant Managers

One would think that, in 2024, foodborne illnesses would be a thing of the past. After all, our technology has evolved to be better than we ever could have predicted. 

We now have automated monitoring sensors that sit in your cooler to keep track of temperature fluctuations. There are automated food labeling systems that make it easier for businesses to stay in compliance. There are even light-based decontamination technologies to help keep food contact surfaces or clear liquids safe.

But despite how far we’ve come, and despite all the technology that’s now available to us, a proactive approach remains the most important tool in your toolbox.

The 3 Common Cash Management Headaches for Restaurants

And How to Prevent Them

The recent wave of new payment technologies has modernized the way diners pay their tabs. The 3 Common Cash Management Headaches for Restaurants (and how to prevent them)

But one thing is for sure: The old-fashioned way of paying with cash is still going strong. Cash payments make up 35% of all in-person payments, according to Brink’s data. Despite the growing popularity of instant payments, cash won’t be going the way of the dodo anytime soon. An estimated 92% of consumers surveyed had no plans to stop using cash, according to a 2024 report by the Federal Reserve Financial Services’ FedCash® Services. Cash can also be the source of several security and bookkeeping headaches for restaurant owners. Here are the 3 common problems every Restaurant 365 customer should know about cash -- and the convenient solution that could spare them from these headaches

Rebates Available from Hawaii Energy

Looking to upgrade your AC or Refrigeration systems. Hawaii Energy offers incentives designed to encourage energy efficiency. reduced cost and improved performance. It will also help the environment.. Here’s what you need to know about these rebates, what types of equipment qualify, and how you can get started!

How to Effectively Introduce New Menu Items

and Boost Customer Engagement

Introducing new menu items is more than just adding dishes to your offerings—it’s about crafting an experience that captivates your guests and keeps them coming back for more. A well-planned new menu launch not only boosts customer engagement but also reinforces your restaurant’s brand identity. Let’s dive into a foolproof guide designed to make your launch a resounding success.

How to Make the Most of an Ingredient Profitability Analysis

Want to boost your restaurant’s profits? Start by analyzing your ingredient costs.

You’re already on the up and up employing Dual Pricing (to eliminate your credit card fees), first party online ordering (to eliminate your expensive delivery commissions), and managing your labor in real time. Now its time to track ingredient profitability. This is crucial for keeping your Cost of Goods Sold (CoGS) under control – ideally below 31% of revenue. This article breaks down how to manage ingredient costs, reduce waste, and optimize menu pricing using modern tools like POS systems.