By properly training new employees, you can reduce turnover and increase employee satisfaction, and it will help your restaurant exceed your guests’ expectations.
Training is Broken in the Restaurant Industry: Here’s How to Fix It
October 3, 2019Here are three key mistakes restaurant brands are making in onboarding, upskilling and preparing their labor force for work, and a few ideas on how to fix it.
The Life Span of Commercial Kitchen Equipment
September 10, 2019You might not give much thought to your oven or dishwasher on a daily basis, but your kitchen appliances are what enable you to serve your hungry customers. Knowing the life span of commercial kitchen equipment helps you keep your operation running smoothly. It allows you to plan — and budget — for future maintenance, repairs and, eventually, new equipment. Here’s a look at what every foodservice operator should know about their kitchen equipment and when it ought to be replaced.
Dennis celebrates 4 years of safety!
July 22, 2019Dennis has not only been smashing production, shipment and sales records – we are breaking safety records as well! We’ve reached a new milestone for employee safety; surpassing four years without a Lost Time Accident or Injury. What an accomplishment!
Gen Z Will Drive Significant Change in Food Marketing and Manufacturing
July 8, 2019They are the first digitally native generation; that is, they grew up with easy access to information through handheld devices. Transparency, whether it relates to processing methods or ingredients, is an expectation rather than a pleasant option…
How Menu Design Can Increase Sales and Customer Loyalty
July 3, 2019Think of the menu as a visual representation of your brand. It introduces guests to your offerings and should reflect the overall philosophy and values of your establishment. The psychology of menu design should not be underestimated—in fact, a well-designed menu can consistently increase profits by as much as $1,000 per month, per million dollars in annual revenue…
8 Scheduling Strategies to Increase Profitability
May 6, 2019Creating a schedule is about more than just covering shifts. Good scheduling processes can positively affect your customers, employees and revenue. While having adequate staff on hand to accommodate your guests is your top priority, keeping your staff happy is a close second. You can find a balance between the two in which everyone wins.
5 Ways to Enhance Your Customer’s Takeout Dining Experience
April 5, 2019A growing number of today’s restaurant patrons would rather order delivery or takeout than dine in. In fact, the booming market for food that leaves an operator’s walls will surpass $300 billion in sales by 2023. Nevertheless, on-demand foodservice has its challenges…
9 Tips to Prepare for a Health Inspection
February 6, 2019The proper strategy for a successful health inspection is to be ready at all times. To stay ahead of the game, managers can conduct weekly, in-house inspections. Here are nine tips to help your team prepare…
Episode 52 – Dennis Invests in Foodservice & Tina Talks Dough
November 12, 2018Our team has been working downright diligently over the past few months to bring the Dennis Difference to more customers, in more places. Part of those pursuits includes the addition of new employees; team members who will help support our mission and our customer’s businesses. We’ll share a few updates on our recent efforts in this episode. Also in this episode, Tina Parker of The Dough Co. joins us to talk pizza dough, and about a big change they’ve made!
10 Tips for Managing Seasonal Menus
October 17, 2018Seasonal ingredients and menu items have become more popular along with the local food movement, which goes right to the heart of the kind of sustainability commitment that today’s customers are looking for.
Welcome Chef Tim Labonte
October 16, 2018Award-winning chef Tim Labonte has joined Dennis Paper & Food Service in the newly established position of Corporate Chef. Previously, Tim was Regional Executive Chef for Maine Properties in charge of all culinary departments at the Portland Harbor Hotel, Inn at Diamond Cove and the Diamonds Edge Restaurant. Tim earned his culinary arts degree from Johnson & Wales University in 1999 before beginning his career as a sous chef at the Key West Hilton Resort & Marina in Key West, Florida…
5 Tips for Improving Communication in Your Restaurant
October 9, 2018Usually, restaurant customers believe the restaurants they frequent run flawlessly. They place their orders and their meal arrives a few minutes later, well prepared and properly served. But behind the scenes, in the back-of-the-house, any semblance of flawless efficiency is hard to come by. For those who have never worked in a restaurant kitchen, the “dance” that goes on in the back-of-the-house likely will appear startlingly chaotic.
Episode 51 – A “Hospitality” Convo with Steve Hewins
October 1, 2018Steve Hewins, President & CEO of the Maine Restaurant Association and the Maine Inn Keepers Association has some big news. In this episode we’re getting details on the merger of these two organizations; a big focus at the Maine Hospitality Summit on October, 29th in Bangor, Maine. Listen in as Steve shares his thoughts on […]
4 Ways to Appeal to Your Target Market
September 28, 2018To identify a target market, operators often look to specific generations. Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z customers all have different food and dining attitudes, habits, and preferences. What we’re finding now is that many macro trends are shared across generations. They might just manifest in different ways in terms of specific needs and operational executions, but the trends are very applicable across almost all demographics. Once operators have a grasp on overarching themes, they can develop their menus, strategize, and market more effectively. Continue reading…
Episode 50 – Looking Like a Pro on Camera, with Brad LaBree
September 10, 2018If you get nervous even thinking about talking on camera this episode is for you! Video and cameras are an increasing part of our daily lives, and a great tool for getting in front of customers. But, what happens when you clam up on camera, and the words just won’t come out? The future of marketing is video, and the power to compete is in the palm of your hand. So, let’s get over the nerves and get you recording with a few tips and strategies for foodservice operators looking to do more with video.
Episode 49 – Interview with Larry Geaghan & Lisa Sturgeon | Restaurant Marketing Deep-Dive
August 30, 2018Subscribers to our podcast know that we discuss a wide variety of topics designed to help you grow and improve your business. In this episode, rather than just hear advice on how you can harness the power of your team, market through social media or think like an innovator… you’re going to hear how an actual foodservice operation has been successfully putting these tactics to use to grow their business and broadcast their brand to the world through social media.
Episode 48 – News from the IFDA & Tips for a Smooth-Running Kitchen
August 21, 2018In this week’s episode we’re sharing some stats from a new report published by the IFDA and we’ve got a few tips to help keep your kitchen running smooth. Plus, your business with Dennis supports other Maine and New England companies. You’ll hear more about how the foodservice industry contributes to our economy in this episode!
Episode 47 – The Learning Never Stops, Foodservice Tech Trends, Plus – Kelly & Kelli on School Food Programs
August 1, 2018The school of life is the greatest education of all, and in it the learning never stops. Life in foodservice is no exception. As we go about our daily duties, it’s important to stop every so often and assess what’s coming on the horizon. For example, one of the next big foodservice disruptions will absolutely be… find out what it is, along with 5 recent foodservice tech trends and more in this episode!
Episode 46 – Cold Coffee, Hot Pizza and New Edible Emoji!
July 23, 2018Just how popular is cold brew coffee? We’ve got the stats. What makes cold brew different? We’ll help you understand the steep. What’s the biggest hurdle for foodservice operators? We’ll tell you and share the solution in this episode! If you’ve been pondering how to prepare better pizzas with quality ingredients, how to expand your menu with new flavors and combinations — and most importantly – how to produce more profit from your pies you need to tune into this episode!
Episode 45 – Spotless Tabletops & Chemical Programs with Jesse Landry
July 3, 2018Cleanliness throughout an entire operation is an extremely important part of foodservice management. For help with training new employees, or as a reminder to experienced staff, we’re sharing steps to help your team maintain an immaculate environment and reputation. Plus,17 year Dennis Paper & Food Service veteran Jesse Landry joins us for a discussion on chemical programs in foodservice.
Episode 44 – Down the Rabbit Hole with a Special Guest, Author and Salesman Michael Mirarchi
June 18, 2018A departure from our usual format – Episode 44 takes on a life of its own as Dennis Knows Food host Luke LaBree, and special guest Michael Mirarchi, share their thoughts on a number of trending industry topics – paper straws, eco-friendly packaging, the power of Yelp, social media and more – don’t miss this episode!
Episode 43 – Discovering Your Brand Message and Protein Questions with Chris Caler
June 10, 2018In this extra-long episode we’re talking about how to create the perfect brand message for your business, and we talk meat with our Protein Category manager Chris Caler!
Go Big on Breakfast
June 7, 2018Breakfast is the fastest-growing meal of the day! In fact, breakfast visits increased 4% for the year ending in May 2015, according to NPD, while lunch and dinner visits were flat. Despite that, Technomic data indicate that it’s also the most skipped meal, due to consumer issues of time, desire for lighter options and affordability. Addressing those concerns and doing it better than the competition means more opportunity to build sales and satisfy patrons.
Five Ways to Boost Summer Sales
June 7, 2018Longer days and warmer weather can mean new sales opportunities. After months of cold weather, people are eager to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. From al fresco dining to special summer menus, here are five ways you can take advantage of the changing season and drive sales this summer.