NRA Show Blog

One-third of Americans plan to dine out or order takeout over Labor Day weekend

 
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

Food plays a central role in summertime outdoor and vacation activities, and new National Restaurant Association research shows that more than one-third of Americans say they will dine out and/or use restaurant takeout or delivery for a picnic, cookout or outdoor event to celebrate this Labor Day weekend.

In addition, one in five have ordered takeout or delivery for an outdoor dining occasion over the summer, and two-thirds enjoyed restaurant meals on summer vacations.

“The summer months are typically the most popular time of the year to dine out, due to travel and tourism and outdoor dining activities,” said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of the Research and Knowledge Group for the National Restaurant Association. “Restaurants have served millions of guests over the last three months, both in their establishments and with takeout and delivery options for picnics and cookouts in backyards and parks across America.”

National Restaurant Association statement on the impact of Hurricane Irene

 
Reposted from NRA News blog

The National Restaurant Association today issued the following statement by President and CEO Dawn Sweeney on the impact of Hurricane Irene:

"On the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s impact on the Gulf Coast of the United States, we are mindful of how damaging these storms can be for local communities and are thankful that Hurricane Irene has proven to be less destructive than initially expected.  We also thank our state restaurant association partners that were impacted by Hurricane Katrina for reaching out to their colleagues on the East Coast to help them prepare for this storm.

"The National Restaurant Association offers our sympathies to those who suffered loss of life or property damage, and applauds the federal, state and local disaster preparedness communities for their work in preparing us for the worst as we all hoped for the best.

Hurricane Irene ready? Emergency closing checklist for restaurants

 
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

As the East Coast braces for Hurricane Irene’s arrival, preparing your business for a potential shutdown, be it planned as part of area evacuations or hurriedly in case of emergency, can help mitigate the situation as it is ongoing and facilitate smoother re-opening of your business – we all hope for the best and yet we must also prepare for the worst.

The National Restaurant Association encourages restaurants in at-risk areas to keep these tips in mind:

•  The safety of employees and guests is first and foremost. Keep up to date with the latest developments through state and local government sources to determine if and when to close your business.

•  Create a checklist of how to prepare your business for closing quickly. Include procedures for reducing perishable inventory (i.e. clean out walk-ins, ice bins, etc.), securing equipment, and removing critical business records and valuables. Doing this can reduce damage and facilitate re-opening.    

1. Reduce and/or reschedule purchases and deliveries to reduce waste.
2. Sand bag the entrance to the restaurant.
3. Board up store fronts and windows.
4. Stock up on dry ice and take ice out of ice machines to fill plastic containers. Place the containers in the walk-in refrigerator. Move food products in the walk-in  closer to bottom shelves and floor level. If the power goes out, the ice-filled containers will serve as a big ice chest.
5. Shut down computers and equipment.
6. Turn off gas lines - this is very important due to the risk of damage.
7. Secure rooftop air conditioning units with ropes and/or straps.
8. Obtain a generator and fuel for re-entry into the restaurant for clean-up. 

Steady sales indicate industry headed in right direction

 
Dining with a view at Chicago's Wit Hotel rooftop lounge

Restaurants sales have remained steady following a record high in June, industry experts say.

According to preliminary figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, eating and drinking place sales in July held at $40.9 billion after hitting that record number the month before.

"Sales through July are on pace to post their strongest growth since 2007 -- something we projected in the association's 2011 Restaurant Industry Forecast," said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of the National Restaurant Association's Research and Knowledge Group.

Also, overall retail sales increased 0.5 percent in July on a seasonally adjusted basis, the census bureau reported, and grocery sales also trended upward, rising 0.6 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis.

For the first seven months of 2011, food and beverage sales at restaurants and bars were up 5.2 percent after adjusting for seasonal and holiday factors. For the same period, overall retail sales rose 8.4 percent and grocery store sales increased 5.7 percent.

Cocktails for dog days (and nights) of summer

 
By Nathan Greene, Resident Mixologist

Beat the record-breaking summer heat with fresh, fun, and cool cocktails that require little effort. After all, it’s summertime and the sipping is meant to be easy.

Mmm… summer thirsts for lighter-based spirits such as blanco tequilas, vodkas, gins and light rums, as well as fresh seasonal produce like berries, pineapple, cherries, melons, cucumbers, mint, basil, and rhubarb.  Here are a few sure to tantalize your taste buds.

If you’re willing to put in some effort prepping one ingredient for this tall drink, I promise it will be well worth it! The drink “Lost in Idaho” was inspired by Las Vegas-based Vanguard Lounge’s most popular seasonal menu along with cocktail-partner-in-crime, Dustin Drankiewicz, a highly accomplished competition bartender and consultant.

1 ½ oz 44 North Huckleberry Vodka*
1 ½ oz House made Kiwi-Cucumber Juice**
¼ oz Rothman & Winter Cherry Liqueur
¼ oz Luxardo Maraschino  Liquer
1 Dash Fee Brothers’ Cherry Bitters
Fill Soda Water
Garnish: 2 Maraschino Cherries

Restaurants: a big slice of American life

 
Association staff across America build customer loyalty, rewarding careers and financial success through: trust, a spirit of hospitality, respect, integrity, optimism and excellence.

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

At nearly one million locations around the country, restaurants are a major part of American life -- making them a cornerstone of our communities and a strong economic force.

Restaurants are where Americans pick up their morning coffee, or connect with their family, friends, colleagues or clients at lunch or dinner. In restaurants, friendships are strengthened, life events are celebrated, and where a dinner can become a welcome break from reality or an unforgettable vacation memory.

The National Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) are restaurants' champions -- hundreds of thousands of members strong. National Restaurant Association members come from every corner of the restaurant and hospitality industry. They are chef-owned restaurants, family restaurant chains, quickservice franchisees, contract foodservice organizations and other segments of the industry.

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation seeks nominations for 2012 awards

 
Ralph Brennan (President, Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, LLC), 2011 Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality and his family at the 25th Anniversary of Salute to Excellence.

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is calling on restaurant industry professionals to help identify and nominate outstanding candidates for its 2012 awards: the College of Diplomats, the Michael E. Hurst Lifetime Achievement in Education Award, and the Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award.

Submissions can be made online, mailed or faxed to (312) 566-9733 – the nomination deadline is this Aug. 31.

“We are looking to all leaders in the hospitality business to nominate their shining stars – the valued individuals who go the extra mile both personally and professionally to serve and bring public focus to restaurants and foodservice through their works,” said Lynette McKee, executive director of the NRAEF. 

New mobile app for on-the-go travel, foodie deal seekers

 
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

Travelzoo launched its first iPhone app (yes, it's free) allowing subscribers to access travel, entertainment and local deals while on the go – in their home city or while on vacation.

For example, a subscriber currently on vacation in Las Vegas can book a luxury four-course dinner for two at Society Cafe at Encore Las Vegas for $99, and then head out to see 'Viva ELVIS' by Cirque du Soleil, at half the regular price. 

The new Travelzoo app includes five sections: 

1. Top 20 -- week, Travelzoo's team of more than 250 Deal Experts research, evaluate and test thousands of deals, only publishing the best in the Top 20 list. More than 23 million people worldwide rely on the Top 20 each week for the best travel, entertainment and local deals. 

2. Local Deals Near Me – Highlights deals in the user's area based on the phone's GPS system. The GPS system will automatically detect the user's location to aggregate relevant deals near you.

3. Deals in Other Cities -- Users can search deals including entertainment, hotel, spa and restaurant offers in other cities -- vacation planning or on-the-go searches are currently available in more than 40 markets in the United States and more than 75 markets worldwide.