Floored! includes everything you need to know about the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show (NRA Show) and International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB). And more!
Written by:
Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief
Brad Pierce, Equipment & Supplies Dealer Contributor
Tina Fahrenbruch, Contributing Blogger
Tatiana Vieira Green, International Contributor
Nathan Greene, Resident Mixologist
Nancy Kruse, Menu Trends Contributor
International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB)
May 19-20, 2013
McCormick Place, Chicago
« July 2012 | Main | September 2012 »
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief
Food Network star and restaurateur Guy Fieri and Sodexo—an National Restaurant Association member and NRA Show attendee—have teamed up to create an on-campus, fast-casual dining concept called Guy Fieri On Campus—featuring his trademark culinary style with hints of Italian, Asian, and Mexican flavors.
The first of at least 15 planned locations will debut this fall at Montclair State University in New Jersey.
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief
Are you craving Taco Bell's Doritos nacho cheese flavor-packed taco shell? You're not alone given its meteoric rise as the most successful product launch in the company's history. The company is currently testing two new Doritos Locos taco shell flavors across various regions—a Flamas shell with a chili lime flavor and a cool ranch flavor. No word yet when the new Doritos shells might appear at a Taco Bell near you.
Read more on this by The Orange County Register Fast Food Maven Blogger and National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show press regular Nancy Luna.
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief
In today's final installment of our five-part series to help restaurants boost profitability, generate new business and make even more great memories for your customers, we give you this tip how to join the conversation.
So, you want to be where the conversation is and join it in an "authentic" way, but just because people are talking about your company or product doesn't mean he/she wants to talk about it with you. Remember that you're in someone's personal space—the communication must be genuine and engaging vs. pushy and aggressive.
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Reel them in — Pictures, stories, and valuable tips are relevant content that build organic relationships and help turn your customers into evangelists for your restaurant.
Communicate strategically — Address negative feedback and ensure your social media platforms have distinct messaging.
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief
Turn up the heat on online marketing with the fourth of five quick tips.
Next up in the series: Quick tip #5 for tailoring your message: Join the conversation
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief
All aboard...
Are two of the country's top-rated restaurants—Chicago's Alinea and New York's Eleven Madison Park embarking on a staff swap for something called the Twenty First Century Limited?
Watch the cryptic video above. Details on the mystery project are scarce at best. The Facebook page says: "The 20th Century Limited ran between New York and Chicago in 16 hours...in comfort, luxury, and speed—spanning space and time. The 21st Century Limited will run a brief engagement between New York and Chicago in September and October of 2012."
Hungry for more details? Us too!
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief
In today's third of our five-part series of sure-fire tips for online marketing success, we serve up these pearls of wisdom.
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By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief
We return today with the second in our five-part series of quick tips for online marketing success for restaurant operators.
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Next up in the series: Quick tip #3 for tailoring your message: Extend your reach
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief
We interrupt this broadcast for a special report on how to tailor your restaurant's message and watch your business grow. Served hot and delicious by the National Restaurant Association and LivingSocial.
We've all heard the buzz that media vehicles — Websites, email, social media, and daily deals — occupy a rightful place alongside offline or traditional marketing channels and that effective use of online media can enhance a restaurant’s brand, grow revenue, and attract new customers. Who doesn't want that, right? Online marketing efforts also easily provide what consumers say they want in restaurant marketing materials: personalized offers and savings. Give the customer what he/she wants.
To help you more easily navigate online marketing efforts, here's the first of five quick tips for online success:
Continue reading "Tailoring your message tip 1 of 5: Know your customer" »
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief
Congratulations to Alexa Anason! During our fast-moving live online chat with Chopped Judge and Celebrity Chef Maneet Chauhan yesterday, Alexa successfully retweeted the following code words used by Chef Maneet in the Q&A session: "insane," "Ted Allen," "James Beard Award" and "CIA." Participants were encouraged to Tweet the code words, tagging the @NRAShow handle, as well as the hashtag #NRAShow, for a chance to win.
Alexa will receive Chef Chauhan's Signature Spice Kit, plus a recipe in which to use these special ingredients.
If you missed the special rebroadcast of Chef Chauhan's standing-room-only World Culinary Showcase demo at this year's NRA Show, here are some highlights from the online event yesterday.
Continue reading "And the winner is, plus tips from a Chopped judge" »
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief
Throughout the live online Q&A today at 3 p.m. ET, Chopped Judge and Celebrity Chef Maneet Chauhan will give away her Signature Spice Kit, plus a recipe in which to use these special ingredients.
When she uses the following code words during today's online chat, the first 10 people to Tweet it and successfully tag the @NRAShow handle, plus hashtag #NRAShow, will be entered for a chance to win.
Code words:
- The word ‘Insane’
- Ted Allen
- James Beard Award
- CIA
Register now http://ow.ly/d7L0m.
