Podcast Grill #24 | The state of the restaurant business – We need people

Ed Tinsley, Chairman of the National Restaurant Association stood in front of an invitation only crowd in Baltimore, MD last week to address where we are in the restaurant business for late year 2006. Topics discussed were things such as how important it is to bring in new people into your restaurant business. Growth in the industry this year, and discussion how massive this business really is were all key topics. Listen In.

About Ed Tinsley, Mr. Tinsley has served on the Association’s board since 1996, representing the state of New Mexico. Prior to his most recent post as Vice Chairman of the Board, he served as Treasurer during the 2004-2005 term. Additionally, Tinsley has served on numerous committees of the Association, including the Board’s Executive Committee. He has chaired the Finance, Technology, and the International Relations Committees, and was a Trustee and Vice Chairman of the NRA Political Action Committee.

Podcast Grill #23 | The brain trust of the restaurant business

When it comes to delivering value to both operters and vendors th Mid-Atlantic Expo took an all new approach this year to thier show. Deliver Value to the operator and results to the vendor, sounds like the holy grail of trade shows to me, however, I think that this year they have done just that with an all new approach.

Listen to the Brain trust and what they did for making operators lives in the Mid-Atlantic region so great for both value and savings at this years Mid-Atlantic Expo.

For the more than 300 exhibitors at the expo, the 8,000 attendees were quality leads. Emily Cooper, sales manager for Sherrill Inc. (crab supplier), said she inked several deals on the show floor.

“This is our first time to exhibit at the Mid-Atlantic, and we put a lot of effort into our booth,” said Cooper, who spent $7,000 on space and materials. “But it’s been well worth it. We’ll definitely be back next year.”

Show officials said they have already signed 30 booth contracts for next year.

Podcast Grill #22 | New Stuff at the Mid-Atlantic Expo

New products continue to prevail on the trade-show circuit. Our host Paul Barron covers the Mid-Atlantic Expo in Baltimore, MD. Onsite coverage of the show with new product ideas that are sure to get your attention.

Kraft Food Solutions & Eric Evans talk about the latest food preparation concept from Kraft.

VoxOrder and Ken Menken speak with us about the revolutionary way to order food online. We give you a four step process of how an Internet order through VoxOrder is completed. This is an amazing piece of audio that you really have to listen to get the full effect of how you may be doing online ordering in the future.

Industry experts agree that online ordering is valuable for restaurants and food-service businesses offering takeout or delivery service. According to the National Restaurant Association, 35% of consumers have used the Internet to research restaurants and menus; among younger consumers the percentage is 45%. Businesses report increases of five to 10% in order volume, and increased average tickets of as much as 18%, after offering online ordering.

Podcast Grill #21 | What’s Hot! – Hot new products in the restaurant industry

Seldom do you get a chance to see great new concepts and products in the restaurant industry. Our producers found three new products and services that really deliver value to your restaurant operation.

Product 1 – StoreTech – A new kind of store design company that does more that just build your next restaurant, they go the extra distance to deliver inspirational design. Look for the new Smart Look design by Fuddruckers as used in a new location in Wellington, FL.

Product 2 – Network Solutions has been a long time website registrar, but now they have a new spin. They are the authority in what is sure to be another boom in website development for the restaurant industry. Their new “Do-it-for-you” website now can allow all restaurants to look their best on the web and with most people going to the web before they dine-out, what better way to get your new website!

Product 3 – CafeShorts – Dinner and a movie has an all new meaning in the restaurant business. Cafe Shorts is a new media company that brings short films right into your restaurant for your patrons to enjoy. All films are shorts (15 minutes) and create quite a restaurant draw. We get a chance to talk with Brett Jaffee, president of Cafe Shorts about the all new and innovative approach to the entertainment aspect for your restaurant.


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Podcast Grill #20 | Florida Restaurant & Lodging show 2006 – At the show

he 2006 Florida Restaurant & Lodging show has a new aspect. With Florida being a top tourism state the term “Lodging” is now on the venue. Reed Exhibitions continues to build new features into the show with the Barista Challenge, Culinary Showcases and the Orlando Pizza Show.

We get a change to talk with Ron Matthews with Reed Exhibitions about the latest in their plan to attract more attendees and deliver a new refreshed look at the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show.

About Reed Exhibitions:
Every year Reed runs over 460 events in 38 countries, bringing together over 90,000 suppliers and more than 5.5 million buyers. With 2,300 employees in 33 offices around the globe we serve 52 industries worldwide.

Podcast Grill is the leading restaurant industry podcast with more than 5,000 listeners!

Podcast Grill #19 | Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show 2006 – Restaurant Technology

In this restaurant podcast episode we speak with Action Systems about their hand-held POS, Write-On. Alex Malison the CEO of Action Systems joins our podcast via phone while his company is on display here at the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show.

Great topics and an inside understanding of how hand-held pos could be in your restaurant technology future.

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