Dave Shula Returns as President of Shula's Restaurant Group
Dave Shula rejoins Shula's Restaurant Group as president, leading growth into Palm Beach Gardens and a 2027 Thomasville, Georgia expansion.
Sep 23, 2026
Dave Shula rejoins Shula's Restaurant Group as president, leading growth into Palm Beach Gardens and a 2027 Thomasville, Georgia expansion.
Sep 23, 2026
McDonald's commits $8.5 billion through 2036 to modernize restaurants, boost cash flow by $100,000 per store, and grow chicken and beverage sales.
Sep 23, 2026
WKS Restaurant Group promotes Jay Spongberg to president and COO after he helped grow the company from 65 to 382 restaurants over 16 years.
Sep 23, 2026
Smokey Mo's BBQ names Von Dawson, a Dine Brands veteran, as VP of Franchise Development to lead its Texas expansion strategy.
Sep 23, 2026
Meritage Hospitality's Chapter 11 filing pulls 5% of Wendy's U.S. stores into bankruptcy, exposing cracks in franchising's bigger-is-safer bet.
Sep 21, 2026
Jack in the Box names Rachel Ruggeri to its board as Michael Murphy retires, amid a CEO transition and deal with investor GreenWood.
Sep 21, 2026
Improve restaurant Google Maps rankings by optimizing your business profile, selecting accurate categories, gathering reviews, adding photos, and strengthening local relevance signals.
Sep 21, 2026
Restaurant inventory tracking helps owners monitor stock, control food costs, reduce waste, improve purchasing, and make informed operational decisions.
Sep 21, 2026
Restaurant owners can significantly reduce restaurant costs by leveraging technology across inventory, labor, procurement, forecasting, and administrative operations for better profit margins.
Sep 18, 2026
Understand how to forecast restaurant revenue and expenses with methods for sales projection, cost scaling, fixed-cost planning, and risk buffering.
Sep 18, 2026
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Discover how major restaurant brands are focusing on improving on-premise ambiance to attract and retain customers. Learn about the essential factors that contribute to a positive dining experience.

In today's highly competitive restaurant landscape, creating a welcoming and unique on-premise ambiance has become crucial for attracting and retaining customers. Major brands like Starbucks, Cava, and Subway have recognized the importance of transforming their store environments to offer more than just food. By focusing on ambiance, these brands aim to create a holistic dining experience that resonates with customers on a deeper level.
According to a recent NRA survey, about 73% of limited-service restaurant customers prioritize store cleanliness as a key factor influencing their dining decisions. This highlights the integral role that ambiance plays in shaping the overall perception of a restaurant. Clean and well-maintained spaces contribute to a positive dining experience, complementing the food and service provided.
The demand for memorable on-premise occasions is on the rise, with consumers showing keen interest in events beyond traditional dining. Tasting events featuring curated menu selections have captured the attention of 70% of adults, indicating a desire for immersive culinary experiences. Additionally, private dinners and cooking classes have emerged as attractive options for customers seeking exclusive and interactive dining opportunities.
Bo Davis, CEO of MarginEdge, emphasizes the enduring significance of consistency and ambiance in driving customer loyalty. While quality food may attract customers initially, it is the ambiance and culture of a restaurant that keep them coming back repeatedly. Establishments that maintain a consistent experience over time build a loyal customer base that transcends food quality alone.