How to Calculate Cost of Goods Sold for a Restaurant
Learn how to calculate restaurant cost of goods using inventory, purchases, COGS percentage, variance reviews, and regular tracking for profitability.
Aug 31, 2026
Learn how to calculate restaurant cost of goods using inventory, purchases, COGS percentage, variance reviews, and regular tracking for profitability.
Aug 31, 2026
Understand how to evaluate a Kiosk system using key criteria including features, POS integration, hardware, pricing, customer experience, and support.
Aug 31, 2026
Explore restaurant technology trends in 2026, including AI, automation, digital ordering, workforce tools, connected kitchens, personalization, and profitability strategies today.
Aug 28, 2026
Learn the startup costs of opening an ice cream shop, including rent, equipment, renovations, permits, inventory, labor, marketing, and reserves.
Aug 28, 2026
Learn practical ways to reduce labour costs through smarter scheduling, forecasting, productivity, cross-training, automation, overtime control, and performance monitoring strategies.
Aug 26, 2026
A restaurant P&L statement reveals sales, expenses, and profits, helping owners manage costs, improve margins, and plan finances more effectively.
Aug 26, 2026
RaceTrac has appointed Jill Pemberton as chief financial officer, succeeding Karla Ahlert, who moves into the newly created role of chief administrative officer.
Aug 26, 2026
Create a practical restaurant marketing plan by setting goals, targeting customers, choosing channels, budgeting wisely, scheduling campaigns, and measuring results.
Aug 24, 2026
A payroll advance policy helps restaurant owners define eligibility, limits, repayment, documentation, approval procedures, and compliance requirements for employee advances.
Aug 24, 2026
Blaze Pizza welcomes Tracy Stockard as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing decades of brand and franchise experience to drive strategic growth and guest engagement.
Aug 25, 2026
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Discover how AI and automation are revolutionizing the restaurant industry, enhancing guest and employee experiences
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
The restaurant industry has faced challenges due to changing consumer spending patterns and potential trade policy shifts. In response to these obstacles, major restaurant chains like BJ’s Restaurants, Cracker Barrel, and Bloomin’ Brands are turning to automation and AI technologies to improve operational efficiency and drive growth.
Cracker Barrel's CEO and President, Julie Felss Masino, highlighted the success of AI-powered personalization capabilities within their rewards program. This implementation led to a notable increase in average revenue per member. Moreover, the Tennessee-based chain utilized AI for traffic forecasting, enhancing accuracy and optimizing labor management. Guest relations also benefited from AI, reducing resolution times and improving accessibility to live customer support.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
With a focus on enhancing guest experiences, BJ’s Restaurants are expanding their AI deployment for forecasting and optimizing workforce planning. By leveraging AI, the company aims to ensure team members are strategically placed to provide exceptional service to customers. This move has resulted in improved labor scheduling and heightened guest sentiment across their establishments.
Bloomin’ Brands, with its diverse portfolio of restaurants, emphasizes the importance of technology in simplifying employee tasks and enhancing guest experiences. The company's CEO, Michael Spanos, underscores the continuous evaluation of technology to streamline operations and elevate the overall dining experience. The appointment of Gagan Sinha as CIO signifies the company's commitment to optimizing technological advancements within its establishments.
Photo by Sergio Arteaga
Bloomin’ Brands' implementation of a new point of sale system, combined with AI tools, aims to accelerate customer feedback processes and facilitate better communication among managing partners. Through real-time data analysis, the company can identify trends and areas for improvement promptly, leading to more efficient and effective responses to customer needs.