Topics
Operations
Pizza proposal proves successful
A Colchester, England, man proposed to his girlfriend over pizza, literally. According to the East Anglian Daily Times, the two pizzas were topped with goat cheese, tomato, red onion and strategically placed spinach. One pie read, “High tide, l...
Topics
Operations
Restaurant owner kicks out war vet, service dog
The owner of restaurant in Oxford, Massachusetts recently yelled profanities at a disabled Iraq war veteran when he entered the establishment with his service dog. James Glaser, who suffers from PTSD, was asked to leave even after providing the owner...
Topics
Operations
Houston restaurant bans children under 9 after 7 p.m.
Another restaurant has opted to ban children under the age of 9. This time, the restaurant will allow children until 7 p.m. The owner contents the store is family friendly. The policy is a reaction to customer complaints. While some residents think t...
Topics
Operations
2009 December: Hurry Up & Wait
It’s a busy Friday night, people are lining up at the hostess stand, and someone asks you the question, “How long do we have to wait for a table?” You want to tell them 20 minutes and hope you’re right. If you underestimate and they end up wa...
Topics
Operations
2009 October: Quick & Easy
In June, Pizza Hut announced it would spend $5 million to renovate its locations in Jacksonville, Florida. The investment would pay for a “transformation to a more contemporary look and improved customer experience” in the seven dine-in and 23 de...
Topics
Operations
2009 September: This Too Shall Pass
I have been asked to summarize many of my beliefs and words of wisdom as if this were my last shot to speak to you. I have had the great honor to intercommunicate with our wondrous industry for the past 15 years. It has been quite a ride, and I would...
Topics
Operations
Laundry: Hang to Dry
For some pizza restaurant operators — such as those who use front and center items like table linens or who have extremely high-volume locations — whether or not to do the laundry in-house or use a laundry service is a no-brainer. In these instan...
Topics
Operations
Clean Sweep
Customers are restaurants’ biggest allies and their harshest critics. They are not shy about expressing their joy, concern or displeasure with an eating establishment. The wilting plant in the corner, the dust on the ceiling fan or the empty paper ...
Topics
Operations
Buffets can bring in big business when done right
When CiCi’s Pizza Buffet opened its doors 27 years ago, the concept of an array of pizzas offered all at once and not custom-built seemed novel and a bit risky. “It was not something that was normally done,” says CiCi’s President Craig Moore....
Topics
Operations
2010 April: This Little Light of Mine
Dark dining, a trend where you eat in complete darkness, was introduced both in the United States and abroad about three years ago, but it never caught on. That’s because the right lighting enhances the dining experience, helps the staff, creates a...
Topics
Operations
Man On The Street: Pizzeria closed by health department
My heart sank as I reached the front door, only to realize that the worst was true. The usual line was nonexistent; the lights inside were dim and the front gates were down. My only clue was a small yellow notice on the front door. Apparently the New...
Topics
Operations
Ask Big Dave: Start-up worries
Q: I’m ready to do it, Dave. After attending International Pizza Expo and reading the magazine for a year now, I feel like I’m learning what it will take to succeed with my own pizza shop. I’m scared to death. Should I be? Phil Cross Pittsburgh...