nra news
O
f the many tools offered by the National Restaurant Associ-
ation (NRA) to owner/operators, perhaps the most valuable
is the “Manage My Restaurant” tool. This tool is available
on the NRA website and accessible from the home page. Whether
your goal is to explore new ideas and concepts, increase traffic, seek
out culinary trends or identify strategies for negotiating leases, this
tool has information and creative ideas on a wide variety of topics.
There are four primary categories available to investigate.
1.“Marketing and Sales”
offers many ideas for improving
restaurant performance and the customer dining experience. You
will find information on topics such as:
• Controlling portion sizes
• Marketing to the millennial audience
• Managing online reviews
• Creative ways to engage guests
• The acceptable level of noise in your establishment
• Preparing your facility for natural disasters
2. “Workforce Engagement”
offers a variety of topics associat-
ed with your workforce. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Discussions about career paths
• Seasonal hiring tips
• Traits of confident managers and supervisors
• The Employee Edge Program
3.“Food and Nutrition”
includes many suggestions and ideas
concerning food safety, nutrition, gluten-free tips and culinary
trends. In this section you will also find creative and tasteful ways
to attract new customers and appeal to a larger customer base. Con-
trolling food costs is always a major consideration, and this section
will provide tried and tested information from seasoned operators.
You will also find ways operators are addressing healthy options on
their menus for customers of all ages.
4.“Operations”
gives tips on how to operate your restaurant more
smoothly, productively and profitably. Advice is offered in a variety
of areas from crisis management, supply chain/vendor relationships
and challenges to reducing your environmental footprint. Other
topics might include new concepts such as “pop-up” restaurants,
food trucks, catering and the effective use of social media.
So whether you’re an experienced restaurateur or someone new in the
business, take a moment and explore” Manage My Restaurant” on the
NRA website. You may just uncover an idea or two that will make your
establishment operate more effectively and profitably.
by Tom Hutchinson,
NRA Board Representative, La Posta De Mesilla
Another valuable online tool offered by
the National Restaurant Association
Manage My Restaurant
4th Quarter 2013-2014 9
