🦾 Small Restaurants Embrace Smarter Payment Tech

🍽️ What’s Cooking?

Nine Hotel Restaurants Named Among Nation’s Best in 2025

A new list from USA Today’s 10Best recognizes nine hotel restaurants for outstanding food, service, and ambiance. These winners, selected by public vote and expert panel, show how hotel-based dining is holding its own against standalone competitors. Properties from Hawaii to Florida were represented, with menus ranging from coastal seafood to high-end global cuisine. The spotlight on hotel restaurants reflects a shift in traveler expectations—guests now demand top-tier food without leaving the property.​ ​Read more.

🃏 Running a Smoother Kitchen

Implement a ‘Silent Service’ System for Smoother Front-Back Communication

Instead of relying on constant verbal check-ins between kitchen and front-of-house, use color-coded service lights or a discreet display board. A green light could mean "order ready," yellow for "wait 2 minutes," and red for "delayed—check with chef." This reduces noise, prevents order pile-ups, and gives servers a clear status at a glance—especially during peak hours. It's inexpensive to implement and improves coordination without disrupting the dining experience.

🚀 Scaling Up

Local Restaurants Use Resilience Grants to Rebuild and Grow

Independent restaurant owners across California and Oregon are receiving resilience grants to help recover from recent economic disruptions. The grants, provided through regional partnerships, are helping small operators reopen, rehire, and invest in expansion. Some are using funds to test new menu concepts, upgrade kitchens, or explore multi-location growth. The program highlights a broader push to keep local restaurants competitive without turning to full-scale franchising. Read more.

🦾 Fresh Ideas

Small Restaurants Embrace Smarter Payment Tech

Smaller restaurants are adopting integrated payment systems and online ordering platforms to compete with larger chains. These tools simplify order tracking, improve customer data collection, and speed up checkout. More owners are opting for mobile-friendly, all-in-one solutions that sync with inventory and menus in real time. The result: faster service, fewer errors, and better insights into what sells—without the cost of a full POS overhaul. ​Read more

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