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energy managementfacilities managementgreen newsHVAC/RIndustry VoicesProduct Spotlightsoftware/technologyvendors

Emerging Energy Technologies

by Katie Lee

— By James Walton — Emerging trends & technologies in energy management that retail and restaurant businesses need to know about. Energy management is critical to any multi-site business. Rising energy costs and inefficiency directly affect the bottom line and sustainability goals. Businesses should constantly be looking for ways to improve their energy management practices. In recent years, significant technological advancements have revolutionized how energy is managed and consumed. These emerging energy management technologies deliver more efficiency and offer greater control and visibility into a business’s energy usage. Let us …

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flooring/floor careIndustry Voicesjan/sanrestaurantsvendors

From the Ground Up

by Katie Lee

— By Ed Quinlan — To create a tantalizing restaurant experience, consider professional floor cleaning. There’s a phrase commonly used to describe squeaky-clean facilities: floors so clean you could eat off them. While few restaurant owners would literally serve patrons at the floor-level, this state of cleanliness is nevertheless a noble aspiration. In fact, when it comes to creating an enticing experience for diners, one of the best things restaurant owners can do is develop a consistent schedule for professional floor cleaning. Because restaurant flooring is largely obscured by tables …

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energy managementfacilities managementgreen building/LEEDHVAC/RIndustry Voicessoftware/technologyvendors

Visible Results

by Katie Lee

— By Norm Pensky — How gyms can reduce costs and embrace sustainability. Today’s fitness market is increasingly competitive, with boutique workout classes and home exercise options pulling customers in new directions. Instead of chasing costly trends, gym owners can reduce costs and improve profitability by optimizing what’s within their control: energy efficiency. While high-end equipment and lavish amenities may attract attention, smarter energy management offers a more sustainable way to succeed in this crowded industry. Running a gym is energy-intensive. Climate control, lighting and equipment drive up electricity and …

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construction and designenergy managementgreen building/LEEDgreen newsHVAC/RIndustry Voicesretailersvendors

Navigating a Changing Climate

by Katie Lee

— By Kyle Klahre — The world of refrigeration is rapidly changing — here’s what grocers need to know. Refrigeration systems in the U.S. are rapidly evolving due to new government regulations affecting residential, commercial and industrial systems. To understand current changes, it’s helpful to look back at the history of refrigerant regulation. This regulatory journey can be traced back to the middle of the 1980s. The Baby Boomer and Generation X readers likely remember hearing NASA discovered a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica. Well, the cause of …

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green newsIndustry Voiceskitchen equipmentkitchen exhaust/grease controlrestaurantssoftware/technologyvendorswaste management/recycling

Clear Standards

by Katie Lee

— By Alex Lundy — When fryers are at the heart of a kitchen, complete oil management protects profits. For restaurants where fried chicken, french fries, and other deep-fried dishes dominate the menu, fryer oil is not just an ingredient — it’s a cornerstone of the business. As one of the most significant recurring expenses, its management can directly impact both costs and customer satisfaction. Despite inflation’s squeeze on operating budgets, cutting corners on fryer oil is a risky gamble. The freshness and quality of the oil are fundamental to …

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Industry Voicespest controlrestaurantsvendors

Make No Mistake

by Katie Lee

— By Scott Green — Pest control in restaurants: What you’re getting wrong and how to fix it. Pest control is a critical aspect of restaurant management that directly impacts health standards, customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Despite best efforts, many establishments fall short in pest-proofing, often due to overlooked vulnerabilities and emerging pest threats. Under-standing the common mistakes and what emerging threats to look out for is essential in maintaining a pest-free environment. Common Mistakes in Restaurant Pest-Proofing Restaurants can provide an inviting environment for pests due to the …

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HVAC/RIndustry VoicesProduct Spotlightretailerssoftware/technologysupply chainvendors

Storage of the Future

by Katie Lee

— By Dana Krug — The future of retail: technology-forward, customer-centric and efficient. For years, consumer behavior has been the driving force behind the rapid growth of omnichannel retail. Today, this trend has become more pronounced than ever, with 73% of shoppers regularly engaging with multiple channels throughout their buying journey. The pandemic further accelerated this shift, making curbside pickup and other omnichannel conveniences a standard expectation rather than a luxury. Now, the future of retail is being shaped by the evolving preferences of Gen Z and millennial shoppers, who …

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construction and designCover Storyfacilities managementfranchise developmentretailers

Sharing the Love

by Katie Lee

— By Katie Lee — With more than 250 stores, Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming brings love and joy to pets and their pet parents — across more and more communities in North America. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming, a leading pet grooming and gourmet treat destination, is coming off a banner year. In 2024, the boutique retail concept opened a record number of new stores, quadrupling its historical annual average of new openings with more than 50 new stores. Woof Gang is on track to open more than 70 …

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Industry Voicesretailerssoftware/technologyvendors

Human Connection

by Katie Lee

— By Jaime Bettencourt — The human side of ‘smart stores’ in 2025. Technology is powering personalized store experiences that outperform e-commerce convenience. Capital One research reports that brick-and-mortar stores capture 80% of impulse purchases, a clear signal that physical retail remains unmatched for discovery and engagement. 2025’s winning retailers won’t just add screens and apps. Instead, they’ll enhance what algorithms can’t replicate: personalized discovery, human connection and sensory engagement. By focusing on these uniquely human elements, tomorrow’s retail innovations will make shopping more intuitive and digital. Making “Chance” Encounters …

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construction and designIndustry Voicesrestaurants

Balancing Intimacy & Efficiency

by Katie Lee

By Griz Dwight, AIA, LEED AP Crafting smaller, purposeful F&B spaces. In the dining landscape, the mantra “smaller is better” has become increasingly relevant. This shift emphasizes the industry’s move toward compact yet highly impactful restaurant designs; in line with changing consumer habits, there is a renewed focus on creating intimate and highly efficient spaces that deliver exceptional experiences. By examining these changes through the lens of Oyster Oyster — a 1,047-square-foot restaurant in Washington, D.C. — we can explore how thoughtful design helps achieve both intimacy and efficiency in …

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