Industry Voices

Warming Up Winter

by Katie Lee April 6, 2026

— By Jay Fiske — Achieving winter savings through effective energy management. [EDITOR’S NOTE: This article originally published in winter 2025 as part of the December/January magazine issue.] It’s cold outside, and the temperature may drop even further. According to The Weather Channel, “from the Northern Plains to the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast, the last 2 weeks of January are typically the coldest times of the year.” This frigid weather puts pressure on multi-unit retail facility managers (FMs), who juggle two conflicting priorities: (1) providing shoppers with an exceptional in-store …

April 6, 2026

Industry Voices kitchen equipment kitchen exhaust/grease control restaurants vendors

Seasonal Impact

by Katie Lee April 1, 2026

[EDITOR’S NOTE: This article originally published in December, in the December 2025/January 2026 issue of Retail & Restaurant Facility Business.] — Interview with Nathan Willard — HOODZ’s Nathan Willard talks preventative maintenance: steps your facility should take to clean & maintain kitchen exhaust systems this holiday season. R&R: Why is kitchen exhaust cleaning especially important during the busy holiday season? Nathan Willard: During the holidays, families are not only eating together in the comfort of their own homes; they are also sharing meals at local restaurants. While kitchen exhaust cleaning …

April 1, 2026

exterior services/landscaping Industry Voices parking lots property management software/technology vendors

A ‘Lot’ of Variables

by Katie Lee March 27, 2026

— By Evan Tilley — Restaurant and retail solutions are not one-size-fits-all. Parking is the first and last interaction a customer has with a restaurant or retail establishment. A stress-free parking experience sets a positive tone before a customer even walks through the door, while a lack of parking spaces or unhelpful parking staff can create frustration, no matter how good the business may be. What works in terms of parking for restaurants and retail establishments can differ from location to location, and businesses often need to consider tailored parking …

March 27, 2026

Industry Voices pest control property management vendors

Nesting Season

by Katie Lee March 18, 2026

— By Sarah J. Carter — As the temperatures drop, nesting birds may seek shelter indoors. How to protect your facility from these unwelcome guests. Now that we are in the full swing of the holidays, roadways are full of eager shoppers in search of the perfect gift, and homes are abuzz with preparations for family gatherings. The crisp mornings prompt more of an effort to rise, as we quickly transition to layered clothing and begin our mornings with a warm mug in hand. During this season of comfort, we’re …

March 18, 2026

Industry Voices lighting signage vendors

The Silent Partner

by Katie Lee March 11, 2026

— By Corey Perez — Why the world’s biggest brands trust us with their voice. There is a singular, electric moment in the life of a commercial development project. It happens just as the sun begins to dip below the horizon, when the construction dust has settled and the final punch list is cleared. It is the moment the switch is flipped. Suddenly, a pylon ignites against the twilight. A channel letter set glows with a precise, brand-specific hue. In that instant, a building transforms into a destination. For the …

March 11, 2026

facilities management Industry Voices painting restaurants vendors

Fresh Perspective

by Katie Lee March 4, 2026

— By Rich Kilgannon — How retail and restaurant facility managers are leveraging tech-enabled painting partners to streamline projects and level up customer service. First impressions matter for restaurants and retail businesses. For restaurants, we know that customers eat with their eyes first. Before they ever see a plate of food, they will see the exterior of your building as they enter the restaurant. They will notice the entryway before speaking with the hostess. And they will take in the general atmosphere before they are ever seated. The same is …

March 4, 2026

Industry Voices parking lots property management vendors

Crack Attack

by Katie Lee February 25, 2026

— By Charles Clevidence — Why asphalt crack sealing is the most cost-effective preventive maintenance strategy. Crack sealing is the process of applying a specialized rubberized sealant into cracks in asphalt pavement to prevent water, debris and chemicals from penetrating the surface and damaging the base and subbase layers. It serves as the pavement’s first line of defense against deterioration and can significantly extend the service life of the asphalt. This treatment is most effective when performed early — while cracks are still small, typically a quarter-inch and wider, and …

February 25, 2026

construction and design energy management HVAC/R Industry Voices restaurants

Warm Guests, Happy Vendors

by Katie Lee February 18, 2026

— By Jamie Tuinstra — Essential heating strategies for food halls and communal dining areas. Food halls and communal dining spaces have become essential gathering places, allowing patrons to enjoy great culinary variety in a lively, sociable environment. Such venues can be ideal for family outings, group meet-ups or simply for long, leisurely nights out. When winter arrives, though, these large, high-traffic environments face a significant operational challenge: maintaining a warm, comfortable atmosphere for guests without compromising safety or incurring excessive utility costs. Effective heating is not simply a matter …

February 18, 2026

construction and design Industry Voices remodels

Great Adaptations

by Katie Lee January 29, 2026

— By Gary Cohn — Is your retail or restaurant facility a candidate for adaptive reuse? With shifting consumer habits and an oversupply of traditional retail space in many markets, adaptive reuse has become a strategic solution for owners and operators in the retail and restaurant sectors. Repurposing an existing facility — whether it’s a former big box store, strip mall or standalone restaurant — can be faster, more cost-effective and more sustainable than ground-up development. But not every building is ready for a second act. A Property Condition Assessment …

January 29, 2026

franchise development Industry Voices restaurants vendors

Of Lenders & Loans

by Katie Lee January 21, 2026

— By Alicia Chandler — How to get — and keep — a franchise loan. Equipment upgrades! Remodels! New store builds! Franchise owners need financing for many different reasons. Understanding what’s involved in obtaining a franchise loan can help make the process go more quickly and smoothly. Knowing how to stay in compliance with the loan’s covenants can help a borrower avoid penalties or technical defaults. Here’s a background on how to get and keep a franchise loan. Get the House in Order Many borrowers trip at the first hurdle …

January 21, 2026

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