Industry Voices

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

Industry Voices software/technology vendors

Make the Switch

by Katie Lee January 14, 2026

— By Sarah Clifton — Why smart operators are switching from spreadsheets to vendor management systems. If you’re managing staffing vendors across multiple retail or restaurant locations, you know it can be challenging. The beginning of the week can start with a flood of emails from various agencies. Next, you’re dealing with conflicting invoices. By mid-week, you’re reconciling timesheets that don’t match. And by the end of the week, you’re trying to figure out why labor costs are over budget — again. Does this sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many …

January 14, 2026

construction and design flooring/floor care Industry Voices vendors

Flooring For The Future

by Katie Lee January 7, 2026

— By Jordan Munro — Flooring strategies for retail & restaurant facilities: balancing aesthetics, durability and long term ROI. In today’s retail and restaurant environments, flooring decisions are no longer purely aesthetic choices. Facility managers, operators and designers are increasingly aware that the surfaces beneath our feet play a critical role in shaping customer experiences, operational efficiency and long term financial outcomes. Whether it’s a boutique retailer, a bustling quick-service restaurant or a luxury dining establishment, flooring must withstand relentless foot traffic, align with evolving design trends and deliver measurable …

January 7, 2026

exterior services/landscaping facilities management Industry Voices management parking lots vendors

Solid Foundation

by Katie Lee December 31, 2025

— By Chuck Stamm — Pavement thickness is the foundation of a long-lasting investment. For commercial property managers and facility directors, few investments impact curb appeal, safety and long term costs as much as your pavement. From parking lots to access roads, asphalt is the first impression your property makes — and one of the most expensive assets to repair or replace. One of the most important factors determining whether that investment lasts 5 years or 20 is pavement thickness. It’s not just a technical detail — it’s the foundation …

December 31, 2025

energy management HVAC/R Industry Voices kitchen equipment Product Spotlight restaurants software/technology vendors

Remote Work

by Katie Lee December 17, 2025

— By Tony Albers — How Café Zupas remotely manages energy usage in 82 stores. With 82 stores across eight states, Café Zupas restaurant chain delivers “house-made happiness” with its healthy menu designed to “nourish the good life,” which is its tagline. Headquartered in Sandy, Utah, Café Zupas sought to control energy usage at all 82 of its nationwide stores. By standardizing the installation of commercial thermostats with remote management, the company achieved reduced energy costs while maintaining indoor comfort for its customers and staff. Challenge: Remotely Manage Energy Usage …

December 17, 2025

construction and design disaster recovery Industry Voices management property management remodels waste management/recycling

From Liability to Opportunity

by Katie Lee December 10, 2025

— By Keith Etchells — Revitalizing Diamond Bar Shopping Center through strategic remediation. In retail real estate, environmental contamination can be a deal breaker. For property owners and investors, subsurface pollution such as solvents, hydrocarbons, heavy metals and other industrial byproducts can restrict the asset’s current and future uses and commonly comes with significant regulatory management costs. With the right combination of strategy, funding and technical expertise, resolving environmental challenges can be accomplished in ways that support long term property goals. The owner of the Diamond Bar shopping center in …

December 10, 2025

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