Industry Voices

— By George Lessmeister — 5 tips to protect profit by controlling cost. In this period of high inflation, restaurant owners may feel pressure to raise prices to keep up with soaring costs. But this approach can backfire if not done carefully, and customers may go elsewhere with their already-stretched dollars if restaurant prices go too high. Being smart with expenses, especially labor costs, can help restaurants successfully compete in this challenging climate. What Do the Numbers Say? The Consumer Price Index released in early January showed prices actually decreased …

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— By Walter Fluharty — Roofing is risky business — safety is everyone’s business. While we know safety is always important throughout the year, June celebrates National Safety Month to bring increased awareness on how to prevent injury and death anyplace, including the workplace. Roofing is the fourth most dangerous job in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The most common causes of injuries and deaths are fall-related incidents, which are also the most cited OSHA violations. Rooftop safety is serious business, but roofing companies aren’t …

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— By Melissa Blanken — 3 ways energy costs are driving sustainability practices for smaller buildings. Utilities, grid operators, energy consumers and technology innovators all have roles to play in stabilizing the power grid and keeping the lights on for everyone, and a key part of the solution includes commercial buildings. Historically, energy efficiency programs have either focused on the residential sector or on larger buildings, creating a major gap in programs for small- to medium-sized commercial buildings. Existing buildings are responsible for almost 30% of global energy use and …

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— By Jeremy Johnson — How to maintain ADA compliance and avoid potential litigation: flexible signpost vs. concrete pyramid base. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets requirements for accessible parking spaces that businesses and municipalities must follow. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and legal action. According to ADA.gov, businesses and municipalities found to be in violation of ADA regulations can face up to a $75,000 fine for the first incident and $150,000 for any additional failures to comply. According to the California Commission on …

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— By Anthony Sanchez — Riding the rising wave of retail demand through strategic repositioning. Good news for retail and restaurant stakeholders: demand for in-person shopping, services, dining, entertainment and activities is on the rise. Research shows that annual U.S. retail growth more than tripled year-over-year between 2010 and 2021, nearly 90% of retail sales are still occurring in person and more than half of U.S. consumers dined out more often in 2022 over the previous year. What’s more, among open-air lifestyle centers, March 2023 visits increased 15.3% month over …

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— By Josh Agosto — Why HVAC/R maintenance is essential to optimize efficiency, protect ROI and mitigate costs. Many businesses only call a contractor when their HVAC/R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) systems aren’t functioning properly, despite these units requiring routine maintenance and occasional repairs. Neglected HVAC/R equipment not only increases unnecessary energy consumption but significantly heightens the risk of fires and gas leaks. By understanding why routine maintenance of HVAC/R units is a leading best practice, one can ensure optimal efficiency, protect the organization’s investment, and avoid costly …

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— By Paul Hafen — The importance — and urgency — of cybersecurity in the retail industry post-pandemic. The retail industry has completely transformed over the past few years, and more changes are on the way. As customers hunkered down during the pandemic, online shopping became incredibly popular — forcing retailers to up their game. While companies ramped up their e-commerce services, something that often got overlooked was cybersecurity. Because retailers lagged on installing cybersecurity during their e-commerce boom, there is an increasingly urgent need to improve cyber defenses in …

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— By Tony Hunsoo Ahn — A bakery concept that features delicious design and a tasty layout. Store design and layout are pivotal to making a favorable first impression — and to maintaining the feeling for returning guests. Walk into any TOUS les JOURS (TLJ) location across the U.S., and you’ll find an inviting ‘cafeteria-style’ grab-and-go environment with a large display of individually wrapped pastries, encouraging customers to add their items — all-time favorites and new desires — to a tray as they approach the register. TLJ is committed to …

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— By Krystal Vasquez — Sustainability moves every retail owner should consider. Retailers continue to struggle with tackling sustainability in their properties. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the urgency of engaging in environmentally friendly practices, and retailers are facing more and more pressure to reduce their impact on the environment. Unfortunately the desire to make a retail business sustainable and achieving sustainability are two very different things, and the path to long term retail sector sustainability remains a challenge. Commercial properties, in particular retail stores and restaurants, have plenty of room …

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— By Sarah Carter — The benefits of bird abatement at your retail facility. It’s opening time! Customers are lined up at the door, ready to shop. As they walk through the entrance, they are greeted with a smile from a friendly associate letting them know they’re available if any assistance is needed. The customer tells them they are only here for a few things since the weather’s getting warmer and it’s time for a little gardening. The customer continues to the outside department, down an aisle, searching for the …

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