Features

— By Jon Dommisse — 5 ways COVID-19 changed Americans’ impressions of public restrooms and facilities.   Upon entering the third year of the pandemic, Americans are not only more sensitive to germs in public restrooms, they now hold higher standards for the cleanliness, condition and technology used in these shared spaces, according to the annual Healthy Handwashing Survey™ we conducted in January. Despite ongoing COVID outbreaks, most Americans have not been deterred from using public bathrooms. In fact, 41% of Americans report using public restrooms as often as they …

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— By Ian Nicolson —   How to answer the tough business continuity questions.   Severe weather poses many challenges for retail and restaurant operators, but the most significant is parsing through and analyzing the fire hose of incoming weather forecast data to determine the real business impacts to their operational processes and locations. Business response plans need to be objective, consistent, repeatable and defensible to the CFO. It can be overwhelming to answer critical logistics questions like these using just the wind and rain data provided by the local …

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— By Linda Bommarito —   How to make UVC light work for you in retail or restaurant settings.     UVC light can be an excellent addition to your sanitizing protocols — it is quick, effective and chemical-free. UVC light has been studied and used successfully for sanitization for many decades, from water to air to surfaces. The science is sound, and the technology is widely accepted. UVC destroys or mutates the DNA/RNA of viruses, pathogens, bacteria and molds. As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown all of us, we …

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— By Ahmed Abouelenein —   The benefits and drawbacks of introducing new technology into restaurant operations.   Restaurant industry professionals showcased an exceptional amount of resilience and resourcefulness in such a challenging time. One tool that has helped so many restaurant operators sustain, and even thrive, over the past 2 years is the adoption of smart technology. When used correctly and implemented appropriately, the benefits of technology can be business-changing. Technology offers the ability to increase productivity, address labor shortages, streamline operations and so much more. Being smart about …

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The Hummus & Pita Co., which marks its 10th anniversary this year, keeps its location count low and its bar for quality high.   — By Katie Lee —   With two years of pandemic-related upheaval in the rearview mirror, The Hummus & Pita Co. views 2022, the year of its 10th anniversary, as a chance to reset and refocus: a fresh slate to reenergize its Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food roots and not to stray from its core philosophy: “real food that’s real good.” And that goes for each …

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— Interview with Jason Menser —   R&R: Where are you based, and how long has the company been in business? Jason Menser: Founded in 1996, SMG Facilities is headquartered in Manasquan, New Jersey, with offices in Sarasota, Florida, and Dallas, Texas. Our “Center of Excellence” is in Roanoke, Virginia. R&R: What is your name and title, and how long have you been with the company? Menser: My name is Jason Menser, and I am SMG’s executive vice president. I joined SMG in 2014. R&R: What trades/services do you offer …

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— Interview with Jason Logan —   R&R: Where are you based and how long has the company been in the business? Jason Logan: Rentokil, a leading provider of commercial and residential pest control services, makes its North American headquarter home in Reading, Pennsylvania. We are part of Rentokil Initial, a business services company that has been in business since 1925. R&R: What is your title and how long have you been with the company? Logan: I’m the vice president – national accounts, North America, and I’ve been with Rentokil …

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— By Marian Noletti —   How to handle any of the winter woes on your commercial roof.   In many parts of the country, the winter season is known for bringing extreme cold temperatures, increased precipitation and high winds. These weather elements are rough on all of us for sure, but they can be even rougher on restaurant and retail roofs. Freeze. Thaw. Repeat. Dramatic temperature fluctuations cause repeated freezing, thawing and refreezing of water throughout the winter season. This vicious cycle often results in ice dams and icicles. …

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— Interview with Angie Adams —   R&R: Where are you based and how long has the company been in business? Angie Adams: Our corporate headquarters is located in Houston, Texas. Linron Company has been in business since 1993, 28 years. R&R: What is your name and title, and how long have you been with the company? Adams: My name is Angie Adams, I am the executive vice president of sales & marketing and have been with Linron Company since 2014 (7 years). R&R: What trades/services do you offer retailers …

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— Interview with Matthew K. Harding —   Retail Outlook: In changeable times, tenants focus on customer service and convenience.   North Plainfield, N.J. — Within a changeable environment impacted by ongoing COVID-19 concerns, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and rising inflation, brick-and-mortar retail tenants are cutting through the noise to focus on what they can control: providing top-notch service and convenience for customers. And coming off a strong year, they are optimistic about what 2022 will bring, according to Levin Management Corporation (LMC), which recently released the findings of …

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