— By Al Subbloie — How one Arkansas-based IHOP operator received new equipment, lowered his energy bills and improved operations without out-out-pocket costs. Restaurants use anywhere from five to seven times more energy per square foot than other commercial buildings, and for quick-service restaurants energy consumption can be up to 10 times more. In an industry that traditionally operates on narrow profit margins, any reduction in energy costs will dramatically improve the bottom line. As many restaurant businesses are feeling the squeeze from rising inflation and increasing labor …
