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Vanguard Food and Beverage Thynk Tank
Your Corporate F&B Team On Demand Without The Annual Overhead. Supporting the Restaurant & Hotel Industry. A New Way Of F&B Consulting.




The Ripple Effect of a Rotten Apple How One Bad Employee Can Poison Your Restaurant Team
In the fast-paced restaurant industry, teamwork is essential for success. Each team member contributes to creating a memorable dining...
jtripodi319
Sep 114 min read


How to Combat the Financial Triple Threat: Drastically Reduce Waste, Cut Costs, and Boost Staff Retention
Every restaurant owner knows the squeeze. Margins are thinner than a paper napkin, food costs are soaring, and a persistent labor...
jtripodi319
Sep 104 min read


How To Leverage Your Restaurant Menu To Drive Foot Traffic & Profits. What Your Guests Want To See.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the food and beverage industry, restaurant owners and operators face the constant challenge of keeping their menus fresh, appealing, and profitable. With consumer preferences shifting towards healthier, unique, and ethically sourced options, it’s crucial to understand what today’s diners are looking for. This article will explore the latest trends in menu innovation, providing actionable insights that can help you drive additional revenue and
jtripodi319
Sep 93 min read


The Impact Of A Dirty Kitchen & How It Really Impacts Your Business
I’ve walked into thousands of kitchens as a food & beverage consultant. The ones that struggle don’t always have a revenue problem—they have a residue problem. Grease film on the expo shelf, cloudy sanitizer buckets, a line cook “making it work” on a slick floor, a prep table doubling as a drop zone for everything. It feels minor in the moment. But the comped meals, staff injuries, slow ticket times, and 3-star reviews tell a different story.
jtripodi319
Sep 85 min read


From Amateur to Culinary Queen How One Woman Transformed Parties with Viral Bites & Sips
In a charming town surrounded by lush hills and blooming gardens, there lived a woman named Clara. Clara adored cooking and hosting...
jtripodi319
Sep 54 min read


The Future of The F&B Industry. What You Need To Know!! A Must Read For All Restaurant & Hotel Owners
The food and beverage (F&B) industry stands on the cusp of significant change. As we anticipate this transformation, it is crucial for restaurant and hotel owners, managers, and investors to grasp the emerging trends that will shape our dining experiences. This article highlights key developments, such as hyper-personalization, health-focused menus, immersive dining experiences, the use of robotics, the growing demand for delivery and takeout, the rise of mocktails, and the n
jtripodi319
Sep 45 min read


Maximize Fall Revenue for Restaurants and Hotels with Seasonal Offers and Vanguard F&B Thynk Tank Tips
As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, fall brings a unique opportunity for restaurants and hotels to boost their revenue....
jtripodi319
Sep 14 min read


Navigating Uncertainty in the Restaurant Industry Insights from the National Restaurant Association RPI
The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, shaped by consumer behavior, economic conditions, and policy changes. Recently, the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) revealed a slight decline in July, making it clear that restaurant operators face significant uncertainties. In this article, we will explore the latest RPI findings and offer actionable strategies to help navigate these challenges.
jtripodi319
Aug 314 min read


Why Service Trumps Food in Restaurants
In the fast-paced restaurant industry, one question remains a hot topic: what matters more, food or service? While everyone can agree...
jtripodi319
Aug 294 min read


Cracker Barrel Rebranding. Was It A Strategic Move or Did It Hurt The Brand.
Cracker Barrel, the iconic American restaurant chain famous for its home-style cooking and charming country store vibe, has recently...
jtripodi319
Aug 283 min read


The Death of the 20% Rule: Is Tipping Culture Destroying Hospitality?
For decades, tipping has been the unspoken cornerstone of the American dining experience. Guests tip, servers rely on it for survival, and owners structure their entire labor models around it. But cracks are showing everywhere.
jtripodi319
Aug 274 min read


When Rude Customers Attack: Lessons from the Viral Mamali NYC TikTok Incident
In the lively world of restaurants, the way customers behave can make or break a meal. Recently, a TikTok video from Mamali NYC, a...
jtripodi319
Aug 263 min read


Chefs Appreciation Week. The True Story of a Chefs Life.
Have you ever thought about what goes on behind the scenes in a restaurant? Chefs are often seen as culinary wizards, creating dishes...
jtripodi319
Aug 213 min read


Benchmark Smarter, Operate Better: Why Vanguard F&B Thynk Tank Is Your Essential Advisor
In an era defined by razor-thin margins and operational complexities, having a crystal-clear view of your restaurant’s performance relative to the industry is more critical than ever. The National Restaurant Association’s newly released Restaurant Operations Data Abstract offers just that—an invaluable mirror for restaurateurs and hoteliers aiming to sharpen strategies and boost profitability. But interpreting this data and translating it into action? That’s where Vanguard F
jtripodi319
Aug 203 min read


Sleepy Girl Mocktail: Does TikTok’s Bedtime Drink Actually Help You Sleep? (+ The Exact Recipe, Science & Safety)
If your FYP keeps pouring tart cherry juice over clinking ice and claiming “best sleep ever,” you’ve met the Sleepy Girl Mocktail —a...
jtripodi319
Aug 204 min read


Important F&B Industry Updates & Concerns Aug 2025. A Must Read On How This Impacts Your Business
1) Regulatory heat check: what’s changed—and what to do about it Color additives & ingredients. The FDA finalized the BVO (brominated...
jtripodi319
Aug 204 min read


Winning the Value Reset For Fast Casual Restaurants: A 30-Day Playbook to Rebuild Perceived Value (Without Discounting Yourself to Death)
Executive Summary Traffic is tilting toward brands that signal value clearly (simple bundles, barbell menus, hospitality that feels...
jtripodi319
Aug 183 min read


🍴 Top 5 Tips For Restaurant Owners & F&B Operators In 2025. A Must Read
A must read for all F&B Operators. These tips will change your operation.
jtripodi319
Aug 175 min read


The Psychology Behind Restaurant Design From Front To Back
Creating a successful restaurant goes beyond just serving delicious food; it involves understanding the psychological factors that...
jtripodi319
Aug 144 min read


Pioneering Success in Food and Beverage Consulting
The food and beverage industry is evolving rapidly, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and increasing...
jtripodi319
Aug 134 min read
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