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Restaurant Rewind

`Those who don’t know their history are destined to relive it', to riff on the words of a famed philosopher. For anyone in the restaurant business, that oft-quoted saying may be more of a heartening promise than a dire admonition. The industry’s past is packed with tales of scoundrels and heroes, big thinkers and pinheads, colossal successes and dismal failures, breakthrough moves and self-inflicted destruction. Few soap operas pack as much color and drama. Yet those yellowed snapshots provide insights relevant to the challenges of today. Join Peter Romeo, a 41-year veteran of the business with a penchant for restaurant history, as he explores those pivotal moments from the past. 

Leadership

Meet the reclusive force behind casual-dining standouts Hillstone and Houston's

 By Peter Romeo on Sep. 04, 2024

Restaurant Rewind: George Biel may not have the high profile of other casual-dining pioneers, but his operations remain gold standards within the business.

Workforce

How 3 years of union organizing has changed Starbucks

 By Peter Romeo on Aug. 22, 2024

Restaurant Rewind: This month marks the anniversary of the drive's kick-off. Here's how the effort unfolded and where it leaves the coffee segment today.

Leadership

Has there ever been a CEO change as bold as Starbucks' appointment of Brian Niccol?

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 15, 2024

Restaurant Rewind: We can recall two that were in the same league, each from decades ago. See if you agree.

Operations

Here's what the industry may have forgotten about Buca di Beppo

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 08, 2024

Restaurant Rewind: The latest bankruptcy filer started off as a rule-breaker that had the business talking.

Marketing

With traffic slumping, it's go time for restaurant loyalty programs

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 08, 2024

Reality Check: So-called one-to-one marketing has been touted as a sure-fire remedy for flagging business. Now's the time for proof.

Marketing

Here's what happened in McDonald's past attempts to go big

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 01, 2024

Restaurant Rewind: The burger giant is testing a new premium burger called the Big Arch, the latest in a long string of efforts by the Golden Arches to come up with another sandwich that has to be eaten with two hands. Here's a look at some of the misfires.

Leadership

If you don't know the name 'Joe Lee,' stop right now and listen

By Peter Romeo on Jul. 25, 2024

Restaurant Rewind: He was a key force in the creation of what we now know as casual dining. You've likely read the latest on Red Lobster. Here's the person who made it an icon.

Marketing

Good thing Paul McCartney didn't live to see these restaurant tales take hold

By Peter Romeo on Jul. 18, 2024

Restaurant Rewind: The industry has dealt with its share of ridiculous myths over the years. Here's a look at some of the outrageous lies that were eventually swatted down.

Marketing

Think we're seeing deep discounts today? Here's when the price shifts really hit the fan

By Peter Romeo on Jul. 11, 2024

Restaurant Rewind: Even all these years later, the semi-permanent bargains that Taco Bell and McDonald's embraced in the '80s and '90s still astound.

Operations

Looking for relief from inflation? History taught us this isn't the remedy

By Peter Romeo on Jun. 26, 2024

Restaurant Rewind: President Nixon figured he could put a rein on soaring prices and wages with a stroke of his pen. There's a reason it was dubbed the Nixon Shock.

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