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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

Remembering Jerry Richardson, the football star who built Hardee's

 By Peter Romeo on Mar. 14, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: The man knew biscuits and burgers as well as he knew the route to the Super Bowl.

Operations

Which restaurant brand really invented the drive-thru? Here are some clues.

 By Peter Romeo on Mar. 07, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: It's a mystery with no fewer than five claimants to the title of innovator.

Operations

Think to-go-only restaurants are a new thing? You're off by 70 years

By Restaurant Business Staff on Feb. 28, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: The notion of forgoing dining areas to rely on delivery and takeout has been around since at least the Eisenhower administration. Here are two cases in point.

Marketing

Restaurant marketing is time-warping back to the future

By Restaurant Business Staff on Feb. 21, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: Old is new again as chains ranging from Outback to Wendy’s resurrect classic ad themes for another go. So where’s the beef in these new efforts?

Operations

Will Chipotle's new concept be the one that gets traction?

By Restaurant Business Staff on Feb. 14, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: Earlier diversification attempts have been short-lived. Here’s what went wrong in those efforts.

Operations

Restaurants rethink how long their business day should be

By Restaurant Business Staff on Feb. 07, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: Dayparts are being varied as much as menus these days. The trend started 45 years ago with a brand called Le Peep.

Marketing

How Steak and Ale and Red Lobster invented casual dining

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jan. 31, 2023

Restaurant Rewind: The graybeards are planning comebacks. Here’s how they changed the game 60 years ago.

Operations

Remember the pandemic? What a difference 3 years make

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jan. 10, 2023

The restaurant industry is entering a new year with more distance from the bleakest days of the crisis than the calendar might suggest.

Marketing

How restaurants used to yell their identities from the rooftop

By Restaurant Business Staff on Dec. 20, 2022

Restaurant Rewind: Once upon a time, marketing started literally at the top, with a distinctive color and configuration to a concept's roof. Here's how that practice poses a challenge today.

Operations

How supper clubs are keeping the past alive

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 13, 2022

Restaurant Rewind: A true Midwestern peculiarity, establishments that grew out of speakeasies and roadhouses are still going strong. Mix yourself an old fashioned and find out why.

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