Every year, just before the summer season gets underway, I start getting asked the same question. Usually it sounds something like: What’s trending? What are restaurants doing? What should operators be paying attention to?
We Choose To Say Yes
June 1, 2026Every big shift started the same way — someone looked at what was and decided it could be faster, easier, possible. Try saying yes before you’ve solved the problem, and trust that the how will follow.
The Way You Make ‘Em Feel
May 4, 2026Recently my family took our first trip to Florida. We headed to the Keys — chasing sun, salt air, and the kind of slow that’s hard to find in Maine in the spring. What I didn’t expect was to spend the trip living out everything I’ve been writing about.
Can’t Buy Me Loyalty
February 3, 2026There’s a movie from the ’80s that started rattling around in my head recently. Can’t Buy Me Love. A smart, awkward kid makes a deal with one of the most popular girls in school. He helps her out of a jam, she helps him gain instant social credibility. For a while, it works exactly as planned…
Moving Your Restaurant’s Limited-Time Offers Past Rookie Numbers
November 25, 2025When LTOs are used effectively, they can help test new ideas, get honest feedback from customers, and uncover new and profitable potential for your menu.
The Psychology of Seasonal Cravings
October 16, 2025Seasonal menu changes aren’t just about what’s fresh—they’re about what guests crave on an emotional level.
Harvest Your October Micro-Moment
October 16, 2025October isn’t just another part of fall—it’s a micro-season packed with it’s own unique opportunities.
Sharing Real Moments = Foodservice Marketing Magic
October 16, 2025Want to now the big trend in foodservice marketing right now?… It’s not about filters or flashy gimmicks—it’s about showing the real soul of your operation.
Amp’d Up Pics—SnapSeed Photo Editor Gets a Big Update
October 16, 2025Whether you’re adjusting lighting on a plated dish, removing a blemish from a countertop shot, or adding just the right pop to a social media post, Snapseed makes it fast and intuitive.
Cool Menu Moves to Drive Summer Sales in Restaurants & Foodservice
June 24, 2025The heat is coming whether you’re ready or not. Make sure your customers know exactly where to find their oasis. A “beat the heat” summer marketing strategy should focus on three areas…
Marketing Par Levels: Keep It Stocked, Keep It Spontaneous
May 28, 2025What unexpected moments happened in your restaurant this week that could have made great content? Sometimes the best marketing strategy is simply being ready to capture the magic that’s already happening.
Unveil the Unseen: Spring Shares Set the Stage for the Season
April 28, 2025Celebrate your business and set the stage for customer engagement by showcasing the heart and soul of your business. Embrace the content opportunities ahead and make 2025 a remarkable year for growth online and in-person.
How to Use the Dennis Food Show to Promote Your Business
March 24, 2025The Dennis Food Show is an excellent opportunity to not only sample products and secure deals but also to create engaging marketing content that showcases the world of food service to your audience.
5 Ways Your Foodservice Operation Can Leverage AI in 2025
February 13, 2025As we transition menus to comfort-food ingredients and prepare for the holiday season, it’s important to make sure your restaurant’s marketing isn’t just simmering with summer shares–there are plenty of ways to drive traffic and boost customer engagement through December…
Building Tomorrow’s Restaurant Teams: A New Approach for Hiring in 2025
November 22, 2024The transformation starts with a shift in mindset. Instead of viewing new hires as pairs of hands to train, we need to see them as potential stewards of our vision. This isn’t just idealistic thinking – it’s a practical response to our industry’s challenges.
Gratitude is Great for Customer Engagement in Food Service
October 23, 2024As we transition menus to comfort-food ingredients and prepare for the holiday season, it’s important to make sure your restaurant’s marketing isn’t just simmering with summer shares–there are plenty of ways to drive traffic and boost customer engagement through December…
Stay Connected: Essential Contact Backup Tips for Small Business Owners
October 14, 2024This article explores why safeguarding your contacts is crucial and provides practical tips for both iPhone and Android users to secure their business networks.
How to Squeeze More Profit from Limited-Time Offers
October 7, 2024By combining innovative flavors, premium ingredients, and strategic digital marketing efforts, restaurants can make limited-time offers not just a periodic sales boost but a powerful, ongoing marketing tool.
There is No Off Season: Preparing Your Restaurant for Year-Round Success
August 26, 2024As we wrap up another bustling summer season here in New England, it’s time to shift our focus to the future. While visitors may be heading home, seasoned operators know that now is the perfect time to start preparing for next year’s rush…
There’s more to AI than meets the Ribeye
August 4, 2024Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing industries across the board, and the restaurant business is no exception. From the front door to the kitchen, AI is serving up a feast of innovations that are transforming how we think about food service.
7 Trends Shaping Charcuterie Boards
July 19, 2024Charcuterie trends are evolving in new and creative ways, providing ample opportunities to showcase your culinary artistry and impress your customers. In this article, we’ll explore the hottest charcuterie trends, guiding you through seven innovative concepts that can set your establishment apart.
Episode 75: Plates and Pixels, Work-Life Balance in the Digital Restaurant Era
July 12, 2024Welcome to Episode 75 of the Dennis Knows Food podcast. In this episode, host Luke LaBree explores the challenges of maintaining work-life balance for restaurant owners in the digital age.
Maximizing Restaurant Efficiency: The Power of Labor-Saving Ingredients
April 26, 2024In the restaurant industry, time is an ingredient as important as salt or sugar. It’s the invisible seasoning that can make or break a restaurant’s success. Let’s optimize your kitchen’s efficiency and unlock new opportunities!
Do the Free Stuff First: Strategies to Market Your Business Without a Big Budget
April 17, 2024Dennis Food Service, CMO and veteran marketing professional, Luke LaBree, shares creative, practical, and actionable strategies for marketing your business on a shoestring budget.
Episode 74: Do the Free Stuff First
April 17, 2024Welcome to Episode 74 of the Dennis Knows Food podcast! In this special three-part installment, we’re excited to present Luke LaBree’s keynote address, “Do the Free Stuff First.”