Ideas

Technology very much in hand at the NRA show

The restaurant industry’s shift to mobile technology was reflected on the show floor of this year’s NRA conference, with exhibitors showcasing the latest apps for everything from customer loyalty programs to systems for online ordering, labor scheduling, payments, and guest entertainment.

At the height of the recession, restaurateurs resorted to head-turning deals to drive traffic. Now that the economy is more or less in recovery, are consumers still seeking deep discounts, or are they more interested in a unique experience, an innovative menu or some other differentiating factor?

All of the above, according to operators and industry experts who gathered for the 2013 NRA Show last week in Chicago. But first let’s hear what they have to say about that supposed recovery.

Avoiding the CEO revolving door

With the turnover of CEOs at a record level, successful business leadership is being redefined to put more emphasis on attitude than on technical or administrative skills, an expert explained at a special leadership session during the NRA show.

Do it like Disney

Whatever you do, do it well,” said Walt Disney, and for anybody who has visited a Disney property it’s obvious one of the things they do—and do well—is customer service.

The Disney Institute, which was created to provide business solutions and insights to other industries, has been working with restaurants, recently showing up in New Orleans to help restaurants get ready for the onslaught of Super Bowl customers.