Best ways to keep kids entertain in a restaurant

 Going out and eating with your kids doesn't always have to be a hassle. Believe it or not it is possible to have an enjoyable meal and kids that behave all at the same time. While most restaurants recognize the importance of entertaining kids, simple crayons and placemats to color on doesn't always do it. Learn how this simple tips can help your restaurant put and keep a smile not only on the kids' faces but on their parents too all the way through dessert.
1. Close to windows- this is the best free advice we can give. When you are sitting a family with kids especially if they are young, make sure your stuff is train to sit them close to windows where kids can observe what's happening on the street at all times. This trick works great especially if your restaurant is on a high-foot traffic area.
2. Robot activity placemats- these are disposable placemats that feature friendly robots on the front and games and puzzles on the back.
3. Wikki Stix- they are non-toxic completely free of allergens and lead sticks made from yarn and coated in a colored wax. They easily can be made into about any shape imaginable and since they can be reused again and again wikki stix can be the beginning of endless fun.
4. Brainquest or Scrabble- these games in travel sizes are not only entertaining but highly educational.
5. Make your own restaurant game- you can easily work with your local printing company or collaborate with a company that specializes in games for kids and create your own restaurant game like "I spy" or your very own restaurant trivia game where you can teach kids to recognize the names and shapes of all the ingredients that would go into creating their meal for example.
 Remember whatever your restaurant decides to use as a kid entertainment make sure it is fun and engaging.

Grubwithus-what it is and what it can do for your restaurant

 Grubwithus is a "social meal experience" created by two college friends. After working at different corporate jobs, starting their fare share of businesses, and relocating to a new city, the duo discovered that majority of their college friendship base had dwindled. And this is how the idea of Grubwithus was born. Ever since testing their concept of "social meal experience" at a dinner in Chicago, which by the way resulted in a smashing success, the pair has managed more than 7,000 restaurant reservations. Grubwithus, which takes a cut from participating restaurants, is worth watching because it presents a different business model for restaurants. The company drives traffic to eateries by providing people with a new way to socialize and by building sustainable relationships with the restaurants themselves. Grubwithus represents a return to old fashioned conversations over a meal which some people crave, and not to mention that it is great way to get to know people if you are new to town. Usually dinning groups are limit to groups of ten to keep the meal cozy, and people who reserve early pay less. They also have launched an iPhone app, so customers can book meals on the go, browse through profiles of fellow diners, and even chat with them before and after the meal. In addition the partners recently devised "create your own meal" feature, so customers can use Grubwithus to set up their own bookings. This option will enable the company to expand beyond the seven cities that is currently operating where anyone can host a dinner in any neighborhood and in any restaurant. Who knows, if you take advantage of this fairly new company and the opportunity that it presents, next time it may be your own restaurant hosting a social meal experience!

Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

   This great tasting smoothie can not only make a delicious breakfast or a sweet treat on a late afternoon but it provides an excellent boost to your energy level after exercising.

Ingredients:

• 1 small (ripe) banana, cut in half
• 1/2 cup(s) (low-fat ) milk
• 1 tablespoon(s) creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
• 3 ice cubes

Directions:

In blender, combine banana, milk, peanut butter, and ice cubes; blend until mixture is smooth and frothy. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Tips:

1. For a thicker, colder smoothie, cut peeled banana into chunks and freeze up to a week in a self-sealing plastic bag.

2. If you're lactose intolerant, substitute milk with no sugar added soy milk.

Courtesy of Good Housekeeping

Time management tips for restaurant entrepreneurs

 For restaurant owners who have more than one business, time management is of the utmost importance. Find out how this tips can help you as a restaurant owner oversee your restaurant businesses and still find time for your personal life.
1. Keep a day to day to do list of your daily tasks close at hand by syncing your list with all your

Caramel Popcorn

  If you are a fan of sweets, then you should try this caramel popcorn which is not only great for any holiday or occasion but also makes a creative gift.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 quarts popped popcorn

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (95 degrees C). Keep popcorn warm until you are preparing the sauce.               
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil without stirring 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in soda and vanilla. Place popcorn in a large bowl, pour the caramel sauce in a thin stream over the popcorn, stirring to coat.
3. Place in two large shallow baking dishes and bake in preheated oven, stirring every 15 minutes, for 1 hour. Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into pieces.               

TIPS:
1. For softer, chewy, shiny version of the popcorn bake only for a few minutes.
2. You can add peanuts, walnuts, or almonds for an even sweater treat.

Courtesy of BS4U2C

3 Ways to boost your productivity as a restaurant owner with tech tools

 As technology continues to advance restaurant owners should start thinking about working smarter not longer. Thankfully the devices we found can help you amp up your output and increase your efficiency as restaurant owner.
1. Monitor your restaurant remotely- D-Link HD Media Router 3000 minimizes over-the-air traffic by turning power outlets into possible network connections. This router allows everything from monitoring your restaurant to viewing your restaurant's site visits.
2. Never miss a call by routing all your calls to one place- Plantronics Calisto 835 is a desktop speakerphone device that uses Bluetooth to connect to your cellphone, USB to hook up to your computer and phone line. It even comes with clip-on microphone to allow you to take calls no matter what you are doing.
3. Think, speak, or text on your feet- Motorola Elite Silver is a headset packed with HD-audio and dual microphone to block background noise if you think better on your feet. The free app that comes with the headset reads messages aloud and allows users to reply or initiate new text by speaking. This devise travel case also doubles as a charger.