How-To Guides

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to open a successful food court takeout restaurant from the ground up—from planning and location selection to menu creation, kitchen setup, staffing, and daily operations. Let’s help you build a strong foundation and open with confidence.

Planning to attend NRA Show 2025? This ultimate guide covers everything you need to know—from exhibit highlights and culinary demos to expert-led sessions and top networking events. Don’t miss ZBS at Booth #8312 for live POS demos, exclusive giveaways, and insights into the future of smart restaurant tech.

10 strategies to attract guests and grow restaurant sales.

Your most valuable piece of marketing as a restaurant owner is a thoughtfully designed menu . It’s not just a list of dishes—it’s a powerful tool that advertises your offerings while increasing your restaurant’s profitability. Think about it: your menu is the bridge between your kitchen and your customers. It’s where decisions are made, cravings are sparked, and sales are won or lost. Building out your menu is a strategic process of designing a menu to maximize profits. It’s not just about what you serve—it’s about how you present it. This process involves analyzing your most profitable and popular menu items, then using menu psychology techniques to highlight them in the most effective way. And one of the most impactful elements on your menu is - High-quality photos.

Are you a restaurant owner searching for the perfect Point-of-Sale (POS) system?

Let’s be honest—running a restaurant is already a high-wire act, and the looming threat of tariffs is adding even more uncertainty to the mix. With Trump’s recent tariff laws and the potential for new ones on the horizon, the economic landscape feels like a ticking time bomb. While no one has all the answers yet, the predictions are clear: tariffs could lead to higher prices across the board, and consumers are likely to tighten their wallets. For restaurants, that’s a scary thought. The truth is, we’re in a “wait-and-see” phase. And one thing is certain: restaurant owners are bracing for impact. According to an Alignable survey of over 3,700 small business owners, one-third of independent restaurants expect sales declines if substantial tariffs are imposed on goods from China, Canada, and Mexico. The main fear? Tariffs will drive up costs everywhere, from ingredients to equipment, and consumers will become more cautious with their spending. Unfortunately, dining out is often seen as a luxury—one of the first things people cut back on when budgets get tight. So, what can restaurants do to prepare for this uncertain future?  While there’s no concrete answer, there are strategies to help you stay ahead of the curve. Let’s dive in.

But there's an emerging holiday marketing trend you might be overlooking: Lunar New Year. Now, before you say, "But my restaurant isn't an Asian cuisine spot," hold that thought. This isn't about cultural appropriation—it's about cultural celebration, creativity, and yes, some seriously smart business moves.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is right around the corner! As the second most celebrated holiday across Asia, this traditional Chinese holiday presents a golden opportunity for your restaurant to attract more customers and boost sales. Here’s how you can make the most of this festive upcoming holiday and celebrate with your restaurant guests.

It should be no surprise to anyone working in hospitality that the spring and summer months are the busiest seasons in the year. As a restaurant owner or manager, the busy season is both an opportunity to increase your profits and a challenge to keep up with the demand. To ensure a successful busy season, it's crucial to have the right staff in place. In this article, we'll discuss the steps you should take to hire staff effectively during your restaurant's busy season, from planning and recruiting to onboarding and retaining your new hires.