Restaurant Vocabulary Flashcards - Chapter 6

Restaurant Overview

• Restaurants provide a space for socializing, relaxation, and energy restoration before activities.
• The term "restaurant" originates from the French word meaning "to restore."

Restaurant Statistics

• Over one million restaurants exist in the U.S., generating $782.7 billion in sales.
• The restaurant sector employs approximately 14.4 million people, making it the largest employer outside of government.
• Restaurants' share of the food dollar has increased to about 50%.

No Tipping Policy

• Aims to address pay disparities between tipped and non-tipped employees.
• Seeks to align restaurant practices with modern workplace standards.

Café China

• An upscale Sichuanese restaurant located in midtown Manhattan.
• First high-end Chinese restaurant in NYC to adopt a no-tipping policy.

Strategy for Non-Tipping Restaurants

• Non-tipping restaurants increase menu prices by around 20% and provide higher wages to staff.
• Results in price hikes of 10-15%, with servers earning $15 per hour and commissions on dine-in sales.

Advantages of Including Gratuity in Meal Price

• Promotes merit-based compensation for employees.
• Reduces "shift-chasing," where staff compete for desirable shifts.

Reasons Restaurants Revert to Tipping

• High turnover rates as trained wait staff leave for better-paying tipping restaurants.
• Tips typically range from 10% to 20% of the total guest check.

Types of Restaurants

• Independent Restaurants: Privately owned and not part of a franchise.
• Chain Restaurants: Operate as part of a larger group of restaurants.

Categories of Restaurants

• Destination categories include fine dining, fast-casual, casual, and quick-service.
• Fast-casual combines elements of casual and quick-service dining.

Ethnic and Quick Service Restaurants

• Taco Bell serves as an example of a quick-service restaurant with ethnic influences.

Popular Fast-Casual Restaurants

• Notable names include Chipotle, Firehouse Subs, Five Guys, and Pei Wei.

Most Popular Meal Eaten Away From Home

• Lunch accounts for about 50% of fast-food restaurant sales.

Culinary Legacy of North America

• Heavily influenced by France, originating from notable historical events.

Events Shaping French Culinary Influence

• The French Revolution led many chefs to immigrate to North America.
• Thomas Jefferson brought a French chef to the White House, popularizing French cuisine.

Key Figures in French Cuisine

• Marie-Antoine Carême: Known as the "Chef of Kings," he pioneered classical cuisine with an emphasis on food presentation and order.
• Auguste Escoffier: Distinguished himself by working in renowned hotels rather than aristocratic households.

Risks of Owning Independent Restaurants

• Possibility of low popularity or insufficient expertise can jeopardize success.
• Cash flow issues may arise before achieving profitability.

Franchises in the Restaurant Industry

• Franchises are a significant growth mechanism, allowing rapid expansion.
• Franchisees pay initial fees and a percentage of sales for marketing and support.

Benefits of Franchising

• Proven concepts reduce the risk of failure.
• Franchisees receive marketing and operational support.

Drawbacks of Franchising

• Initial costs can be substantial, including fees and construction expenses.
• Ongoing royalty payments can affect profitability.