Tablebases.com Blog

Square, the technology focused payment processing company, has recently released data revealing which US States and Cities tip the most, and least, as reported by Roberto Ferdman. The information is based on tens of millions of Square transactions from across the country, and suggests some interesting trends that are in line with what other analysts have estimated. According to Square, American's tip between 14% and 17% on average, with pretty large discrepancies between states. Continue reading →

  Diners are familiar with restaurants that utilize large, communal tables, and even restaurants that require a membership. Dinner Lab, a startup company focused on serving food made by up and coming chefs, has been gaining fans in cities across the nation by remixing the ideas of high quality food and communal dining into something new. While the company's first attempts started off a little unsteadily two years ago, they have no amassed a loyal following in metropolis from New York City, to Miami, to San Francisco. The startup has grown largely through word of mouth marketing, and is known for it's quirky, urban style and great food.  Continue reading →

Update, 3/18/14: Cities and counties throughout the country continue to debate bans on plastic bags and styrofoam containers. The latest two cities to jump on board, as reported by Restaurant Business Online, Portland Oregon and Brookline Massachusetts, suggesting the trend is beginning to spread pretty evenly across the nation. The latest bans are similar to others that have been put through across the US, plastic bags are banned at grocery stores and larger retailers, while styrofoam containers are banned throughout the food industry. While some restauranteurs are, understandably, concerned about the increased cost associated with environmentally friendly alternatives, other operators have embraced the change as a positive. RBO interviewed a restaurant owner in Brookline, who noted that he made the switch to environmental friendly containers years ago. What's more, the move has been a positive one for his business. Environmentally conscious customers and businesses who need catering services, are drawn to green businesses. With proper planning, RBO notes that the costs of green packaging can be largely offset. Spend time online looking for the best prices, and make sure to advertise the fact that you use environmentally friendly products. Start now, before your city, county or state mandates the change, to gain a competitive edge over other businesses. Continue reading →

Image Credit: Ralph van der Geest You have probably heard the term "selfie" in recent years, regarding a new wave of self portraits on the internet. The phrase, officially Oxford Dictionary's 2013 word of the year, mostly refers to self portraits taken with a cell phone camera (usually at arms length) and posted to social media. While the idea has been gaining traction with youth and adults (and Pelicans) alike for several years, the term became prolific during the 2014 Oscars, when Ellen Degeneres orchestrated a group selfie with a host of celebrities including Jennifer Lawrence and Brad Pitt. The photo, which Degeneres posted to Twitter, became viral in a mater of hours, and has now been retweeted over 3.3 Million times. That makes it the most retweeted Twitter post in the history of the social network. So what does this have to do with your business? Keep reading for the answers. Continue reading →

In the midst of the drought problems in California, the nation (and globe) faces another liquid shortage: whiskey. As Esquire magazine recently pointed out, in the 90's and early 2000's, consumers used their wallets to express their love of vodka. While that spirit is still the reigning champion of boozy beverages in America, whiskey and craft distilled liquors have been making serious headway in recent years. Unsurprisingly given the growing popularity of craft and prohibition-era cocktails, whiskey demand has spiked, sucking up reserves left over from slower sales in previous years.   Continue reading →

Google Glass, the futuristic, glasses-like device released last year by the Mountain View tech company, has been making headlines since it's introduction. The device connects to a users smartphone, and provides information on a small screen displayed above the users right eye. The real controversy of the device comes from its hardware: it contains a camera. That means, as the public has discovered since the devices limited introduction (not just anyone can buy them yet), Glass users can record pictures and video, seemingly without those around them knowing. Public trepidation surrounding this specific issue came to a head last month, when San Francisco tech writer Sarah Slocum reported that she was assaulted and robbed for wearing Google Glass in the popular Moltov's bar. Continue reading →

Update 03/04/14: On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County City Council voted to ban the use of e-cigarettes in most public places, as well as restaurants and work places. The ban comes just months after New York City and Chicago enacted their e-cigarette bans, which prohibit the use of "vaping" devices in bars, restaurants and public parks. There are now five states, as well as Washington D.C., that have deployed heavy regulations on the electronic devices, making the choice for any unsure restauranteurs previously struggling to come to grips with the technology. Continue reading →

Restauranteurs, do you know what today is? Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, the Catholic period of repentance that runs for 40 days through Easter. The most important thing for restaurants and bars to remember, is that those participating in Lent avoid eating meat on Fridays. That's 7 Fridays this year where patrons are likely to order fish dishes, and you can help your restaurant stand out by presenting a strong offering. While Lent is a religious occasion, one in which an estimated 14% of American's participate, the increased hype and buzz that companies generate around their seafood offerings during this time of year means that even more American's are likely to have fish on their minds. Continue reading →

Google is yet again showing off its prowess as the organizer of the internet. The company recently announced on their blog that restaurant menus would be available through Google search. Users searching for a restaurant can search for "menu for Johnny's Harborside", or even use Google voice search by saying, "show me the menu for Tramonti". The menu will appear in a box above the usual search results, complete with organized categories and descriptions of dishes. This kind of maneuver definitely fits with Google's mission of cataloging everything on the internet for easy access, adding to the list of information it presents. Now you can search for menus to plan a night out, check the weather, and get driving directions, all without leaving the main Google search page. Continue reading →

Craft beers and spirits are becoming extremely popular among consumers, and combination brewpub restaurants are gaining a firm holding in their local communities. With the market for craft beer and brewery restaurant experiences becoming quickly saturated, craft restauranteurs with a taste for the hard stuff are starting to look at new ideas. One idea, mentioned by Restaurant Hospitality in a recent editorial, is to get started in the sake business. As the article points out, there are only about three sake domestic breweries that are also restaurants, but the few that do exist are quickly becoming popular with consumers in their area. Continue reading →