Advertisement

Snack Corner

Getting proactive: A diverse menu serves the customer and the critic

It did not take very long for the ban on toys in kids’ meals in San Francisco about eight months ago to spread. A New York City council board member has proposed a similar ordinance for that city, to essentially restrict the inclusion of a kids’ toy with a meal that does not meet specified health...

Enhanced intelligence: New technologies provide better knowledge of customer preferences

The barrage of new technology in the cinema industry over the past five years has been staggering, and difficult to even keep up with. But the advances that have been made have truly enhanced the movie experience for the customer and this must always be our end goal....

Bringing it all together: Cinema technology creates a new interconnectivity

The International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) seminar series in Los Angeles, held in January, is always well-attended by numerous exhibitors and the many suppliers that provide technologies for presentations in the cinema. This year, the focus was not so targeted on the digital-cinema...

Still rising: Food and labor costs continue to grow

Now that we have stumbled out of the holiday fog and into the New Year, everyone is in full swing with strategic and budget execution. For movie theatre foodservice, this will include new product reviews and launches, new operational procedures, expanded café options, and a review of labor. The...

Pay any way: Gift cards and other options encourage greater spending

One of the key ways to get consumers to buy a product or service is to give them multiple methods of paying. This concept has grown steadily over the past few decades as credit cards, debit cards, gift cards and gift certificates have become common, not just popular. The movie theatre is no...

Fruit to the rescue! A healthy alternative gains traction

After writing about the “food police” in San Francisco and the problem of obesity that continues to haunt us, I enjoyed discussing the subject with many of our peers. Though viewpoints vary, there is a general consensus that the problem of obesity is felt at the concession stand....
What do college football and the movies have in common? Food completes the fun

What do college football and the movies have in common? Food completes the fun

Fall is here, bringing cool mornings, colored leaves, Halloween and the ever-popular college football. Fall is a season in the movie industry that usually means smaller box office and a lack of blockbuster films....
The war on obesity: Do you know what's good for you?

The war on obesity: Do you know what's good for you?

We have gotten used to menus showing calorie counts in those areas that must display them, and we have braced ourselves for the laws that will expand their reach. This policy has been slow to grow, but is already being proposed by many municipalities across the country....
The power of the front line: Good first impressions ensure your customers will return

The power of the front line: Good first impressions ensure your customers will return

I recently had a conversation with a hotel manager who happened to be at the desk when I checked out. He wanted to know how my stay was and I told him it was great because of his staff. The entire staff, from check-in to restaurant to bell desk, was really courteous and professional. We talked...
The tradeshow circuit: Making the rounds of industry events brings valuable insights

The tradeshow circuit: Making the rounds of industry events brings valuable insights

Have you attended a tradeshow since ShoWest? If you haven’t, there are several recently concluded shows you should consider for next year, and several coming up this summer and fall that you might want to look into....