While some sectors of the food service industry, such as low cost quick serve establishments, have survived the economic downturn relatively unscathed, others have not been so lucky. Higher-end and mid-range restaurants have had to trudge through some very trying times economically. After more than two years of sluggish sales brought on by an extended recession, restaurateurs say business is beginning to improve and that they’re optimistic about a rebound in 2011. Restaurant operators point to an increase in private parties and corporate functions, which they expect to continue as the holiday season nears. JTECH’s StaffComm™ paging system is a valuable tool for meeting the needs of these “non-standard” small parties.

Kevin Rathbun, chef and co-owner of the upscale Rathbun’s, Krog Bar and Kevin Rathbun Steak restaurants in midtown Atlanta said, “The economy is starting to come back. I’m seeing an upward trend as opposed to downward. We’re starting to move in the right direction.” Rathbun also said he is seeing more customers frequenting his restaurants for special occasions as well as business meals. “We’re seeing some private parties come back, and a lot of companies are coming back into play; that’s helped us,” he said. This is the opportune time to wow business guests with superior customer service with the help of JTECH’s scalable wireless messaging solutions. Robby Kukler, a partner at Fifth Group Restaurants, which operates upscale establishments as South City Kitchen, La Tavola and Ecco, said he expects 2010 to end on a strong note, thanks to the upcoming holiday season. Having a wireless staffing paging system in place will allow for a smoother running operation and better serviced parties. “For us, my gut feeling is that holiday dining and group dining is going to be pretty good,” Kukler said. “This year, I think, there is some pent-up demand for corporations who maybe haven’t done anything for the last two years.”