Business Tips

The Danger of Nuclear Verdicts

A $10 million lawsuit would be the nail in the coffin for nearly every hospitality business. However, the number of nuclear verdicts continues to rise. Recent data shows that U.S. juries awarded more than $14.5 billion in nuclear verdicts in 2023—a 15-year high.

Society Insurance has spent 110 years helping protect businesses and has seen firsthand how nuclear verdicts have evolved in the U.S. The company outlines below what a nuclear verdict is, their alarming rate of increase, and precautions for hospitality businesses to take to better protect themselves against these devastating verdicts.

Collective Wisdom for Catering Excellence

At the annual symposium for Elite Catering + Event Professionals (ECEP), top catering business owners come together with thought leaders to exchange ideas and best practices. From HR and operations to culinary, kitchen, sales and finance, the event is a dynamic gathering of collective hospitality wisdom. Attendees leave with actionable insights designed to elevate their business and further the relationships started that week.

As ECEP prepares for its 2025 Symposium in Napa Valley, California, we’ve summarized five of the most impactful sessions from previous symposiums, with actionable strategies to help any catering business grow and prosper.

Creating a Positive Workplace Culture

It’s a conundrum for hospitality businesses. Customer service is only as good as the people providing it. Yet it’s difficult to find and keep committed employees in an industry with one of the highest job turnover rates.

To find out how one large catering company successfully does it, CFE reached out to Atlanta’s Proof of the Pudding. LaTosha Marks, Proof of the Pudding’s senior vice president of human resources, shared six strategies the company employs to attract and retain quality staff members as the company grows.

Progress in Cold Chain Logistics

When the risk of food spoilage and foodborne illness is mitigated, your customers are satisfied, and your business grows.

Cold chain logistics—the storing, handling and transporting of temperature-sensitive items—play an essential role in ensuring food safety and quality. The essence of cold chain logistics is the management of perishable food and beverages under tightly controlled conditions to prevent spoilage.

Complying with Foodservice Standards

Compliance in the foodservice and catering industry has grown increasingly complex as regulations become more stringent.

With over 12 federal regulatory agencies and more than 30 laws linked to monitoring food safety, allergen labeling, hygiene and traceability, companies must grapple with an array of legal issues. These standards, which are higher than ever, require catering businesses to automate and streamline their compliance approach to meet federal and local regulations successfully.

Expect the Unexpected

What did Bill Hansen do when his bridal client found herself without a wedding dress three hours before her walk down the aisle?

Find out in an excerpt from Hansen’s new book, “Plating Up Profits: Miami’s Catering Icon Dishes Up Lessons for Business Success.”

Preparing to Sell Your Catering Business

You know the catering high you get after a successful event? Even though you’re bone-tired, you arrive home, put your feet up, and celebrate—perhaps with a cocktail—reveling in a job well done.

Much like any catered event, your career will end, too. If you want to enjoy that same well-earned satisfaction in your retirement years, you must carefully plan and execute your exit strategy.

Eco-Friendly Strategies

Embracing sustainability in the foodservice industry isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift that encompasses many aspects of your day-to-day operations. If that sounds intimidating or off-putting, it shouldn’t. Many sustainable practices are also just good business, lowering operating costs and adhering to industry best practices.

Saying “I Do” to AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic in countless industries for years, but only recently have event professionals faced the reality and impact of the tool within their profession. Since COVID, clients are looking to reevaluate how and where they spend their money. Weddings and events have shifted toward DIY crafts and budgeting hacks, and AI has played a vital role in the process.

While there’s not much event pros can do to stop clients from seeking AI hacks for planning, there are ways to embrace the evolution. Following are four ways to say 
“I do” to AI.

Close the Gen Z Gap

Many restaurants and foodservice organizations have cracked the code with Gen Z employees. They’ve developed management habits that have increased their influence over young workers and improved team performance. If you replicate their tactics, you can replicate their results.

Here are three ways to create a work environment that will help build a strong Gen Z team.

Scroll to Top