'No Tipping' Policy Aims to Protect Servers, KY Restaurant Says

It may seem like a crazy idea to some, but a restaurant in Newport, Ky., says it is looking out for its waiters and waitresses by instituting an anti-tipping policy. Instead, Packhouse Meats pays servers $10 an hour or 20 percent of their individual food sales per shift. The policy is geared toward rewarding employees for their actual work, not by the whims of the customer. What do you think of the idea?

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/dining/2014/06/12/no-tipping-at-kentucky-restaurant/10365711/

Mobile Payments Continue Push Into U.S. Restaurants

You can't go into a restaurant nowadays without seeing some evidence of technological progress. Mobile payments are one of the fastest-growing high-tech applications being used by customers. Find out how it works ...

http://www.qsrweb.com/articles/for-the-restaurant-industry-mobile-payments-move-into-critical-mass-phase/

Tableside Computer Tablets Add Speed, Entertainment to Restaurant Dining

That computer tablet you’re holding in your hand could be coming to a restaurant table near you.

An increasing number of food establishments are turning to technology to add some spark to their service. Well-known restaurant chains like Chili’s Bar & Grill and Applebee’s, as well as smaller eateries across the United States, are incorporating tableside touchscreen tablets so customers can order drinks, appetizers, desserts or even their entire meal.

With the unlimited aspect of technology, restaurants can offer more detailed menu descriptions and nutritional information.

Another use for the tablets is quick payment, as diners can swipe their credit card themselves.

Not only is this mobile technology being used to speed up ordering, but it is also providing a means of entertainment for customers. Diners can tap into sports shows or listen to music while they are eating or awaiting their food. It’s a more personalized approach to the televisions you see hanging around many sports bars.

Other entertaining features include interactive games for adults and children. That means, instead of a ubiquitous pack of crayons, kids could use a touchscreen tablet to play connect the dots, conduct a word search or paint a picture.

Restaurants are utilizing these tablets in a variety of ways, including setting up special kiosks or simply providing handheld devices to patrons. Both options seem to be getting positive feedback from clientele.

However, not everyone is sold on the idea. Detractors are worried about the effect these tablets will have on waiters and waitresses, including whether jobs will be lost in the name of technology.

Other concerns revolve around the dining experience itself, as some opponents decry the solitary nature of these handheld devices. After all, “eating out” is typically a social endeavor. Will that camaraderie be lost if guests have their noses buried in a tablet?

Regardless of debate, it seems that tableside tablets are the trend du jour. Tech companies like MenuPad, Ziosk and E La Carte are striking more deals with restaurants across the United States, so don’t be surprised to be working with one of these devices the next time you stop in at your favorite dining spot. 

Remodeling? Know Which Contract is Right for You

Most homeowners, at one point or another, have dreamed of remodeling at least one part of their house. If you decide to work with a professional contractor, be sure you are familiar with the three most common types of construction contracts. The best one for you will depend on your goals and circumstances.

http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20140321/COLUMNISTS115/303210110/Building-solutions-Understand-possible-costs-before-signing-remodeling-contract

Fall HVAC Maintenance

The nights are getting cooler. Is your HVAC system ready? Here, Trane provides maintenance tips to keep your heating system operating at an optimum level this winter.

Do I Need a Permit for This?

This question comes up a lot when homeowner's want to do a simple remodel. Regulations change from state to state, but here Lee Wallander provides some insight on the types of home improvement projects that will require a permit.

A Contractor’s Guide to Kitchen Countertops

Today’s kitchen countertops come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and ever-expanding material options make it easy to find the right look to match your modern, traditional or country cottage-style kitchen.

Since countertops are likely to be around for a while, however, it pays to put a little thought into the purchase before running out to the nearest home improvement store. Here are some things to consider:  

The Right Price

Setting your price point up front and sticking with it will help you when it comes time to shop. There are so many exquisite countertops available that it’s easy to fall in love with something you can’t afford.

You should also know exactly what the quoted price covers. The countertop material may be advertised at $10 a square foot, but find out beforehand if that covers installation, sink cut-outs and edging. Also, don’t forget to consider the taxes that will be added at the checkout counter.

Lastly, consider the property value of your home when choosing countertops. While it’s true that a nice updated kitchen is a big selling factor, over-improving may just be throwing money away. By the same token, you wouldn’t want to put a laminate countertop in a million-dollar home. Even if you’re not thinking of selling today, buying materials that fit the sale value of your home is worth considering.

Ease of Maintenance

After setting a price point, consider how much time you’re willing to spend maintaining your kitchen countertops. If home improvement projects and honey-do lists are your idea of a fun weekend, it’s OK to choose a porous material that will need to be sealed every six months. Granite, marble and concrete are the most common types of countertops that require regular sealing.

If, however, your weekends are filled with fun and adventures, stainless steel, quartz and laminate are good choices for countertops. Their low maintenance will pay off in free time for other activities.   

Durability

Water, heat, sharp knives, acidic foods—kitchen countertops have a lot to contend with, and unless you’re the king and queen of take-out, your countertops will be used. When considering the durability of kitchen countertops you want something that will not stain, crack, scratch or etch.

Solid surface countertops made of 100 percent acrylics, 100 percent polyester or a combination of both are built to withstand years of use. They are resistant to stains and scratches and are completely renewable or repairable.

The most popular choice in kitchen countertops, granite is also pretty tough, offering a near diamond-hard durability. 

Though marble is good for baking and pastry, it scratches easily and is prone to etching. Because of this, some homeowners choose to have a marble surface on one counter for baking, and the rest of the kitchen countertops in another material.

The key is to consider how you use your kitchen and how much you use your kitchen when shopping for countertops. Most materials will have pros and cons, so choose the countertop that matches your lifestyle.

Kitchen Design

Lastly, you will want to choose something that works with surrounding materials. Stainless steel, concrete and quartz look great in modern kitchens, but probably won’t work with traditional styles.

Granite, soapstone and tile are classic choices. Perfect for bringing nature into the home or old-world style charm to the most used room in the house, these materials lend timeless appeal to mid-range homes as well as million dollar mansions.

Quick Reference

Granite

Pros: Stands up well to wear and tear. Each piece is one of a kind. Natural colors and patterns.

Cons: Must be sealed periodically to avoid stains. Is heavy, so sturdy counter boxes are required.

Cost: $35 to $100 per square foot, installed

Solid Surfacing

Made from acrylic and polyester

Pros: Virtually maintenance free. Can be susceptible to scratches and burns, but they can be sanded out. Seamless installation means no cracks and crevices for dirt to penetrate. Extensive color and pattern options.  

Cons: Can look artificial. Hot pans and sharp knives can cause damage.  

Cost:  $35 to $100 per square foot

Quartz

Pros: Virtually maintenance free. Available in large array of colors and patterns.

Cons: may be evident that it’s an engineered product. 

Cost: $40 to $90 per square foot, installed

Marble

Pros: Elegant, very cool used a lot in pastry and baking stations

Cons: Susceptible to stains even when sealed. Can scratch and chip. Not generally used throughout the whole kitchen.

Cost:  $40 to $100 per square foot, installed

Tile

Pros: Resists stains. Stands up to heat and sharp blades. Tiles can be replaced fairly easily if they break.

Cons: Uneven surface makes it difficult to balance a cutting board or roll out a pie. Unsealed grout is prone to staining and standing moisture can damage it and contribute to bacterial growth.

Cost: $10 to $80 per square foot, installed

Laminate

Pros: Low maintenance and easy to clean. Lightweight.

Cons: Prone to scratching, burns and staining. Weather and moisture leads to peeling. Cannot be used with under-mount sinks. Difficult to repair if damaged.

Cost: $10 to $30 per square foot, installed

Soapstone

Pros: Natural softness and depth. Starts out light and darkens over time acquiring a rich patina.

Cons: Should be polished with oil to stay in top shape. Can crack over time. May be damaged by sharp knives and nicks. Natural roughness of the stone can scuff glassware and china.

Cost: $70 to $100 per square foot, installed

Stainless Steel

Pros: Nearly indestructible. Resists heat and bacteria. Appropriate for contemporary and industrial-style kitchens.

Cons: Shows fingerprints and must be wiped off frequently. Chemicals can affect color and some cause unwanted etching. Can be very expensive due to custom build.

Cost: $65 to $125 per square foot, installed

Concrete

Pros: Versatile. Can be customized to fit any shape and tinted to match any décor. Can add unique inlays such as glass, rocks and shells. Stands up well to heavy use.

Cons: Because it is porous, concrete will stain without frequent sealing. Small cracks can develop with time and settling. Very heavy, so a strong base is needed to support it.  

Cost:  $75 to $125 per square foot, installed

Butcher Block

Pros: Warm, natural appearance. Does not hold up well to sharp knives, but scratches can easily be sanded down.

Cons: Swells and contracts with moisture exposure. Harbors bacteria and needs frequent disinfecting. Oiling is a must to fill in scratches and protect the surface.

Cost: $35 to $70 per square foot, installed

Paper Composite

Pros: Looks like surfacing or laminate, but is warmer. Surprisingly hardy and withstands heat and water well. Lighter weight than natural stone or concrete.

Cons: Susceptible to scratches and chemical damage. Requires occasional oil treatment and sanding to refresh it.  

Cost: $85 to $100 per square foot, installed

Sources: Laurie L. Dove, What Type of Countertop Needs the Least Amount of Maintenance?, http://home.howstuffworks.com; Marisa Villarreal, Bob Vila’s Guide to Kitchen Countertops, www.bobvila.com; Erin Eberlin, Before Choosing a Countertop, http://landlords.about.com; Lisa Frederick, Kitchen Countertops 101: Choosing a Surface Material, www.houzz.com

Is Your New Restaurant Concept In Sync with Consumers?

Thinking of opening a restaurant? Check out these hot trends from the National Restaurant Association. Read more here.

Space-Saving Kitchen Remodel

Architect Jerri Holan opts to keep kitchen size in 1930's bungalow. See how she maximizes the 9-foot-square space here.

Turn Your Basement Into an Underground Retreat

Unfinished basements are great for extra storage, but they can greatly extend living space. HGTV offers bright ideas to turn your unfinished basement into an underground oasis. Read more here.

Functional, Efficient and Beautiful Too

Probably one of the most neglected areas of the house, these functional laundry rooms prove you don't have to sacrifice aesthetics. Read more here.

Six Ways to Control Construction Costs

Vegas contractor Chuck Taylor identifies six ways to control commercial construction costs during the expensive summer months. Read more here.

Remodeling Projects That Increase Your Home's Resale Value

Better Homes and Gardens identifies the top remodeling projects that increase the resale value of your home. See the Top 9 here.

Kitchen Flooring: Classic and Innovative Options

When homeowners are building their dream kitchen, most look for the best flooring material they can afford. Money is an important consideration when shopping for flooring, but durability, maintenance and sustainability also matter. Because there are multiple factors to consider and increasingly more kitchen flooring options, your contractor will use information about your family makeup and lifestyle to help you make the right choice for your taste and décor.

At one time, tile and linoleum were the only two options in kitchen flooring, but nowadays, contractors offer a wide variety of alternatives for one of the busiest rooms in the house.  

Here’s a look at both traditional and innovative flooring choices that will make the heart of your home a welcome, yet functional masterpiece.

The Classics

Ceramic Tile

Perhaps the quintessential option for kitchen flooring, ceramic tile is durable, cost-effective and versatile. With a wide variety of colors, sizes, shapes and patterns, it’s easy to find a ceramic tile that fits your décor.
 

Pros: Durable, Resistant to dents, water and stains. Easy to clean. Affordable. DIY-friendly.

Cons: Tile may crack as floor settles, and low quality tiles may chip. Dropped dishes will almost certainly break. Can be cold and hard on the feet. Grout needs to be sealed periodically.

Cost:  $3 to $8 per square foot.

Linoleum

Wildly popular in kitchen flooring during the first half of the 20^th century, linoleum seemed to peak in the 1950s. Thanks to environmentally conscious homeowners, however, it’s making a comeback. Great for old-fashioned cottages and midcentury interiors, this all-natural material will give your kitchen that retro-chic look.

Pros: Style and color versatility. Affordable. Durable. Easy to clean.  Comfortable to stand on. Can last 40 years or more.

Cons: Can wear and fade with time and use. Requires professional installation. Requires periodic waxing and polishing. Not appropriate for luxury décor.

Cost: $2 to $7 per square foot.

 

The Avant Garde

Wood

Since modern floor plans are more open, wood floors are becoming more popular in kitchens. Wood is naturally warm and inviting, so it fits with almost any décor and makes a great flooring choice if you want to complement both a living and cooking space.
 
Pros: Never goes out of style. Can be sanded and refinished to maintain a fresh look. Renewable and recyclable. Is warm underfoot and easy on the legs.

Cons: Liquid can damage wood if not cleaned up immediately. Dents and scratches easily. 

Cost: $4 to $12 per square foot.

Bamboo

One of the hottest trends in kitchen flooring, bamboo has the look of wood, but is even more eco-friendly. Bamboo is perfect for a warm, tropical or Asian vibe, but be sure to look for bamboo that has been treated with natural-based adhesives, rather than the toxic substance, formaldehyde.  

Pros: Low maintenance. Highly sustainable. Naturally anti-bacterial. DIY-friendly.

Cons: Narrower range of color choices. Can warp in high-humidity climates. Can be more expensive than laminate.

Cost: $4 to $9 per square foot.

Concrete

Once found only in basements and under carpets, concrete has come a long way in recent years as an out and proud flooring option. No longer limited to the dullest shade of gray, concrete can now be stained, stamped, scored and acid-etched to create visual interest  in your industrial-chic, edgy kitchen.

Pros: Slow to heat up, helps kitchen stay at a comfortable temperature. Easy clean up. Resistant to chipping and fading. Acid-staining can mimic tile, marble, slate and hardwood.

Cons: Requires professional installation. Cold and hard on the feet.

Cost: $2 to $15 per square foot.

Sources: “Top Five Flooring Types” by Juan Rodriguez, “Solid and Engineered Wood Flooring” by Bob Formisano, “Kitchen Flooring 101: Find Your Material Match” by Lisa Frederick, “Kitchen Flooring Essentials” by Alicia Garceau, “Fresh Flooring Options for Kitchens” by Katie Allison Granju, HGTV.com, “Kitchen Flooring Buying Guide”  by Allegra Muzzillo, DIY Life