Complicated coupons, inconvenient payment processes, and even walk-in birthday parties can cause small friction points, leading to big frustration.

Reputation is critical to any business’s success, and maintaining one that’s positive is easier said than done. Most companies have a plan for handling significant customer issues, but It doesn’t take huge mistakes to wreak havoc. Even minor friction points can erode your guests’ perception of your business over time. 

Read on for seven common friction points that could damage your business and what to do about them

Get the key insights learned from a recent negative Facebook review that you can use to improve guest experience in - and out of - your facility. 

Guest service has been on my mind lately, but not for the reasons you might think. Read how restaurant reviews in a local Facebook community inspired important lessons to consider in your facility's guest experience.

Reduce costs, boost morale, and earn more business - all while making a positive environmental impact. 

Sustainability efforts are a high priority for many businesses, but not necessarily for the reasons you might think. Of course, concerns about environmental impact top the list, but did you know that sustainability can also help your business’s bottom line?

Today, we’re sharing five ways going green can benefit your business and make your competitors green with envy. 

"Sweat the details. Pay attention to them. If you don't, your competitors will."  - Chef 

Last week I attended the spring graduation ceremony at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California. One of the Chef Professors, Chef Thomas Wong, doled out advice to the class to help them succeed in the competitive restaurant and hospitality industry. 
 
He reminded the graduating class that talent doesn't guarantee success, and that great preparation trumps raw talent any day of the week. In his words, "Success is in the details. Sweat the details. Pay attention to them, because if you don't...your competitor will." So true. 
 
The need to focus on the details is not limited to food preparation, and it's something FEC operators often share that they struggle with. That said, it is possible to train for attention to detail. Read on for six tips to help you teach this often-overlooked skill to your team. 

Improved guest experience, seamless scheduling, and barrier-free buying experiences are just some of the benefits of careful capacity management processes and systems.

Many amusement facilities have needed to adjust how they manage capacity for admissions and attractions over the last year. Processes for ticketing, access control, and cash handling have most likely all been affected. But even though COVID brought a sense of urgency around reimagining our businesses, it always makes sense to review your processes and systems from time to time to ensure you’re operating as effectively as possible.

In conversations with new operators at recent educational events, I’ve found that people are unsure whether or not to use capacity management tools or offer timed experiences for guests. When carefully implemented, robust capacity management tools can create significant benefits for your guests and your business. Read on for our top five to help you decide how your facility should proceed.

Smart menu development, forward-thinking, savvy pricing, and processes for consistency are key ingredients of a profitable food service program.

At CenterEdge, we're huge proponents of industry education, and we sponsor a few of the best educational events available. If you haven't attended Amusement 360, Birthday University, FEC Success Institute, or Foundations Entertainment University, we highly recommend that you put one or more of these events on your 'Must Do' list for 2022.

Last week at Foundations, we had the chance to listen to industry expert, Jim Howell, of Perky's Pizza. Jim shared terrific insights that can help any foodservice operator increase efficiency and profitability. We sat down with Jim and asked him to share a few of the most impactful tips that you can implement today to achieve immediate results. Read on for our interview. 

Operate your busy FEC smarter with these essential facility management software features.

Running a profitable FEC is harder than it looks, and to do it effectively, you need to streamline your business a much as possible. Your facility management software should help make your job easier by centralizing sales, revenue, and reporting all in one place.

But in addition to that, you also need your solution to help you manage costs and increase sales. Today, we're sharing five ways your facility management software solution should help make your life easier. 

You have been inundated with articles, webinars, and letters from CEOs regarding business approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As you prepare to reopen, you’re going to have so much more on your plate than just welcoming guests and ensuring your team members are creating memorable experiences. It’s a good idea to take time now to outline some of the most important processes you’ll need to implement or revise, and then automate where you can. Read on for a few quick tips that can help lighten your burden. 

Just as they have been a vital part of your pre-COVID-19 overall revenue strategy, group events and birthday parties will likely be a critical component of your recovery strategy.

While you may not be able to recoup all that your facility lost during your time closed, these seven tips can help you set up, manage, market, and sell your events once you’re ready to offer them. 

In addition to planning your capacity management approach as you prepare to reopen, it will also be important to rethink how you invite guests to interact with your staff and other guests once onsite.

Like when creating your product offerings, it’s a good idea to give guests options to help them choose the experience - and the interactions - that work best for them. Here are five interaction points to consider.