Restaurant Rewind

`Those who don’t know their history are destined to relive it', to riff on the words of a famed philosopher. For anyone in the restaurant business, that oft-quoted saying may be more of a heartening promise than a dire admonition. The industry’s past is packed with tales of scoundrels and heroes, big thinkers and pinheads, colossal successes and dismal failures, breakthrough moves and self-inflicted destruction. Few soap operas pack as much color and drama. Yet those yellowed snapshots provide insights relevant to the challenges of today. Join Peter Romeo, a 41-year veteran of the business with a penchant for restaurant history, as he explores those pivotal moments from the past. 

Leadership

Al Copeland created Popeyes, but that's just one reason he was a legend. Here are a few more

In the transcript of this week's Restaurant Rewind podcast, read about one of the most colorful characters ever to influence the business.

Leadership

In a business of nonconformists, Popeyes founder Al Copeland broke the mold

Restaurant Rewind: During his 64 years, he drew a spotlight time and again, though not always for positive reasons.

Restaurant Rewind: The ban in place within some jurisdictions is a telling example of how the rules governing alcohol sales may no longer make sense. Grab a stein of mead and give a listen.

Restaurant Rewind: Some ploys were crafty enough to make you drop your Micro Macs and Kale Shake. And about that offer to buy the Liberty Bell...

Restaurant Rewind: Adjusting prices to shifts in demand is older than fire. Here are a few examples that shouldn't be forgotten.

Restaurant Rewind: Before Jimmy Hoffa disappeared, he was parked outside the establishment of a then-famous operator with a reputation Boy Scouts would envy. Here's the story of Harris Machus.

Restaurant Rewind: A chef, educator, author and early TV star, the relocated Frenchman helped to popularize fine-dining. And then there was his time at Howard Johnson's.

All 51 units of China Coast went dark on the same Tuesday morning. But that didn't stop its parent from considering other entries into the Asian market.

Restaurant Rewind: A once-celebrated New York City chef confirmed the rumors when he revealed his double life as a mob wise guy. Here's his story.

Restaurant Rewind: No, he’s not the person who started the awards program of the same name. Nor did he turn his home over to visiting chefs. The industry pioneer’s contributions are far more nuts-and-bolts.

  • Page 2