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Food service & retail consulting for cultural institutions, higher education, corporate dining, and convention centers.

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Request Consultation
JGL Consultants
  • Home
  • About
    • Team
      • Tracy Lawler
      • Brooke Botwinick
      • Connor Leahy
      • Colleen Geyer
      • Hollie Altman
      • John M. Franzini
      • Barry Skown
      • Lisa Baptista
      • Martin Thorson
      • Elise Ruf
    • Testimonials
  • Services
    • Food & Beverage Consulting
    • Retail Consulting
  • Clients
    • Corporate Dining
    • Higher Education
    • Museums
    • Performing Arts Centers
    • Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens
    • Convention Centers & Other
  • Projects
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Brochures
    • Presentations
    • FAQ
    • Glossary
  • Contact
    • Request Consultation
JGL Consultants
  • Home
  • About
    • Team
      • Tracy Lawler
      • Brooke Botwinick
      • Connor Leahy
      • Colleen Geyer
      • Hollie Altman
      • John M. Franzini
      • Barry Skown
      • Lisa Baptista
      • Martin Thorson
      • Elise Ruf
    • Testimonials
  • Services
    • Food & Beverage Consulting
    • Retail Consulting
  • Clients
    • Corporate Dining
    • Higher Education
    • Museums
    • Performing Arts Centers
    • Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens
    • Convention Centers & Other
  • Projects
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Brochures
    • Presentations
    • FAQ
    • Glossary
  • Contact
    • Request Consultation

Author: Tracy Lawler

HomePosted by Tracy Lawler
April 17, 2025
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

The Hidden Costs of Self-Managing RFPs: Why Working with an Expert is a Wise Choice

Managing a food service or retail RFP without external expertise might seem like a cost-saving move — but what does it actually cost an institution in staff time, missed opportun

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February 26, 2025
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Museum Expansion Tips: Shopping, Dining, and Private Events!

Is your new museum building or renovation going to include a shop, restaurant/café or private events space? Below we share JGL’s top tips for developing successful and functiona

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June 10, 2024
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Ten Tips for Managing a Food Services RFP for Your College or University

The spring semester is over, and you can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Or can you? Your food service contract expires next June or July. You have time – right?  You do,

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June 15, 2023
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Top Ten Tips for a Successful Campus Dining Food Service RFP Process

💡 Key Insight: Top Ten Tips for a Successful Campus Dining RFP A food service RFP for a college or university is one of the most consequential procurement processes an instituti

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January 18, 2023
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Is Your Food Service Program Stuck in the Past?

As employees return to the office and student life normalizes, many institutional food service programs are still operating on assumptions — about hours, format, subsidy levels,

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January 18, 2023
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Your Food Service Contract Is Expiring – Should You Renew or Go Out to Bid?

When a food service contract approaches expiration, the decision to renew or go out to bid is one of the most consequential choices an institution can make. There is no universal r

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January 18, 2023
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

JGL’s Roots – A Tribute to Our Founder

Most people who meet me and learn what I do for a living ask “how did you get into this”? My answer is in a very circular (yet organic) way. It all started with my dad James Ga

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September 15, 2022
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Getting Ready to Renew Your College/University Food Service Contract or Go Out to Bid?

💡 Key Insight: Getting Ready to Renew or Rebid The period leading up to a food service contract renewal is one of the most leveraged moments in the operator relationship. Instit

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September 15, 2022
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Why Hire a Food Service Consultant?

Many organizations managing food service or retail programs operate for years without outside expertise — and often don’t realize what they’re missing until a contrac

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August 23, 2022
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Tips of the Trade to Maximize Earned Income from Food Services, Catering, Event Rental and Retail Stores

💡 Key Insight: Maximizing Earned Income Cultural institutions that consistently maximize earned income from food service, catering, retail, and event rental treat these programs

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Posts pagination

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Recent Posts

April 6, 2026
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

The Power of a Food Service Feasibility Study: Data That Drives Better Decisions

Food service programs are complex and require significant investment and careful planning. Whether an organization is launching a new dining venue, renovating facilities, or rethin

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March 9, 2026
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Food Service at Convention Venues: Balancing Control, Risk, and Return

Food and beverage programs in convention and exposition venues sit at the crossroads of guest experience, financial performance, and operational complexity. As markets shift and ex

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January 13, 2026
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Martin Thorson joins as Leader of Convention Center Consulting Practice

JGL Consultants is pleased to announce that Martin Thorson has joined the firm to lead its Convention Center Consulting practice. Martin brings more than two decades of executive l

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December 16, 2025
By Tracy Lawler
Food for ThoughtRetail

A Look Back at 2025…

It’s that time of year – a time to reflect and take pride in all you’ve accomplished. It has been another banner year at JGL, and we wanted to share some of this year’s

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October 15, 2025
By Tracy Lawler
Retail

Merch with Meaning

For many cultural institutions, retail operations are far more than souvenir stands — but are they being used to their full potential? The merchandise strategy, not just the shop

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JGL Consultants Food Service and Retail Consulting

JGL Consultants is a boutique food service and retail consultancy specializing in cultural institutions, higher education, corporate dining and convention centers. For 40+ years we have bridged the gap between institutional clients and the operators that serve them, delivering optimized financial results, stronger vendor relationships, and measurably better guest experiences.

732.274.1694
in**@************ts.com
224 Cleveland Ln, Princeton, NJ 08540

 

WBENC certified women-owned business
Services
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Food service and retail consulting for performing arts centers, museums, universities, & convention centers.

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    Understanding the Role of Food Service Consultants in Institutional Settings

    Food service consultants play a pivotal role in enhancing the operational efficiency of institutions like universities, museums, and corporate entities. They bring specialized knowledge and experience that can help organizations navigate complex food service challenges, from managing RFPs to optimizing menu offerings.

    By leveraging data-driven insights and industry best practices, food service consultants can tailor solutions that align with the unique needs of each institution. For example, they can assist in developing strategies that enhance visitor experiences while maximizing revenue streams, ensuring that the food service operations are both profitable and aligned with the institution's mission.

    Best Practices for Engaging Stakeholders in Food Service Decisions

    Engaging stakeholders is crucial for successful food service management in institutions. This involves understanding the needs and preferences of various groups, including students, faculty, visitors, and administrative staff, to create a food service experience that satisfies diverse expectations.

    Effective communication and collaboration can lead to better decision-making processes. For instance, conducting surveys or focus groups can provide valuable feedback that helps shape food service offerings and ensures that all voices are heard. This stakeholder engagement not only fosters a sense of community but also drives higher satisfaction rates among users.

    Innovative Trends in Food Service for Educational Institutions

    As the food service landscape evolves, educational institutions are increasingly adopting innovative trends to enhance their offerings. From plant-based menus to sustainable sourcing practices, these trends reflect a growing awareness of health and environmental concerns among students and staff.

    Implementing these innovations can significantly improve the dining experience and attract more users to campus dining facilities. For example, universities that have introduced farm-to-table initiatives or zero-waste programs often see increased engagement and positive feedback from their communities, showcasing the impact of modern food service practices.

    Evaluating the Success of Food Service Programs: Key Metrics to Consider

    To ensure the effectiveness of food service programs, institutions must establish clear metrics for evaluation. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as customer satisfaction, revenue growth, and operational efficiency can provide insights into the program's success and areas for improvement.

    Regularly assessing these metrics allows institutions to make informed decisions about their food service operations. For instance, tracking customer feedback through surveys can highlight strengths and weaknesses, enabling timely adjustments that enhance overall service quality and meet the evolving needs of the community.