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

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      • Tracy Lawler
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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(Page 2)
June 15, 2022
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Thinking about moving to contract operation? Tips for a successful RFP process.

The selection process for a food service vendor in a higher education environment more closely resembles an important hiring decision than a procurement process. After all, the ven

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June 15, 2022
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Use your Summer Wisely

Those of you who work in a higher education environment probably just breathed a sigh of relief. The academic year is over, students have (mostly) departed campus, the main dining

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April 1, 2022
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Two Truths and a Lie

It’s April Fool’s Day, friends!  JGL is known to go above and beyond for our clients. To that end, we have found ourselves in some scary, funny and downright embarrassing

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January 31, 2022
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

The Importance of Stress Testing

As all JGL clients know, we are big believers in developing pro forma projections for a wide variety of scenarios so our clients are prepared for any outcome. The importance of und

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January 3, 2022
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Do You Have a ‘High Level’ Understanding of Your Zoo or Aquarium’s Food Service Operation? JGL Shares Tricks of the Trade to Do a Self-Assessment!

If you manage food service or retail at a zoo or aquarium, how do you know if the program is actually performing well — or just performing well enough? A structured self-assessme

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December 15, 2021
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Looking Back at 2021

It’s always exciting to look back on a full year and take a moment to revel in all that was accomplished. Team JGL was very busy in 2021! See some of this year’s company highli

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September 3, 2021
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Small Museums May Need Creative Solutions for Visitor Dining

Small museums hold a special place in our hearts. Their larger counterparts, like the National Museum of Natural History and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, have food service provi

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June 14, 2021
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Why We’re Expanding Into Retail

Over the years many museum clients have asked whether JGL provides retail consultation. It makes sense – after all both are sources of important earned income, both increase the

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June 7, 2021
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

Effective Ways to Deepen Campus and Community Engagement

(This following article by Tracy Lawler, President of JGL Foodservice Consultants was printed in the National Association of College and University Food Services Campus Dining –

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guide-to-food-service-contracts
March 24, 2021
By Tracy Lawler
Food for Thought

The Guide to Food Service Contract Renegotiations

When we are hired to develop a food service operation for a museum restaurant, corporate café, or any other cultural institution, we often encounter a time where it is necessary t

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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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    Navigating Food Service Contracts for Institutions

    For cultural, corporate, and educational institutions, understanding and effectively managing food service contracts is crucial for operational success and tenant satisfaction. These agreements dictate everything from service quality and pricing to vendor responsibilities and performance metrics. JGL Consultants specializes in helping these organizations navigate the complexities of contract development and renegotiation.

    Our expertise extends to identifying potential pitfalls in existing contracts and advising on strategies to secure favorable terms. We analyze vendor performance, market trends, and institutional needs to ensure that food service contracts align with the overarching goals of the institution, whether it's enhancing student life, improving employee well-being, or enriching the visitor experience.

    Strategic Planning for Dining Operations

    Effective strategic planning is the bedrock of successful dining operations within any institution. This involves a holistic approach that considers the unique needs of students, faculty, staff, or visitors, alongside the financial and operational realities of the organization. JGL Consultants assists in developing comprehensive strategies that address these multifaceted requirements.

    Our strategic planning process includes market analysis, competitive benchmarking, and the development of tailored dining concepts. We focus on creating dining experiences that not only meet but exceed expectations, fostering a sense of community and contributing positively to the institution's overall mission and brand. This often involves exploring innovative service models and menu offerings.