Category: Food for Thought

JGL Annual Retreat 2023

On November 6, 2023, the JGL Team met in Philadelphia for the 2nd Annual JGL Retreat! The formula for the few days together is simple; eat some delicious food, talk about industry trends, develop new ways to do more for our clients and most importantly, have fun! 2023 did not disappoint! Here’s a look at […]

Read More

2023 in Review

At JGL, we like to look back at the end of each year and take a moment to highlight everything that our small, but mighty team has accomplished. See below for some of this year’s company highlights: In 2023, JGL has… Completed more than 50 projects Set two new company records: Highest number of RFP’s […]

Read More

Private Events in Public Spaces

Museums, gardens, performing arts centers, zoos, aquariums, and libraries all have one thing in common – they are mission driven public venues that are sought after for private functions! There is nothing more exciting to a potential client than feeling like their guests will have exclusive access to a public space. If your organization can […]

Read More

How Do You Know if Your Campus Food Service Operation is Succeeding? Do an Assessment!

JGL is perhaps best known as a dining consultancy that conducts RFP processes for its higher-ed clients nationwide. While RFP processes are a key part of what we do, we actually see assessments as the most valuable process a higher-ed institution can undertake. All too often a university is sold by an Operator’s well-polished sales […]

Read More

A Great Concession Experience Can Steal the Show!

A great concession experience at a performing arts center can significantly enhance the overall enjoyment of patrons attending shows or events. Here are some elements that can contribute to a memorable concession experience: Diverse Menu Options: Offer a diverse range of menu options to cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. Include both traditional favorites […]

Read More

Help! We Need More Staff!

The food service industry has faced staffing challenges in the aftermath of COVID-19. Are you and your food service partner doing everything possible to create an attractive work environment? It is important that you strategize with your operator to develop mutually agreed upon expectations. This is especially important if a management fee structure is in […]

Read More

Contract Management for Food Service and Retail – Top 10 Benefits!

Generating earned income via restaurants/cafés, retail shops and private event rentals is sometimes operationally and financially challenging, but these activities provide an opportunity to further connect with guests and reinforce the message of the mission. If managed properly, offering amenity services such as a café and gift shop can be profitable, increase length of stay […]

Read More

Best Features for Your Campus Dining Program

Despite every college & university having its own unique student body, we seem to hear some common themes pertaining to food service operations when we talk to students across the country. Fortunately, JGL has worked with clients throughout the nation and has seen a variety of potential solutions! Here are just a few of the […]

Read More

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

As a consultancy that manages 25 plus RFP processes a year, we have a list of practices that we know will support a successful process (as well as some that will derail a process). We have seen many client- developed RFPs over the years and frequently find these documents are missing important information or contain […]

Read More

Help! Our Dining Provider Can’t Turn a Profit!

One of the most common issues we’ve seen in the post-COVID higher-education field is a sudden lack of profitability for food service Operators. This is not surprising with fewer students opting to reside on campus and continuing supply chain issues; but understanding the new realities of higher-education food service doesn’t make it any easier to […]

Read More