Category: Food for Thought

13Jan2026

JGL Consultants Announces Martin Thorson as New Leader of Its 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 leadership across stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and large-scale hospitality operations. His background includes senior roles with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Levy/Compass, Spectra/OVG, Sodexo Live, SMG/ASM Global, and […]

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16Dec2025

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 company highlights. In 2025… JGL has worked on a record number of projects this year, including the most Feasibility Studies ever, […]

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25Aug2025

Hosting Landmark Events Can Make a Big Impact

Generating earned income at cultural institutions isn’t just important, for some it’s essential.  While membership, admissions, and ancillary businesses such as food service and retail gift shops all play a role, signature events offer one of the most dynamic and multifaceted opportunities to generate revenue while staying true to your institution’s mission. Whether it’s a […]

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06Aug2025

Rethink. Refresh. Rebid? Tools to Prepare for Your Future Campus Dining Program

Does your campus dining contract expire in the summer of 2027? If you said yes, it’s time to evaluate your program. Whether you’re considering renegotiating with your current provider or going out to bid, proactive planning is key to a smooth and successful outcome. JGL always recommends conducting an internal assessment before starting any contract […]

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22Apr2025

Which Contract Structure is Right for You?

In recent months, many clients have asked us whether a profit-and-loss, management fee, or profit-share contract is best for their institution. Unfortunately, there is no black-and-white answer, as each university’s situation differs. But if we look at how each structure works and the pros and cons of each, we can better understand what might be […]

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17Apr2025

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

JGL is in the business of managing RFP processes for food service and retail operations. As a firm, we manage 25 – 30 processes annually. At any given time, we are actively in conversation with at least a few potential clients who are considering managing their own RFP process. We also manage at least one […]

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10Mar2025

How to Prepare Your Dining Services for the Enrollment Cliff

In all our work in the higher-ed sector over the past several years, the prospect of an upcoming enrollment cliff has been omnipresent. According to the most recent addition of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) published in December ’24, this cliff will materialize by the end of 2025. Between 3.8-3.9 million high […]

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Smartphone displaying social media app icons, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, emphasizing the role of social media in venue rental sales.
26Feb2025

How Important is Social Media in Venue Rental Sales?

In today’s digital age, social media has become an indispensable tool for businesses across various industries, and the venue rental sector is no exception. Museums, zoos, aquariums, performing arts centers, and even colleges/universities can benefit from upping their social media game for venue rentals. Leveraging social media platforms can significantly boost venue rental sales by […]

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26Feb2025

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 functional spaces. Enhancing Visitor Experience and Revenue Streams Museums have long been seen as bastions of culture, education, and history. As they evolve with the changing times, many […]

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05Dec2024

A Look Back at 2024…

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 2024, JGL has… Completed more than 75 projects Conducted client site visits in 4 different states on […]

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